No bootable disk drive

[TWardy]

What does this mean? I have a compaq presario that keeps showing this. I put another HDD in and it is saying the same thing. Does it mean the old HDD was buggered and I need to do something to the new one to sort out boot order or anything? or is this not a HDD issue. I have two broken compaq presarios here. One with no screen working and one saying no bootable disk drive. Help. I must be able to get one going? Thanks

 

[TWardy]

The new HDD keeps say press alt, cntr, del to restart and then just repeats process

 

[karlsnooks]

Twardy,
For the machine that you would like to have working:
Please fill out the system specs as much as possible.
Update your SevenForums System Specs
User CP (located on the top menu bar) |
Your Profile | Edit System Spec (left-hand column)

To gather info, use Speccy (my favorite) or SIW or System Info

Add the word laptop or desktop or netbook to the
“system manufacturer” block, for example,
Toshiba Satellite L305D notebook.

Provide full windows version info, for example:
MS Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-bit

Use the “Other Info” block for Optical Reader,
Mouse, touchpad, wifi adapter, speakers, monitor, etc

Scroll down and click on SAVE CHANGES.
======================================
thanks, karl

 

[TWardy]

Sorry. It's my friends. Compaq Presario CQ43

 

[TVeblen]

It means that the BIOS has run it's startup routine and did not detect a bootable drive.

Common causes:

• Loose cables
• Power problems
• Boot partition not marked as ACTIVE.
• Defective hard drive
• Defective SATA or IDE Controller.

If you put a bootable CD in the optical drive and the system recognizes it you can usually rule out controller problems.

 

[karlsnooks]

Others view this kind of situation differently, but my personal policy is to work with the individual with the problem.

This means that I ask that your friend start a thread stating his problem.

Others may be happy working thru a third party. My experiences have influenced my viewpoint.