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Free Image Format ConversionThere are instances when Windows fails to boot from a CD. Be it Windows 7, 8, 10, or 11, numerous users still opt to utilize the Windows installation process through DVDs and CDs. This approach enables them to save considerable time that would otherwise be spent on downloading and creating a bootable USB drive.
So, what steps can you take when Windows fails to boot from CD? What factors might cause your Windows to refuse booting from a CD? Most crucially, how can you resolve this issue? In this article, we will address all these potential queries and provide an additional tip for your assistance. Let's dive in.
Why Won't Windows Boot from CD?
There could be several reasons why your Windows might not boot from a CD. Although many people assume it's due to a damaged CD or faulty installation file, that's not always the issue. Frequently, a damaged or scratched DVD/CD can indeed be the culprit.
So, to summarize, if your Windows fails to boot from a CD, some common reasons include:
- Incorrect BIOS configuration not allowing CD boot
- Inability to boot from CD on certain recent motherboards
- Damaged or faulty Windows CD/DVD
- Corrupted files on the CD/DVD
- Poor power connection to the CD/DVD ROM drive
- Defective power supply connection
If these are some of the everyday issues with your PC/Windows CD, it's likely that it won't boot from the CD. Let's proceed to explore the solutions for these problems.
4 Ways to Fix Windows Computer Not Booting from CD
Now that we're aware of the reasons behind this problem, let's explore the solutions. It's crucial to understand that often, the simplest fix is the most effective. Hence, to keep things straightforward, we've selected four common remedies for the typical issue of Windows not booting from a CD. These solutions encompass:
Method 1: Ensure Your PC Is Turned On
The first approach is to make sure your PC is properly powered on and connected to the electrical outlet. This involves verifying three primary aspects:
- Power cable
- ATX/CPU Power Cable
- Wall outlet where PC is connected
If any of these three connectors are not properly seated or plugged in, your PC won't power on correctly, and Windows will not boot from the CD. Here's how to inspect them:
- Verify if the Power Cable (A) is properly connected to your PC's Power Supply (B).
- If it is connected, proceed to open the side panel of your PC case.
- Verify that the ATX cable is properly connected to the motherboard.
- Unplug the cable, and then plug it back in
Insert the cable back in.
- Completed
Once you've done that, the final step is to inspect the CPU cable connection. Here's how to go about it:
- Find the 8-Pin CPU Power Connector in the top-left corner of your motherboard.
- Unplug the 8-pin cable, and then plug it back in.
- Completed
Lastly, inspect the wall outlet to ensure it's not causing any sparks, is connected correctly, and is tightly plugged in. After confirming these connections are secure, attempt to turn on your PC again and see if Windows boots from the CD. If it doesn't, proceed to the next method.
Method 2: Recheck Boot Order in BIOS
The most frequent cause of a PC bypassing a CD boot is an incorrect setting in your BIOS. To rectify this, you'll need to enable the CD/DVD ROM option in your BIOS so that your computer can boot from the CD or DVD and proceed with installing Windows from the CD. Here's how to复查the boot order in BIOS: 1. **Restart your computer**: First, turn off your PC and then restart it. As it's starting up, press the designated key to enter the BIOS setup. This key is usually displayed on the screen during the initial boot process and can be F2, F10, F12, DELETE, or another function key depending on your system. 2. **Enter BIOS Setup**: Once you've pressed the correct key, you'll enter the BIOS menu. The interface may vary depending on your motherboard manufacturer. 3. **Find the Boot Options**: Navigate through the menu using arrow keys to locate the "Boot" or "Startup" section. This is where you'll manage the boot order. 4. **Change Boot Order**: Within the Boot options, find the "Boot Priority" or "Boot Sequence" setting. This determines the order in which your PC tries to boot from different devices. Ensure that "CD/DVD-ROM Drive" or "Optical Drive" is listed and placed at the top of the list, meaning it will be the first device attempted for booting. 5. **Save and Exit**: After making the necessary changes, save the new settings (usually by pressing F10 and confirming with 'Yes') and then exit the BIOS. Your computer will restart with the updated boot order. 6. **Boot from CD/DVD**: With the correct boot order, your PC should now attempt to boot from the CD/DVD containing the Windows installation media. Insert the disc, and if everything is set up correctly, the system should load the installation process automatically. Remember, if your CD/DVD drive isn't recognized, ensure the disc is not damaged, and try another bootable disc to confirm if the drive is functioning properly.
- 1. Restart your PC
2. On the boot screen, press the F2, F10, or DEL key to enter BIOS (refer to your motherboard's manual for guidance)
3. Navigate to the BOOT (A) Section
4. Move the CD ROM (B) to the top of the boot order list
- Completed
After going through these steps, restart your PC and press any key when prompted to boot from CD.
Method 3: Clean the Disc
If the settings and power connections are all in order, you need to make sure your CD is not damaged or scratched. Alternatively, you may need to clean it, as poor readability can also prevent Windows from booting from the CD. Here's how to proceed:
- Remove the CD from the CD/DVD player
- Get a microfiber cloth
- Clean the CD softly
- Completed
Once done, insert your CD again and try rebooting, then booting from the CD to see if it works.
