Windows Won’t Boot from CD – How to Resolve

How to deal with the problem that Windows won’t boot from CD? AOMEI Backupper, the best free software, can help you solve this problem easily.

Delia

by Delia Updated on December 9, 2022

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The case: My PC won't boot from CD/DVD

 

All of a sudden, my PC will not boot from a CD/DVD. It recognizes both the SATA optical drives I have, knows the bootable (in this case the Win 7 install disk) disk is in there, the boot up sequence shows "Boot from CD/DVD", then "press any key to boot from CD/DVD", but it still goes to the HDD to start the OS.

I have tried both setting the CD drive as first option in the BIOS, as well as using the F12 key to give a boot menu, but same result. I have tried the Win 7 disk in both of the drives I have, but no joy. Help please.

Why Windows won't boot from CD - reasons and solutions

Bootable CD is a special disc which contains a bootable operating system. If your operating system refuses to boot, you can restore the OS through a bootable CD. Have you ever encountered the situation that Windows won't boot from CD? This problem brings great inconvenience to users. There are two main reasons for this issue.

How to solve the problem that your computer unable to boot from CD in Windows 7? There are two efficient ways for your reference.

  • Solution 1. Make your PC turn on properly.

If your PC doesn't power on at all, you won't boot Windows from CD successfully. You need to check if the power is connected properly and the power plug is loose.

  • Solution 2. Create a bootable media correctly.

Before booting Windows, you must make sure that you have a valid bootable CD. If not, you must create a bootable CD correctly on a well-functioning computer at first.

Create Bootable Media

Creating a bootable CD via a handy freeware in Windows

Worried that Windows won't boot from CD? You can create a bootable CD correctly with third party software like AOMEI Backupper Standard. This useful software supports various external hard drives like CD, DVD and USB. If you don't have a CD, you also can create a recovery USB or a bootable DVD as an alternative.

Various operating systems can be supported by this freeware like Windows 10, Windows 8.1/8, Windows 7, Windows Vista and XP. If your PC is unable to boot from CD in Windows XP, this powerful software can also give you a hand. Besides, system backup and system restore are also available in this software. With these features, your personal data will be protected well.

How to solve the problem that your PC cannot boot from CD in Windows 7? Don't worry! You can refer to the detailed steps below to create a system repair disc at first.

Detailed steps of making a bootable CD and boot from it

Step 1. Download, install and open this software on a well-functioning computer. Select Tools from the left side. Then click Create Bootable Media.

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Create Bootable Media

Step 2. Select one Bootable Disc Type from the list. It's recommended to select Windows PE, because this option is more flexible and convenient than Linux. Then click Next.

Windows Bootable Disc

Step 3. Select Burn To CD/DVD from the list. Then click Next.

Burn to DVD

Step 4. Now you can insert the bootable CD to the computer where Windows is not booting from CD. Press certain key (refer to the PC's manual or website) to enter into BIOS, choose the bootable CD and click Enter to make the computer boot from CD.

Notes:

  • If you want to restore system later, you need to backup system in advance.

  • You can use OneKey Recovery to create a bootable partition directly on the hard disk.

Summary

Windows won't boot from CD – how to resolve? You can solve this problem easily with AOMEI Backupper. Simple steps and user-friendly interface make your operation effortless. What's more, the process will be running in the background and won't interrupt your work. You can do your work without any concern!

Delia
Delia · Editor
Delia owns extensive experience in writing technology-related blog posts, and has been a part of AOMEI since 2020 to provide expertise in data security and disaster recovery. She works with Windows operating systems, SQL databases, and virtualization platforms such as VMware and Hyper-V, specializing in troubleshooting and advising on data protection and migration.