i just got a 2nd computer unit with xp on it but it keeps saying
non system error or disk error replace and strike any key
I know nothing about computers and dont want mess around inside the unit but is they any way I can fix it.
it started doing it when computer went on idle and now when i try to reboot it says it but i have no disks in the computer.
i dont have xp cd but should i get a copy and try to reinstall or something else.
2006-09-24 18:09:17 · 7 answers · asked by sophie15 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
CAUSE
This issue may occur if your start device (such as a floppy disk drive, hard disk drive, or CD-ROM drive) does not contain boot files.
RESOLUTION
To resolve this issue, use one or more of the following methods, and then restart your computer:• Remove the non-system disk from your boot device. For example, remove the non-system disk from the floppy drive or the CD-ROM drive.
• Change your computer's boot sequence. To do this, you must change your computer's setup and the option that controls which device your computer uses to start from. Make sure that you select a device that has boot files (or operating system files) installed.
• If you start your computer from a hard disk drive, install a bootable operating system (such as Windows XP) on the drive.
2006-09-24 18:14:33 · answer #1 · answered by Manjunath M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
all of the answers on here so far are possibly correct. if you have a floppy drive and there's a disk in it, remove the disk and try rebooting. As for the CD, most BIOS functions prompt if you want to boot from CD, so unless you're seeing that, I wouldn't worry if there is a CD in the CD-ROM. But, if there is one in there, go ahead and remove it. If the hard drive is being detected in the BIOS screen, it could be something as simple as a loose IDE/SATA cable. If you aren't comfortable with opening the case and diving inside, then have a technician do it for you. the following link could prove helpful in showing you how to reseat hard drive cables. If you're still getting the error, it is possible that the boot sector of the drive is corrupted and you'll need to take it in to a shop. If that is the case, then it's also possible that the drive is damaged and needs to be replaced. Good luck.
2006-09-24 18:33:30 · answer #2 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Terrific technical advice from all of the answers but I heard you say ,"I know nothing about computers". If this is correct and you just bought this computer , I need to know if this was a new computer. Normally , you cannot purchase a new system with Windows Xp installed on the hard Drive.If there was simply "XP" , in the name of the computer or if it said "XP-Ready", you will need to purchase a copy of Windows for yourself. If you got the computer second hand then I'd say you have no other alternative than to buy a copy. I'd be happy to give you as many pointers as you need for installation and maintenance of your computer if you'd like. E-mail me if I can help.
I just thought of something else. Until you get much more familiar with your computer I would not advise you to start working the mechanical/technical end of it's interior. One step at a time...my friend. One step at a time.
2006-09-24 20:00:28 · answer #3 · answered by Attaboyslim 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could be as simple as checking your BIOS settings to ensure that all your disk drives are detected and to eventually change the order of the disk that are used during boot time. Please consult your mainboard/BIOS documentation on how to do this, because different manufacturer have different ways for changing those settings.
If your drive(s) cannot be identified in the BIOS, check that all the connections fit tightly inside of your computer. If that's not the case then it maybe that your drive has malfunctioned and need to be replaced.
2006-09-24 18:16:12 · answer #4 · answered by icubpa 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
your boot record is corrupted or it does not point to a valid OS installation partition
what this means, is that ur xp installation might be corrupted.try re-installing the OS.
another reason might be your hard disk drive is dead . in that case get another one. format and install OS.
2006-09-24 18:17:45 · answer #5 · answered by s_faraz_mahmood 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Remove any CDs and floppies that you have in the drives and try again.
2006-09-24 18:22:40 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
its sounds like someone has put xp over another running system (ie-; windows98 ? ) you will need to reformat your hard drive and reinstall xp i hope this will help you regards alex
2006-09-24 18:28:16 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