Setting up an alternate boot disk

[griffinmt]

I have a Dell laptop with a 500gb internal drive. It boots up correctly as it is. But now I have a 1tb drive plugged into a usb port. The system is set to boot from usb devices before the internal drive. But I want to leave the usb disk plugged in most of the time too..

So, how can I set up the external drive so that when the system boots from it, it vectors back the the default internal hard drive?

 

[Bongo]

Is it possible to turn off the power to the external drive before you power up your laptop?

Jerry

 

[SandeepP]

I have a Dell laptop with a 500gb internal drive. It boots up correctly as it is. But now I have a 1tb drive plugged into a usb port. The system is set to boot from usb devices before the internal drive. But I want to leave the usb disk plugged in most of the time too..

So, how can I set up the external drive so that when the system boots from it, it vectors back the the default internal hard drive?

Hi griffinmt,

You would need to change the Boot Sequence under BIOS to make sure system checks internal harddrive first for boot and then goes on to the external sources.

It is simple to do while system starting up at the DELL logo hit F2 key to access BIOS and then change the sequence there.

If you need detailed information then please share with us the model number for the system. Kindly update your system specs here by following this.

Keep us posted with the results so we can advise you further.

 

[griffinmt]

You would need to change the Boot Sequence under BIOS to make sure system checks internal harddrive first for boot and then goes on to the external sources.

It is simple to do while system starting up at the DELL logo hit F2 key to access BIOS and then change the sequence there.

I understand that much, but I want it to boot from usb and dvd as a first choice. Just dont want to boot from the usb drive that is always plugged in. And it is a pain to be jumping back and forth into bios setup on every boot.
I was hoping there was a way to put an mbr on the external drive and the parts needed to make it go back and read the internal drive.

 

[SandeepP]

You would need to change the Boot Sequence under BIOS to make sure system checks internal harddrive first for boot and then goes on to the external sources.

It is simple to do while system starting up at the DELL logo hit F2 key to access BIOS and then change the sequence there.

I understand that much, but I want it to boot from usb and dvd as a first choice. Just dont want to boot from the usb drive that is always plugged in. And it is a pain to be jumping back and forth into bios setup on every boot.
I was hoping there was a way to put an mbr on the external drive and the parts needed to make it go back and read the internal drive.

Hi griffinmt,

Please let me know the model number of the system so we can provide you exact steps. And you can set internal harddrive as first boot device once and it would boot always with internal harddrive first.

And whenever you wish to boot from external USB or DVD you can easily access onetime boot menu through F12 and do the same.

Keep us posted with the results so we can advise you further.

 

[griffinmt]

I am going to take a look at EASYBCD to manage the boot sequence info.

 

[SandeepP]

I am going to take a look at EASYBCD to manage the boot sequence info.

Hi griffinmt,

Please check the same with your convenience and let us know if you require further assistance.

If you have any further queries, please feel free to contact us.

 

[madcratebuilder]

Set the BIOS for hdd boot, when you prefer to boot from dvd or usb hold the F12 key on boot. This well give you a screen with a choice of boot device options.