Boot Up Question ?

Robert11 · 03 Dec 2017

Hello,

Trying to re-install W10 from what was, I believe, included in the internal software
when I bought this Dell about 2 yrs ago. I was under the impression that there is a full version of W10 in the machine ?

No luck. Can't even get to Safe Mode.

But, when I purchased the PC, I apparently made what I labeled as: "Repair Disk & Boot. Windows 10"

Would like to run it, but putting it in the reader, and turning on the PC won't do it.
I was able to get to the BIOS setup screen, and tried making reading the DVD the first action, but this won't work either.

Question: Is there any way of "forcing" a CD read when the PC starts, irrespective of the BIOS priority that might, or might not, be set ?

General Question: Irrespective of the Boot Order set, if the PC can't boot up normally, will it "automatically"
go to the next Boot Option (e.g., the DVD if it's second on the list) ?

Thanks,
Bob

Barman58 · 03 Dec 2017

What you appear to have is a recovery system created by the PC manufacturer, you may need to activate some specialist software hidden on your Hard drive, this software will then use the Disk(s) to reimage ( make an exact copy of your system as it was when first switched on), You may also find some other options such as re-image but retain data files, (you personal files Photos Etc).

You should be able to access a selection menu for the boot device immediately after you power up the system On my Systems and a lot of others this is achieved by tapping the F12 key but of course yours will be noted in the documentation (it's also normally flashed up on screen during Boot sequence ).

What I would suggest is that you make backups of at least all your data and any keys to software you have installed and ensure you have installation media (or copy of the installer in a safe location)

If you can let us know the make and model of your system with as much detail as you can we may be able to give a more specific plan for the recovery

Barman58 · 03 Dec 2017

Have just noticed that you have a Dell - this is a good thing as they are one of the better manufacturers in the manner they support their systems, this means that you could go for another option Download the Media from Microsoft and any specialist drivers and software from Dell.

this would give you a lean system to which you can add only the software you actually need, It also means that you vcan be running the latest version of Windows 10 without multiple installs or updates

cereberus · 03 Dec 2017

You are overcomplicating things.

Create a bootable flash drive using

Download Windows 10

Make sure bios is set to boot from flash drive, boot from it, select custom install.