4 Ways Included | How to Fix Windows Won't Boot from CD
There are times when Windows doesn't boot from CD. Whether it's Windows 7, 8, 10, or 11, many users still try to use the Windows installation through DVDs and CDs. This allows them to save ample time to download and make a bootable USB.
So, what do you do when Windows won't boot from CD? What causes your windows to not boot from CD? More importantly, how can you fix it? In this article, we'll answer all these possible questions and give you a bonus tip. So, let's get started.
Why Windows Won't Boot from CD
There are a few possible reasons your Windows may not boot from CD. While many think it's a broken CD or a bad installation file, that's not always true. However, it is often the case that a damaged or scratched DVD/CD might get in the way.
So, to sum it up, if your Windows don't boot from CD, then a few common reasons include:
- Incorrect configuration in the BIOS not prompting CD boot
- Inability to use CD boot in some recent motherboards
- Bad or damaged Windows CD/DVD
- Corrupted files on your CD/DVD
- Bad power connection on the CD/DVD ROM drive
- Bad power supply connection
If these are some of the everyday things with your PC/Windows CD, then it's likely that it won't boot from CD. So, let's keep going to find the fixes for these issues.
4 Ways to Fix Windows Computer Won't Boot from CD
Now that we know the reasons behind this issue, let's discuss the fixes. It's important to understand that sometimes the easiest fix is the best. So, to keep it simple, we have picked four common fixes for common issues when Windows won't boot from CD. These fixes include:
- Way 1. Ensure your PC Is Powered on
- Way 2. Recheck Boot Order in BIOS
- Way 3. Clean the Disc
- Way 4. Create a Bootable CD Correctly
Way 1. Ensure your PC Is Powered on
The first method is to ensure your PC is powered on and connected to the wall outlet correctly. This method requires you to check three main things:
- Power cable
- ATX/CPU Power Cable
- Wall outlet where PC is connected
If one of these three connectors isn't seated/plugged properly, your PC won't power on correctly, and your Windows won't boot from CD. Here's how to check them:
- Check if the Power Cable (A) is connected to your PC's Power Supply (B) properly
- If this is connected, open your PC case's side panel
- Check if the ATX cable is connected to the motherboard properly
- Unplug, then plug the cable back in
- Done
Once you do this, the final step is to check the CPU cable connection. Here's how to check that:
- Find the 8-Pin CPU Power Connector in the top-left of your motherboard
- Unplug the 8-pin cable, then plug it back in
- Done
Lastly, check the wall outlet and see if it's not sparking/connected incorrectly or loosely. Once you ensure all these are placed securely, try turning on your PC again and check if Windows boots from CD. If not, move to the following method.
Way 2. Recheck Boot Order in BIOS
The most common reason behind a PC skipping past CD boot is the wrong setting in your BIOS. To do that, you will have to enable it in your BIOS so that your PC can boot from CD/DVD ROM and boot Windows from CD. Here's how to recheck the boot order in BIOS:
- Restart your PC
- On the boot screen, press F2, F10, or DEL key to access bios (check your motherboard's manual)
- Head into BOOT (A) Section
- Take the CD ROM (B) to the top of the boot options
- Done
Once you go through these steps, restart your PC and press any button when the prompt to boot from CD appears.
Way 3. Clean the Disc
If the settings and power connections are all in place, you need to ensure your CD isn't damaged or scratched. Or, you will have to clean it, as sometimes bad reading also prevents Windows from booting through CD. Here's how:
- Pull out the CD from the CD/DVD room
- Grab a microfiber cloth
- Clean the CD gently
- Done
Once done, insert your CD again and try rebooting, then booting from the CD to see if it works.
Way 4. Create a Bootable CD Correctly
If none of those mentioned steps worked, then it's likely that your Windows wasn't burned to CD/DVD properly. That's why you have to create a bootable CD correctly. Once you have the necessary files for it, here's how you'll do it:
- Insert the empty CD-RW into your CD/DVD ROM
- Then head into the folder where your Windows ISO file is
- Right-click on the Windows 7, 10, and 11 ISO files and click on Burn Disc Image
- Select the DVD/CD ROM path in Disc Burner, then tap Burn
- Wait for it to finish
- Done
Once you go through this step, try booting from the CD again. This will most likely allow you to boot, as the CD is adequately created this time.
Bonus Tip: How to Make a CD Bootable
As mentioned earlier, if you did not create a bootable CD correctly, you may fail to boot your Windows. Therefore, creating a bootable media that can boot your computer is vital. When it comes to making a bootable CD, you can use the ISO file.
Another way to create a bootable CD is using professional backup software, like Qiling Disk Master Pro.
Qiling Disk Master Pro allows you to create a WinPE emergency bootable disk and a bootable CD. However, it has many other great features that make it a must-have, such as:
- Create a backup that's safe and easy to recover
- Perform full, incremental, and differential backups
- Create an image of an SD card and an ISO image from a hard drive
- Ability to store essential data in the free 250GB cloud storage
- Compress backups to save space.
Therefore, you need this tool to help you create a bootable CD and use the ISO file properly. Here's how:
Step 1. Prepare a USB drive which can be written and read.
Step 2. Launch and install Qiling Disk Master on the Computer B.
Step 3. Find and click "Tools" and choose "Create Emergency Disk".
Step 4. Choose the Boot disk location. You can create an ISO file, a bootable USB or CD/DVD disc.
Step 5. Then click "Create" to start.
The Bottom Line
These are some of the key methods of fixing the issue if your Windows won't boot from CD. So, try each fix before finding the one that works for you. But it's likely that your CD/DVD was at fault in the end.
So, make sure you use Qiling Disk Master to get past this issue and ensure that you create a bootable CD properly to prevent any further problems. It is a multi-functional backup tool that allows you to perform many tasks. Do not hesitate to try it.
FAQs
1. How do I force Windows to boot from CD?
You will have to insert the Windows boot CD into your CD room. Once it's detected, restart your PC and go into the boot menu (not bios). Depending on your motherboard, you should tap the F2, F10, or Del keys. Once in, select the CD/DVD room to boot from CD.
2. How do I boot from CD from BIOS?
You must set boot preferences in the boot menu depending on your BIOS. Head into BIOS on your PC, and change the BIOS order to take the CD/DVD ROM as the top boot priority. Once you restart your PC, it'll boot from your CD/DVD ROM first.
3. How to install Windows from CD?
You need a bootable CD to install Windows from CD. Once you insert it in your DVD room, go into your motherboard's boot menu and boot from CD/DVD ROM. Once the setup begins, follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows.
4. Why Windows cannot be installed on this disk?
UEFI BIOS compatibility and a bad Windows CD/DVD are the two most possible reasons behind this issue. So, configure your BIOS/Hard Drive for UEFI mode properly and then boot from the right CD/DVD to avoid this problem.
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