Method 4: Create a Bootable CD Correctly
If none of the aforementioned steps were successful, it's probable that your Windows installation was not properly burned to the CD/DVD. Therefore, you need to create a bootable CD correctly. After gathering the necessary files, follow these steps:
- 1. Insert the blank CD-RW into your CD/DVD ROM.
2. Navigate to the folder where your Windows ISO file is located.
3. Right-click on the Windows 7, 10, or 11 ISO file and select Burn Disc Image.
Click "Burn disc image". 
- Select the DVD/CD ROM path in Disc Burner, and then tap Burn.
- Waiting for it to finish
Done
After going through this step, try booting from the CD again. This should allow you to boot successfully, since the CD has been properly created this time.
Bonus Tip: How to Make a CD Bootable
As previously stated, if you fail to create a bootable CD correctly, you might not be able to boot your Windows. Hence, it's crucial to create a bootable media that can start up your computer. When it comes to making a bootable CD, you can utilize an ISO file.
Another way to create a bootable CD is by using professional backup software, such as Todo Backup Home.
Tools Todo Backup Home allows you to create a WinPE emergency bootable disk and a bootable CD. However, it boasts numerous other excellent features that make it an essential tool, such as:
- Create a backup that's secure and effortless to restore
- Execute full, incremental, and differential backups
- Create an image of an SD card and an ISO image from a hard disk
- Ability to store critical data in the complimentary 250GB cloud storage
- Compress backups to conserve storage space
Therefore, you need this tool to assist you in creating a bootable CD and utilizing the ISO file correctly. Here's how it can be done:
Step 1. Prepare a USB drive that can be written to and read from.
Step 2. Launch and install Todo Backup on Computer B.
Step 3. Locate and click on "Tools" and then select "Create Emergency Disk".
Step 4. Select the Boot Disk location. You can choose to create an ISO file, a bootable USB, or a CD/DVD disc.
Step 5. Click "Create" to begin.
The Bottom Line
These are some of the main solutions to fix the issue if your Windows fails to boot from CD. Try each method until you find the one that works for your situation. However, it's probable that the problem ultimately lies with your CD/DVD drive.
Therefore, ensure you utilize a Todo Backup tool to overcome this issue and guarantee the creation of a proper bootable CD to avoid any further complications. It is a versatile backup utility that enables you to carry out numerous tasks. Don't hesitate to give it a try.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. How do I force Windows to boot from CD? To force Windows to boot from a CD, follow these steps: 1. Insert the Windows installation CD or DVD into your computer's CD/DVD drive. 2. Restart your computer. If it doesn't automatically boot from the CD/DVD, you may need to access the Boot Menu or BIOS settings to change the boot order. 3. To access the Boot Menu, typically press a key like F2, F10, F12, or DEL immediately after turning on your computer. The key to press depends on your computer's manufacturer; check your computer's manual or look for on-screen prompts during startup. 4. Once in the Boot Menu, use the arrow keys to select the CD/DVD drive as the first boot device. 5. Press Enter to save the changes and exit the Boot Menu. Your computer will now attempt to boot from the CD/DVD. 6. If you're prompted, press any key to boot from the CD/DVD. 7. The Windows setup process should begin. If it doesn't, ensure the CD/DVD is not damaged and try again. Alternatively, if you're in the BIOS settings: 1. Look for a section called "Boot," "Boot Order," or "Startup." 2. Navigate to the boot priority settings and move the CD/DVD drive to the top of the list. 3. Save the changes and exit the BIOS (usually by pressing F10 and confirming with 'Yes'). 4. The computer will restart and attempt to boot from the CD/DVD. Remember that these steps are general guidelines, and the specific process may vary depending on your computer's hardware and firmware.
You will need to insert the Windows installation CD into your computer's CD drive. When it's recognized, restart your PC and access the boot menu (not the BIOS). Depending on your motherboard model, you'll typically press F2, F10, or Del keys to enter the boot menu. Once inside, choose the CD/DVD drive as the boot source.
2. How do I boot from CD in BIOS?
You must configure the boot preferences in the boot menu based on your BIOS. To access the BIOS on your PC, follow the specific steps for your system, typically by pressing a key like F2, F10, or Del during startup. In the BIOS settings, alter the boot order to prioritize the CD/DVD ROM at the top. After restarting your PC, it will boot from the CD/DVD ROM first.
3. How to install Windows from a CD?
To install Windows from a CD, you require a bootable CD. First, insert it into your DVD drive. Then, access your computer's motherboard boot menu. From there, select to boot from the CD/DVD ROM. Upon initiation of the setup process, simply follow the on-screen instructions to proceed with the Windows installation.
4. Why can't Windows be installed on this disk?
UEFI BIOS compatibility issues and a faulty Windows CD/DVD are the two most likely causes of this problem. To resolve it, ensure that your BIOS/Hard Drive is correctly configured for UEFI mode, and then boot from a valid CD/DVD to prevent encountering this issue.