reboot and select proper boot device

B

blueeyesia

Member
When I awoke this morning, I had this error message "reboot and select proper boot device". I don't know what caused it. I've read some of the forum messages, but haven't found a solution to my particular problem.

I'm running Vista 64 on an HP Elite 9120y. The computer is just over a year old. I had not installed anything new in the last few days.

I thought the hard drive had gone bad, so I purchased a new one and installed it, but I still get the same error message. I've tried changing various items in the boot sequence order, but that hasn't helped. I'm at a loss as to what to do next.

I do have an external drive plugged into a USB port, but hasn't been plugged in since I installed the new hard drive.

I have recovery disks, but not a boot disk.

Can anyone help me? Thanks so much!
 

My Computer

System One

It seems that the bios is not recognizing your HD. Create a recovery DVD. Boot from it and try to get to System Recovery options. If you can get to system restore, go back to a point about a week before the problem began. If that is not the answer just follow the instructions that follow:

If you create a recovery DVD, you may be able to boot to recovery options
Create Recovery DVD

The Vista recovery disk is used to boot Vista when it won't boot - to run Startup Repair, System Restore, access a Command Line, Recover using a Vista Backup Image, etc.
System Recovery Options

If Vista will not start now, boot the Recovery CD to run Startup Repair which automates System Restore as well as numerous other tests including System File Checker which can repair system files which are not corrupted beyond repair.

If Vista still will not start, try booting into Safe Mode to run sfc /scannow to repair System files.
Special Thanks Given to Seven Forums.


Below is a bulletin distributed by MS to explain the start up procedure when Windows will not boot.
  • Startup Repair. Startup Repair is a Windows recovery tool that can fix certain problems, such as missing or damaged system files, that might prevent Windows from starting. Startup Repair is located on the System Recovery Options menu, which is on the Windows Vista installation disc. If your computer has preinstalled recovery options, it might also be stored on your computer's hard disk. For more information, see Startup Repair: frequently asked questions and What are the system recovery options in Windows Vista? If your computer does not include Startup Repair, your computer manufacturer might have customized or replaced the tool. Check the information that came with your computer or go to the manufacturer's website.
  • Change restart settings in safe mode. If your computer is stuck in a loop where Windows fails, attempts to restart, and then fails again repeatedly, restart your computer in safe mode and select the Disable automatic restart on system failure checkbox. For more information, see Advanced startup options (including safe mode).
  • Reinstall. If no other options have solved the problem, and you are sure that your computer's hardware is functioning normally, you might need to reinstall Windows. A custom (clean) installation of Windows will permanently delete all of the files on your computer and reinstall Windows, so only use this option if all other recovery options have been unsuccessful. After the installation, you will need to reinstall your programs and restore your files from backup copies. For more information, see Installing and reinstalling Windows**.
Worst case scenario, your BIOS could have gone bad.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT
You can return to factory specs if your BIOS is not a problem.
Give me the name of your computer, example Dell xps 420 and I will tell you how to return to factory specs. You will lose your stuff.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT
I have an HP Elite 9120y. I had read some posts that talked about resetting the BIOS using the F5, turning off the RAID option, etc. etc. There seem to be as many answers to this problem as there are snowflakes in the Midwest.

I also read something about the problem being caused by a USB device. I originally thought my hard drive had gone bad (I'm still not sure), but now I also know that my external hard drive has gone bad. Hooking the external drive up to another computer doesn't help, so I am pretty convinced that drive is bad. A post that discussed that possibility recommended taking the battery out in order to "clear the computer's thoughts". I've done that, reset the clock, etc. in the BIOS, and still have the same error.

I have recovery DVDs and have gotten as far as the screen prompting for dianostics, setup, boot menu, and recovery. When I select recovery, nothing happens. The diagnostics do show the hard drive is not being detected. In the boot menu, I have the CD drives first, the hard drive next, the Floppy next, then the network drives. Some post suggested removing the floppy from the boot sequence if there is no floppy (there isn't), but I'm not sure how to do that.

Thanks for any and all of your helps :-)
 

My Computer

System One

Do you have stuff to save?
If so let me know

If not hit f11 during boot to get to factory restore. That will be like the day you took it home, everything will be gone. All upadate, documents etc, will be gone.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT
Thankfully, I do not have data to save. However, when I hit the F11, nothing happens. It sits on the screen with the f key prompts, but does nothing when I press one.

I've even put a Windows 7 DVD in the drive to simply start with the operating system. The DVD spins, but then just reverts to the "reboot" error message.

This system is being stubborn!
 

My Computer

System One

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT
I've tried all of those things - repeatedly. I cannot get it to recover whatever I do - whether I use the recovery DVDs, whether I press the F11, the F8 (as the HP instructions recommend).

I've reset the BIOS to the factory settings - still no help. I try hitting F11; the system doesn't do anything except continue on into displaying the devices, then straight into the "reboot" error message.
 

My Computer

System One

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT
Seven? As in the movie with Brad Pitt?

The Boot order is already set as CD, then Hard drive, then floppy, then network drive.

I'm afraid it's bound for the shop tomorrow. I have to get it back up and working and none of this has helped. I've spent an awfully lot of time messing with it when my movements should be restricted as I just got out of the hospital.
 

My Computer

System One

You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top