Sometimes troubleshooting PC situations become difficult. When you have a serious error in OS you have to re-install OS. You’ll have to “boot it from a disc” or USB flash drive. When you turn on the system it usually boots from its internal hard drive where OS is stored.
It can be done by connecting an external OS source like a bootable CD or USB drive to the computer. Each motherboard has different function buttons to perform booting. For example, Gigabit motherboards have F12 button to start the booting process.
When you have to install a new OS, re-install the present one or restoring the system needs different boot sources like Optical drive, USB or External drive. When you need boot from a CD or USB drive, here’s what you need to do.
For example, there are several ways to create a bootable Windows CD. Here we used Rufus tool to create a Windows boot CD.
Also Read: Five Best Boot Disks
Boot from CD or USB On Windows
Every PC has its different boot menu style. But the system working style is common. You need to identify the correct option to access the boot menu. For this,
- Restart system and you’ll see a motherboard logo screen. You’ll also see something like “Press F12 to Choose Boot Device” somewhere on the screen. Press that key now. (You should be quick and should press it many times. If you fail to press it, just restart again and try.)
- Next, you will see a menu pop up with a list of choices on it. Highlight your CD or USB drive and press “Enter”.
You can set your computer to always check for a bootable CD or USB drive. Means, when you have one inserted, it’ll boot from it automatically.
Boot from a CD or USB On Mac
Booting from CD or USB is very easy and simple on Mac. For this, follow these steps.
- Restart the Mac, when the white screen first shows, press and hold the “Option” key.
- You should see a list of drives show up. On the right, you’ll find your CD or USB drive listed with its name under it. Use your arrow keys or your mouse to highlight that drive, then press “Enter” or click on the arrow below it.
That’s all. Booting your system with a CD or USB is a simple task. All you need to have a proper OS installed on CD Drive or USB. Let us know your valuable feedback in the comment section below.