Boot up problem

[midgetra]

My Dell Dimension E521 will not boot up properly. A black screen comes up that says: Boot from CD: Boot from CD: No Boot Device Detected. Insert System Disk and Press F1
The only way I can get into my operating system (Windows Vista Home Premium) is to insert my Reinstallation Disk. I don't want to do a complete reinstallation since all my programs and software are still available. Need help!

 

[richc46]

Welcome

Lets give this a try, if it does not work, we can save your stuff then reinstall. YOu will have to reinstall programs.

If you create a recovery DVD, you may be able to boot to recovery options
Create Recovery DVD.
Hard Disc Controller must be set to IDE in BIOS and Bios must be set to boot from the CD Boot Priority - Change

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. Choose an option tht will not cause you to lose your stuff.

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**.

 

[midgetra]

Rich, thanks so much for the info. I have not had time to go through the steps required to create the Vista Recovery Disc. I have printed most of the instructions so I will not miss anything. I already have a Backup and Restore Center that was installed on my computer programs under Maintenance. Is the System Restore the same as the Recovery Disc? I have also already restored to a previous date but the date options did not go back but about two months. I restored to the earliest date but that didn't work. Maybe I should try that again. Any further advise before I go through the steps of making the Recovery Disc? It will probably be this week-end before I have time to do that.

 

[richc46]

No System Restore is completely different. Slowly and carefully follow the instructions and hopefully you will be running, again.