How to Change a Startup Disk on XP

Sometimes a computer problem or a virus causes the operating system to crash and reinstallation is needed. Before erasing the hard drive for the reinstallation, make sure your data files are backed up and transferred to an external drive. One approach is to start up your computer using the system disks or an external bootable drive. Once the computer is up and running again, files can be accessed from the computer's hard drive to be migrated to a safe place before the system restoration. Alternatively, the life of an old computer can be revived if an external bootable drive is used as the new startup disk with an updated operating system and more memory.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Operating system CD/DVD
• External drive

Restore System

1. Insert the operating system CD/DVD into your CD/DVD drive or connect your external disk drive or bootable external drive to your computer. Shut down your computer and wait 30 seconds.

2. Press and hold the "Esc" key while turning on your computer. As your computer starts up and runs through its memory checks (i.e., before the "Windows XP" logo is displayed), press and hold the "F2" key. Press the "Y" key when the prompt displays, "Change the startup disk?"

3. Use the up and down arrow keys to select your startup drive from the list of available devices: The first item is usually your computer's hard drive, followed by the installed CD/DVD drive and last on the list is an external hard drive or disk drive. Press the "Return" or "Enter" key to confirm your selection.

4. Press the "Y" key when the prompt displays, "Restore your operating system?" if you want to reinstall (restore) your operating system using the system disk. Press the "N" key when this displays if you want to proceed using a different operating system than what's installed on your computer, or to use other features of the system disk such as the Disk Utility.

Change BIOS

5. Insert the operating system CD/DVD into your CD/DVD drive or connect your external disk drive or bootable external drive to your computer. Shut down your computer and wait 30 seconds. Turn on your computer and then press and hold the "F2" key.

6. Use the left and right arrow key in the system settings to toggle to the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) section. Use your down arrow key to select "Startup disk." Press the "Return" or "Enter" key.

7. Use your up and down arrow key to select the desired default startup drive, such as the installed CD/DVD drive or an external drive. Press the "Return" or "Enter" key.

8. Press the "F10" key to save your new settings, exit the System Settings and continue with initialization using your new system settings.

Tips & Warnings

• If an external drive or CD/DVD drive is selected as the new startup drive, make sure the system CD/DVD or a bootable disk is always in place before starting up the computer. Only applications installed on the bootable drive can be run (i.e., programs installed on your C drive will not be accessible if a different drive is the startup disk).

References

• Microsoft Support: Preparing Windows XP for Reinstallation