Create CD-ROM boot disk

A boot disk can save you in case your PC refuses to boot up one fine morning. You can boot your PC using the disk and try to fix the problems, either by formatting the hard disk, or by running a System Restore (in case of Windows XP). System administrators and system engineers always carry a set of boot disks with them in order to manage emergency situations, where the malfunctioning PC needs to be up and running as soon as possible.

A boot disk contains some of the most essential files that Windows needs in order to boot up. These files can be in a floppy diskette or a CD, those will be effective in both cases. Some of the files are Kernel.sys, Msdos.sys, Io.sys, Command.com, and Drvspace.bin. The files that are needed to boot up the PC are Io.sys, Msdos.sys, and Command.com. Then you would also need the file FDisk.exe if you need to format the drive of the operating system.

You cannot simply copy the files needed to boot the PC into a diskette and use it as a boot disk. You need to follow a special procedure in order to create an emergency startup disk. If you have to install Windows operating system again, you will still need the original Windows setup discs. Boot disks will not be able to install Windows.

For all versions of Windows prior to Windows XP (Windows 95, 98, 2000 and ME), you can create an emergency startup disk in the following process:

1. Put an empty floppy diskette in the floppy drive.
2. Click on Start button and then on Run.
3. In the box named Open, type the command: format A: /s (where A is the drive letter of your floppy drive). The boot disk will be created shortly. Write protect the floppy and keep it safe from dust and moisture.
4. You cannot use CDs to create boot disks in this way.

In case of Windows XP, you do not have to create any CD-ROM boot disk at all. The Windows XP setup disc is itself a boot disk. You can use it to boot the PC directly by putting the CD in the drive and rebooting the PC. When the PC starts, you will get a message on the screen telling you to “Press any key to boot from CD”. Simply press Enter at this step and the PC will automatically boot from the CD.