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Unable to boot PC

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13 replies

by curioustech

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When attempting to boot this PC, I get the following message: "Invalid System Disk - Replace the disk and press any key". There is no disk in the floppy or CDROM drive. When I put a bootable disk in the floppy drive, it is ignored and I get the same message. The user contends that they were on the internet and a message popped up stating "Oh you're at it again", then the PC locked (keyboard and mouse) so they used the on/off switch and they have been getting this message since then. What I don't understand is why the floppy drive is no longer recognized. Any suggestion??

13 replies

by syscokid

First off, get into the BIOS at bootup and make sure the boot sequence is A: then C:, or A: then CD-ROM then C:.

If it isn't, then change it and boot from A. First, see if you can see the C: drive, list files, etc. If you can't, trash the drive unless you absolutely need files off it, in which case consult a data recovery company.

If you can, I hope you have an emergency virus scan disk because that's your next step. Run it, then see if you can boot from the hard drive.

If it is set to A: then C: in the BIOS, then I'm stumped. There's a lot of things you can try at this point (new floppy drive, new cable).

I'm sure we'll get more suggestions.

by nvl

Same problem happened with me (see post entitled "HDD Recovery" earlier today). Boot sector has been overwritten (my guess). Chkdsk /f I think has made the problem worse. My best suggestion (if you can boot to floppy) is to use file recovery software to get the files off the disk, then repartition and/or reformat.

I agree with previous poster that this seems like virus activity, so a thorough scan should help. I (unfortunately) did not have an emergency virus scan disk....

Backups backups backups from now on...

by stone5150

Try setting BIOS to default, then when you get to a DOS prompt do 'fdisk/mbr' which will wipe out master boot record, but will not harm any data.

by jesselou

first check your cmos and ensure that all your drives are properly configured including that of the drive a: secondly put a freshly made bootable disk in your drive a:
to ensure free corruption of your boot files.if you were able to boot on this bootdisk type sys c: at your prompt to transfer the uncorrupted system files.

by curioustech

Gave your suggestion a try and everything is working perfectly now. Thank you for your assistance.

by lelton

Assuming that the boot sequence is correct in the BIOS, will the machine boot to an a: bootdisk if you unplug the harddrive then reboot the machine?
Please remember to unplug the drive with the power OFF.

by jbutcher

Check your Motherboard and see if you have a Clear NVRAM jumper, if not pull your power cord and battery for 30 seconds and replace. This will clear your bios.

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