Windows Me won't boot 4

[woodswise]

When I start up my PC, it runs post and asks to press F1 for set-up or F2 to continue. I press F2 to continue and it asks for a boot disk. I went to the internet and downloaded a Windows Me boot disk, but now it says invalid system disk. Can anyone help me?

 

[aznluvsmc]

Is that the question that lets you into the BIOS? Are you sure it didn't detect a hardware problem during POST? When did this occur? Has Windows ME ever booted up on that computer?

_______________
Doing IT Right!

 

[woodswise]

Yes F1 let's you into the BIOS - No, there wasn't a hardware problem - I just got the computer, because it was being thrown out - My guess is that it happened to them and they just threw it out. I can only assume that it worked at one time, its in great shape and its not very old. Its an HP Pavillion with a Pentium 4 processor, it has a DVD and CD-RW too. I'd like to fix it and give it to a friend, but if I can't I'll just use it for parts.

 

[Philly44]

Your definetly having a hardware problem, thats what the error os trying to tell you. When it asks to hit F1 do it and look to see if it recognizing the hard drive, if its then fo through all the standard components to see what is missing. If everything appears start disconnecting non critical parts, ie: unplug the cd-rw and reboot.

 

[aznluvsmc]

Philly's right. Sounds like a hardware issue (probaby hard drive related). Ensure the BIOS has detected all the drives the comptuer has. Usual problems with hard drives range from a defect to the IDE cable needing to be replaced.

_______________
Doing IT Right!

 

[satrow]

CMOS battery dead would give the same result. F1 and check whether the time is correct.

Andy.

 

[woodswise]

Thanks you all for responding, I do appreciate it. I tried replacing the cable and the harddrive, but still no go. The battery is fine and the clock is correct. It doesn't seem to be able to find the hard drive. I may have to disconnect the other drives and try again. Oh well, back to the old drawing board. I'll let you all know how I make out.

 

[Davetoo]

What does any of this have to do with Windows 2000 Pro?

I'm Certifiable, not certified.
It just means my answers are from experience, not a book.

 

[jrbarnett]

Good point Lander215. Windows ME is Forum748, but if the PC won't load any OS, it sounds more like a hardware problem, see Forum602.

John

 

[woodswise]

Jeeeeeez, sorry if I offended anyone on here. I'm new to this and posted where I thought I should. I'm not an expert like you people are. I'll find another way, sorry to bother you. Maybe I'll try the hardware forum you so kindly pointed me to. Maybe you should work on your people skills!