What is a disk boot error?

comping_cat

My daughters computer will not turn on at the moment, it keeps saying 'disk boot error, insert system disk'.
Not sure what any of this means, or which 'system disk' it is on about either!!!!
The computer is very old, she only uses it to play games, and doesnt have any internet access.
Would be grateful for any help.

gaming_guy

the comp is trying to find the operating system but has failed to find one.

a system disk is the hard drive

Browntoa

a floppy disk in the drive ??

comping_cat

Nothings attached, and ive checked there is nothing in the drives. I also tried re loading the windows ME disk, but it didnt like that either - not sure why its doing this then!!!!

Browntoa

sounds like hard disk has failed

gaming_guy

Browntoa wrote: »

sounds like hard disk has failed

i think it has as well. recently had the same thing happen to me, but the hdd started clicking, and once that happened i knew it had failed.

comping_cat

Is there anything i can do if it has failed? Or will i need to either get someone out to look at it, or get a new one??!!

Browntoa

might be worth opening up the base unit and making sure all the cables are connected ok

to be honest it would be cheaper/easier to buy a cheap Dell or just a base unit rather than pay out for a new hard disk + operating system

gaming_guy

catowen wrote: »

Is there anything i can do if it has failed? Or will i need to either get someone out to look at it, or get a new one??!!

not really, all you will need to get it up and running again is a new hard drive. they are easy to fit (probably easier than you think!)

Browntoa

seen this

http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?rb=27762296565&action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X3NwZWNpZmljYXRpb25z&product_uid=123118

Now
£219.99 inc VAT

knock off £10 for using Google checkout

£222 delivered

Product DescriptionAcer Aspire T180 - Sempron 3200+TypePersonal
computerForm Factor Mini tower
Dimensions (WxDxH)18.3 cm x 45.5 cm x 37 cm
LocalisationUnited Kingdom
Processor1 x AMD Sempron 3200+
RAM 512 MB (installed) / 4 GB (max) - DDR II SDRAM - 400 MHz - PC2-3200
Storage Controller Serial ATA Hard Drive 1 x 80 GB - standard - Serial ATA-150
Optical StorageDVD1RW (+R double layer)
Card Reader 9 in 1
Monitor None.
Graphics Controller NVIDIA GeForce 6100
Audio Output Sound card - 7.1 channel surround
NetworkingNetwork adapter - Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet
OS ProvidedMicrosoft Windows Vista Home Basic

Jzpop

I agree that the hard drive has probably died.

You could try booting to DOS with a W98 / ME boot floppy, and see whether typing dir c:\ gets a response.

More detailed troubleshooting available at -
http://www.pcguide.com/ts/x/comp/hdd/fail_Failure.htm