Laptop Won't Boot from CD/DVD? Expert Tips and Fixes to Get You Going!

By Shirley Howard to Fix Windows | 2023-04-28
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I have just upgraded my PC and have bought a fresh w10 since I was unable to port my old one over. When I switched it on I set it to boot from the DVD drive in which I put the new w10 disc. I am now facing problems that new win10 won't boot from DVD. What can I do about this?

Laptop won't boot from CD? Modern laptops with UEFI-compatible BIOS often have Secure Boot enabled by default, which prevents booting from external media like CDs or DVDs. In this guide, we'll show you how to overcome this issue, allowing you to successfully attempting boot from cd-rom and resolve any related problems.

Part 1. Why your Windows Won't Boot from CD/DVD?

There could be several reasons why your computer can't from a CD/DVD. Possible causes include BIOS configuration issues, motherboard limitations, or damaged discs and etc. The following are the details:

  1. BIOS configuration: The boot priority in the BIOS settings might not be set to prioritize the CD/DVD drive, causing the computer to bypass it during the boot process.
  2. Damaged or scratched CD/DVD: Physical imperfections on the disc can impede the computer's ability to read it properly, thus preventing booting from the CD/DVD.
  3. Corrupted files on the CD/DVD: Corrupted files on the disc can hinder the computer's recognition of the bootable media or disrupt the boot process.
  4. CD/DVD drive power connection: A loose or faulty power connection to the CD/DVD drive may result in the computer's inability to detect the drive and boot from the CD.
  5. Power supply connection: A malfunctioning power supply or a poor connection between the power supply and the motherboard can cause the CD/DVD drive to function improperly, preventing the computer from booting from the CD.

Part 2. How To Fix Laptop Cannot Boot From CD/DVD?

To resolve these problems mentioned above, you can adjust the BIOS settings, verify motherboard support for CD booting, and use a clean, undamaged disc. By following these steps, you'll be able to effectively address the potential reasons your computer is unable to boot from a CD/DVD, ensuring a smooth boot process.

1. Adjust BIOS configuation

BIOS settings control the boot sequence and determine which devices the laptop will attempt to boot from first. If the CD/DVD drive is not set as the primary boot device in the BIOS settings, the laptop might bypass the CD/DVD drive and attempt to boot from other devices, such as the internal hard drive or an external USB drive. So adjust BIOS configuration is the most common method to fix laptop can't boot from CD/DVD. How to boot CD/DVD from BIOS? The following are the steps:

Step 1. Restart your computer and press the boot key continuously when seeing the boot screen to enter the BIOS or UEFI settings. Common boot keys include F9, F10, F12, or Delete.

Step 2. Once in the BIOS or UEFI settings, navigate using the keyboard arrows to find the Boot menu. The CD/DVD drive should be listed among the available boot devices.

use keyboard to find boot menu

Step 3. Change the boot priority to make the CD/DVD drive the primary boot device. You can usually do this by selecting the CD/DVD drive and pressing the arrow key to move it up in the list or following the on-screen instructions to change the priority.

change the priority to the new cd

Step 4. Save the changes and exit the BIOS or UEFI settings. To do this, press the key specified on the screen, usually F10 or Enter, or navigate to the "Exit" menu and select Save Changes and Reset.

Your computer will restart, and if there is a bootable CD/DVD in the drive, it should now boot from the CD/DVD.

2. Check Your Power Connection

If your PC doesn't turn on, it can prevent successful booting from a CD. Sometimes, you may have overlooked your power supply. Check your laptop power connect is the lowest cost solution. Verify that the power cable is securely connected to your PC and the power outlet. Make sure there are no loose connections.

3. Repair Damaged CD/DVD

If your installation media is dusty or damaged, your Windows won't boot from CD/DVD. Remember to handle the disc with care, as even minor scratches or damage can affect its performance. The point is that holding it carefully and clean it with clean and soft cloth.

  1. Hold the disc by its edges to avoid touching the shiny side or the data surface.
  2. fix laptop cannot boot from usb and clean the disc
  3. Moisten a soft, lint-free cloth with water or use a specialized CD/DVD cleaning solution. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as they can damage the disc.

Part 3. How To Boot From CD in Windows 11/10/8/7?

If you have attempted all the above steps and still cannot boot from the CD, it may be necessary to recreate a bootable media on a well-functioning computer. This involves creating a new bootable CD/DVD using a valid ISO file and burning it properly onto a disc. Ensure the disc is error-free and try the booting process again.

You can use Passfab FixUWin to help you. It is a comprehensive software tool designed to address various Windows issues and errors. It offers a range of powerful features, including the ability to create a bootable CD/DVD/USB to troubleshoot and repair Windows systems.

With PassFab FixUWin, you can create a bootable CD that contains a collection of essential system repair tools. This bootable media can be used to diagnose and fix common Windows problems such as startup errors, blue screen of death (BSOD) issues, system crashes, and more.

Step 1.Simply download and launch the software, insert your CD/DVD, select the Create Bootable Disk option. Create bootable CD/DVD is free.

create boot disk now

Step 2.It will create the bootable media or you. Once the bootable CD is ready, you can use it to boot your computer.

create boot	 disk successfully

Remember, using a bootable CD/DVD is just one method to boot from external media. Alternatives like creating bootable USB drives can also be considered for better compatibility and convenience. PassFab FixUWin also support using USB flash drive.

FAQs

1. What is CD-Rom boot?

A CD-ROM boot is the process of starting or booting a computer from a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read-Only Memory) instead of the default hard drive or other storage devices. This is typically done to run diagnostic tools, install an operating system, or use recovery software when the primary storage drive is not functioning or needs to be repaired. Bootable CDs have a specially configured file system and contain an operating system or software that can be loaded directly into the computer's memory during the boot process.

2. How to set computer to boot from CD/DVD rom?

  1. Restart your computer.
  2. Press the appropriate key (F1, F2, F10, F12, DEL, or ESC) to enter BIOS/UEFI setup.
  3. Locate the "Boot Order" settings.
  4. Move "CD/DVD-ROM" to the top of the list.
  5. Save changes and exit (usually F10).

Your computer will now boot from the CD/DVD-ROM. More detailed information can refer to Adjust BIOS configuation in part 1.

3. What to do if press any key to boot from CD or DVD not working?

Some Windows 10 users reported that they encounter stuck on the screen with Press any Key to boot to CD/DVD. If you have the similar situation, you can try the following proven methods:

  1. Check keyboard connection.
  2. Enable USB legacy support in BIOS.
  3. Try another keyboard.
  4. Clean the CD/DVD and test the drive.
  5. Set CD/DVD-ROM as the primary boot device in BIOS.
  6. Consider using a bootable USB drive instead.

4. How do I force my computer to boot from USB?

The steps are similar as set your computer to boot from CD. After entering into Boot menu, do make sure set USB flash drive as the priority boot media, and then save the change.

Conclusion

We have mentioned several solutions to resolve laptop can't boot from CD/DVD in windows 10/7. It is not a big deal when facing such problem. Take the solutions step by step you will finally work it out. You can also try Passfab FixUWin to re-create your ISO image file, and boot your pc from this bootable CD/DVD. We do think that it is the quickest solution.

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