Member Avatar for abdulbichi

I have problem with my OS (XP) keep rebooting but will not start. Therefore, I decided to repair or re-install the OS, But it won't boot from the DVD drive - never gives option during POST for "press any key to boot from CD"
It will NOT boot with an external USB too, when I press Esc key ( not F2 or F10 as in the case of my laptop) to enter BIOS for setting boot order, the system hangs forever till I remove the CD from internal or External DVD-ROM, then it will continue rebootint itself.
Any help appreciated.

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Good that removing the optical disc allowed entry to BIOS — that narrows the fault to the optical/boot handshake rather than a totally locked firmware. ’s CMOS‑battery idea and ’s “boot with the CD out to change settings” move are both useful starting points; the checklist below builds on those posts with practical, low‑risk steps.

  1. Confirm boot order and use the one‑time boot menu. Many HP notebooks respond to ESC at power‑on to open the Startup Menu, then F9 for Boot Device Options and F10 for Setup. Enter the boot menu without media inserted, set the optical drive (or USB) as the temporary device, then insert the disc if the menu allows it.
  2. Verify the install media and burner. Test the CD/DVD on another machine. If it fails there, reburn the ISO at a slow speed or recreate a USB installer and test that instead.
  3. Enable USB legacy/USB boot and disable any fast/quick boot option in BIOS so the firmware waits for devices and shows the “press any key” prompt. Remove other USB devices while trying to boot.
  4. If BIOS hangs only when an optical drive is present, suspect a failing drive or a bad connector. Reseat or temporarily remove the internal drive and try an external USB drive/ enclosure to confirm.
  5. Reset BIOS to defaults after noting current settings; if settings won’t persist or time/date is wrong, replace the CMOS battery.

Extra notes: for Windows XP installs, check the SATA mode (IDE/Compatibility vs AHCI) since XP may require drivers for AHCI. If the notebook is under warranty or hardware replacement isn’t comfortable, professional service is advisable.

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Member Avatar for huggie

try removing and replacing the CMOS battery

Member Avatar for caperjack

when I press Esc key ( not F2 or F10 as in the case of my laptop) to enter BIOS for setting boot order, the system hangs forever till I remove the CD from internal or External DVD-ROM, then it will continue rebootint itself.
Any help appreciated.

so ,leave cd out then try booting to bios to change setting

Member Avatar for abdulbichi

so ,leave cd out then try booting to bios to change setting

Booting without CD allowed me to enter BIOS.
Thank you.

Member Avatar for caperjack

Booting without CD allowed me to enter BIOS.
Thank you.

your welcome ,please mark thread as solved

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