This is actually a fairly common boot error: "Disk Boot Failure, Insert System Disk And Press Enter". However, it can scare the heck out of you if your system was previously working fine and then suddenly won't boot. There are many reasons a person might encounter this error. In the following simple solution, I outline some of the basic problems to check for when troubleshooting this Windows boot problem.
How to Fix Disk Boot Failure, Insert System Disk and Press Enter:
These are some troubleshooting tips to try if the problem suddenly occurred and you have not made any modifications or changes to your system hardware.
- Ensure no CD/DVD or Floppy disks are inserted when attempting to boot.
- Unplug any connected USB storage devices. Cameras, Phones and iPods have been known to cause this boot problem as well.
- Ensure that your system BIOS lists the hard drive as one of the boot devices. In addition, set the boot order in BIOS to allow the hard drive to become the first boot device.
- Ensure your hard drive is recognized during system post. If it is not, check your cables and connections.
If the computer is a new build or you have made hardware changes to your system, like installing a new CD, DVD or hard drive, use the following troubleshooting tips.
- If you have recently installed a new hard drive, CD/DVD drive, check the jumpers on the drives. In some cases, with older IDE cables, you cannot use the Master and Slave jumper settings and you must use Cable Select.
- As a last resort, you may need to perform a System Repair if your system has become corrupted.
