author avatar
1 July 2024  Ashley S. Miller  Specialist of Customer Service Dept.
 

Summary
Discover the effective strategies for resolving the 'DISK BOOT FAILURE' error on your computer with our detailed guide. Ensure the safety of your important files by creating a backup prior to implementing any fixes to avert potential data loss.



Table of contents

table iconI. About DISK BOOT FAILURE error
table iconII. Use Renee PassNow to transfer or recover data before repairing
table iconIII. How to fix DISK BOOT FAILURE error?
Fix DISK BOOT FAILURE error

I. About DISK BOOT FAILURE error

When the computer powers on, the BIOS searches for a bootable drive by initiating its first sector to proceed with the load sequence. If it fails to locate a bootable drive, the error message “DISK BOOT FAILURE, INSERT SYSTEM DISK AND PRESS ENTER” appears, halting the startup. Causes include an improper BIOS boot order, a malfunctioning or improperly connected hard disk data cable, or a damaged system disk.
Error message DISK BOOT FAILURE
To resolve the DISK BOOT FAILURE error, first assess potential data loss without entering Windows. Subsequently, tailor your repair strategy based on the results obtained. Should data transfer be unnecessary, directly move to the repair instructions located in the third section of this document.

II. Use Renee PassNow to transfer or recover data before repairing

1. What is Renee PassNow?

Renee PassNow is a versatile system rescue software designed for Windows users. It enables you to reset Windows account passwords, create new admin accounts, restore data from disks or memory cards, and recover files after formatting. Additionally, it facilitates disk file transfers, and offers disk file erasure or scanning. The software also addresses Windows system issues by repairing MBR boot records, fixing DBR error parameters, resolving the 0xc00000e code, and troubleshooting startup failures, black screens, or blue screens. Compatible with Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP/Vista, Renee PassNow caters to a broad range of system rescue needs.
Hot Topic - ADsRenee PassNow – 3 Steps to transfer data from the crashed system

Easy to use 3 steps to transfer the files.

Transfer the files Transfer the important files of the computer without system.

Preview the files Preview the files while transferring the data.

Multifuctional Data recovery, Windows password reset, bootable problem recovery can be run without system.

Highly compatible Windows 10/8.1/8/7/XP/Vista. Also supports UEFI boot mode.

Easy to use 3 steps to transfer the files.

Transfer the files Transfer the important files of the computer without system.

Preview the files Preview the files while transferring the data.

Free TrialFree TrialNow 2000 people have downloaded!

2. How to use Renee PassNow to transfer or recover data?

If Windows fails to start, create a startup disk using Renee PassNow. Boot your computer from this disk, and utilize the software’s features to transfer or restore files. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Install Renee PassNow on a functioning computer and insert a USB stick into the PC. Launch Renee PassNow, select “Create a rescue USB disk” in “Step 1: Choose the creation method“. Ensure all important USB stick files are backed up elsewhere as this process will erase its contents.
Step 2: Next, select (x64) or (x86) according to the system type, click the (Download Now) button to download the ISO file, click the (Create Rescue USB) button after the file is downloaded, and click the (Eject USB) button.
use renee passnow to create usb to reset passnword
Step 3: Insert the bootable media into the desired computer. Switch on the system and promptly watch for the BIOS access key which is displayed on-screen for a short duration, usually 1-2 seconds. Press this key repeatedly to access the BIOS setup. Once you’re in, navigate to the Boot Priority settings and configure the bootable USB drive as the top boot option. Remember to save your changes before exiting and allow the system to restart.
select boot order
Step 4: Wait for a while, after Renee PassNow is loaded, select (Data Transfer). If you need to transfer or backup the data of the entire hard disk, you can select the (data backup) option.
data transfer function in Renee Passnow
Step 5: Click on each disk drive letter (C/D/E/F, etc.) to verify no important files are missing. If all files are accounted for, it’s advisable to transfer them to an external disk for safety. To transfer data, select the source drive (e.g., C:) on the upper left and the destination drive (e.g., G:) on the upper right. Choose the files from the source drive and click the ‘Copy’ button in the center to begin the transfer. To delete a file, select it and hit the ‘Delete’ button in the center; remember, deletion is irreversible, so proceed with caution.
transfer data interface
Step 6: If you find that there is data loss, please select the (Undeleter) option on the main interface of the function, and click the (Run) button.
Data recovery function of Renee Passnow
Step 7: Select (Whole Partition Scan) or (Whole Disk Scan) to scan the target hard disk.
Step 8: After the scan is complete, select the file you want to restore and click the Recover button to start the data recovery. It’s crucial to save the recovered file on a different external drive. Once the recovery is done, safely eject the USB drive prior to engaging in further computer repairs.
preview before recovery

undeleter preview ppt

After transferring or restoring the important files in the computer, you can continue to try the following methods to fix the DISK BOOT FAILURE error.

