Major Newb needs help

[TriStarGod]

I installed an Windows update on my new computer and restarted it. All of a sudden it doesn't detect any hardware (CD, HDD, ... nothing) and tells me "disk boot failure, insert system disk and press enter." I entered in my windows cd (even though no hardware was being recognized) and pressed enter. It kept on repeating "disk boot failure, insert system disk and press enter." PLZ Help if u can. Also keep in mind Im a newb when it comes to computers.

 

[TriStarGod]

After just posting this. I turned on my computer and it detected all my hardware and started windows properly.... I did nothing... The only difference is that now I have option to remove my HDD and DVD drives through window's Safely Remove Hardware program. How do I get rid of that?

 

[law9933]

If XP can you boot in Safe Mode, restart & repeatedly tap F8 until a window for choices appears-select Safe Mode. Just a try.

 

[ColKurtz]

Back up all of your important data right now, while it's working.

Has it been behaving itself before today? Any noises from the HDD, or slow performance/hangs? There's not enough info to know whether what it is, specifically. The error sounds like a hardware problem, not XP - despite the fact that it started after windows update. My initial guess would be bad hdd -- possibly bad cable. Are you sure you didn't have a floppy in the drive when you booted?

 

[TriStarGod]

It didn't recognize my DVD or HDD drives. Both are connected via SATA.