Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 2: Method 1 of 2: Starting the PC
• Method 2 of 2: Method 2 of 2: Starting OS X

Sometimes it becomes necessary to start a computer from a CD in order to fix or improve it. The problem is that most computers boot from the hard drive and don't even try to boot from CD. Getting your computer to do this can be tricky, so follow the steps here carefully to get your computer up and running properly.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Method 1 of 2: Starting the PC

1. 1 Insert a disc. The disc must be a CD or DVD suitable to run. For example, a diagnostic disc or a Windows installation disc.
2. 2 Restart your computer. Before you can start your computer from CD / DVD, you need to make sure that the CD / DVD drive is listed as the primary startup source.
   • When you see the manufacturer's logo, press the indicated key to enter the BIOS setup menu. The keys vary by manufacturer, but the most common keys are F2, F10, F12, and Del. The key you need to press will be listed below the logo or on the side of the screen.
   • Once in the BIOS menu, select the "Boot" menu. All manufacturers have a slightly different BIOS interface. Look for variations on the name "Boot".
   • In the Boot menu, use the arrows to mark the primary startup source and specify the CD / DVD drive. Each BIOS menu will refer to your drive in a slightly different way - by the manufacturer's name, by the name "Optical Drive" or simply "CD / DVD".
   • With the CD / DVD drive specified as the primary startup source, save your changes and exit. The computer will restart.
3. 3 Run it from CD. When the manufacturer's logo disappears, you will most likely be prompted to press any key to start the computer from the CD. In some cases, it will restart automatically.

Method 2 of 2: Method 2 of 2: Starting OS X

1. 1 Insert a disc. The disc must be a runable CD or DVD, such as a Mac OS X installation disc. Restart your computer.
2. 2 Press and hold the C and Option keys. When you hear the reboot bells, only hold Option or C depending on what you want to do. Option will take you to a menu where you will be asked to choose where you want to restart your computer from and you can choose your CD / DVD drive. The C key will skip this menu and automatically start the computer from the CD / DVD drive.
   • You will have to hold down the key for a few seconds. Wait for a menu to appear or for a reboot to start.
   • Booting from CD / DVD is slower than booting from hard drive, so don't be alarmed if your computer is slower than usual.