III. How to fix DISK BOOT FAILURE error?

1. Check the BIOS startup sequence

To resolve the “DISK BOOT FAILURE, INSERT SYSTEM DISK AND PRESS ENTER” error, verify the BIOS boot sequence is correctly set with the system disk as the primary boot device. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Press the power button to turn on your computer. Immediately tap the corresponding shortcut key (F2, F10, Esc, Del, etc.) repeatedly to access the BIOS. This action should be done during the initial black screen phase of startup.
Press DEL to enter BIOS setup
Step 2: In the BIOS, locate the Boot Priority setting. This may appear differently based on your specific interface. Adjust the settings to prioritize the hard drive containing the Windows OS at the top of the boot order. After configuring, save the changes and restart your computer to verify if the problem has been resolved.
Check BIOS boot order

2. Check hard disk connection

When the hard disk connection is loose or the data connection cable is damaged, it may also cause DISK BOOT FAILURE error. Therefore, we can check the connection status of the hard disk when the computer is turned off and the power is disconnected.
① Shut down the computer. Put on an antistatic wrist strap or gloves, and use a screwdriver to open the computer’s host case.
② Find out the system hard disk, and check whether its power cable and data cable are loosely connected. You can unplug it from the interface and connect it again.
③ If the power cord and data cable are found to be damaged or aging, you can try to replace the new power cord and data cable, and ensure that the connection is tight.
④ Restart the computer to see if the problem is resolved.
In addition, if the DISK BOOT FAILURE error occurs after installing a new hard disk in your computer, you can try to remove the new hard disk and try to start the computer again.

3. Run the chkdsk command to check for system disk errors

CHKDSK (Check Disk) is a Microsoft utility that verifies file system integrity and repairs errors. It can scan and attempt to fix bad sectors. Running the CHKDSK command can help resolve “DISK BOOT FAILURE” issues.
Step 1: Since Windows cannot be started, we can enter the Windows recovery environment for repair operations. The following two methods can enter the recovery environment.
① Press the power button to switch on the device. If the startup logo displays, press and hold the power button to force a shutdown. Perform this action three times. After the third attempt, let the computer boot completely. Once you reach the “Automatic Repair” screen, choose “Advanced Options” to access the recovery environment.
② Using the Windows installation disk to start the computer, you need to set the Windows installation disk as the first in the boot order in the BIOS, then save the settings, restart the computer, and then select the (Repair Computer) option on the Windows installation program “Install Now” interface to enter the recovery environment . (Click here to learn how to make a Windows installation disk)
windows installation repair your computer
Step 2: After entering the recovery environment, select (Troubleshooting) > (Advanced Options) > (Command Prompt).
command prompt
Step 3: Open the command prompt window and enter chkdsk C: /f /r /x. Replace “C” with your system disk number if necessary. /f repairs disk errors, /r locates bad sectors and recovers readable information, and /x forces the drive to unmount before scanning. Press Enter to begin the error-fixing process.
Enter chkdsk C: /f /r /x
Step 4: When prompted with “chkdsk cannot be run because the disk is in use, do you want to schedule this volume to be checked the next time the system restarts?” press Y to confirm a chkdsk scan at the next reboot. Once the scan completes, restart your computer to check if the issue has been resolved.

4. Try Startup Repair and System Restore

The Windows System Recovery Environment features a built-in startup repair tool that effectively resolves various boot issues, while System Restore allows you to revert your system to an earlier state. Below are the detailed steps for these operations:
Step 1: Insert the Windows installation disc (DVD/USB) into your computer. Upon startup, repeatedly press F2, F10, DEL, or ESC (depending on your computer’s brand) to access the BIOS settings. Set the boot priority to the installation disc, save changes, and restart. Your computer will boot from the disc. On the “Install Now” screen of the Windows Installer, select “Repair Your Computer” to access the recovery environment.
windows installation repair your computer
Step 2: After entering the recovery environment, select (Troubleshooting)>(Advanced Options)>(Startup Repair). After waiting for Windows Startup Repair to complete, restart the computer to see if the problem is resolved.
startup Repair
Step 3: If startup repair is unsuccessful, proceed with system restore by following step 1 to re-enter the recovery environment. Once there, go to Troubleshooting > Advanced Options > System Restore. Select a restore point from before the issue arose, press Next, and patiently wait for the system to finalize the restoration process.
system restore

system restore

Table of contents