How to Set Up BIOS to Boot From CD
If your computer is having trouble or you want to install a new operating system, you will probably need to boot the computer from the CD drive. However, every computer attempts to boot from different devices based on a list set in the BIOS. Most computers are set to boot from the hard drive first and you will not have the chance to boot from a CD or DVD. You must enter the BIOS and change the boot order so your computer will check the CD drive first.
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Instructions
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Restart or turn on your computer. Pay close attention to the initial start up screen. Near the bottom or top of the screen you may see a message indicating how to enter the BIOS setup. For example, on Dell computers, the message "Press F2 To Enter Setup" appears on the top-right corner of the screen. Press the indicated key on this screen to load the BIOS settings menu.
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Look for the boot sequence settings in the BIOS. The BIOS only accepts keyboard input. The keys you need to press to navigate will be marked at the bottom of the screen. You may need to consult your computer or motherboard manufacturer for guidance because each manufacturer has a different menu system. The boot order is usually easy to find. Once you find the list, follow the instructions at the bottom of the screen to change the boot order.
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Exit and save the BIOS settings. When you exit, the BIOS will ask if you want to save the changes; select "Yes." The computer will reboot with your new boot order. Make sure your bootable CD is in the drive. The drive will be scanned for bootable media and boot from the disc, if found.
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Tips & Warnings
Some computers have a key you can press to enter a one-time boot menu during start up and select a specific device to boot from. If you do not want to change the boot order, you can use this menu to select the CD drive. The key you need to press will be displayed along with the key to enter the BIOS if your computer supports this feature. For example, on Dell computers pressing "F12" brings up the one-time boot menu.
References
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