This article shows you how to start a computer using a CD instead of the operating system installed inside the hard drive. This is a very simple operation that is used to install a second operating system on the computer (or to reinstall the existing one).
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Windows
Step 1. Insert the CD into your computer's optical drive
Place the disc inside the optical drive carriage with the reflective side facing down. The disk must contain the installation file of one of the versions of Windows.
Step 2. Access the "Start" menu by clicking the icon
It features the Windows logo and is located in the lower left corner of the desktop. Alternatively, you can press the ⊞ Win key on your keyboard.
If you are using the Windows 8 system, place the mouse cursor in the upper right corner of the screen, then click the magnifying glass icon
Step 3. Select the "Stop" icon
It is located in the lower left corner of the "Start" menu.
Step 4. Choose the Reboot System option
It should be the last item on the small menu that appeared from the top.
If there are any programs running, you will be asked to confirm your action by pressing the button Restart anyway.
Step 5. Press and hold the Delete key or F2 to be able to enter the BIOS.
Depending on the manufacturer of your computer, the key to press in this step may be different from the one indicated. Most computers display a message on the startup screen similar to the following: "Press [key] to enter setup". Carefully observe the first screen that will appear on the screen after requesting the system reboot to find out which key you will need to press to access the BIOS.
Alternatively, you can search online or consult your computer's user manual to know for sure which key to press to enter the BIOS
Step 6. Enter the Boot section of the BIOS
In order to select this option you will need to use the arrow keys on the keyboard.
The menu Boot it could be called something else, for example Boot Options or Boot Sequence, according to the manufacturer of the computer.
Step 7. Choose the CD-ROM Drive option
Again use the directional arrow ↓ to highlight the indicated menu item.
Step 8. Press the + button as long as the voice CD-ROM Drive will not be the first option on the "Boot" menu.
This will make the CD player the first device that will be used to start the computer.
Depending on the BIOS version you are using, you may need to press a key other than the one indicated to change the boot sequence. In this case, refer to the legend at the bottom of the screen
Step 9. Save your changes
At the bottom of the screen it should be indicated which key to press (for example F10) to save the changes and reboot the system. It is usually related to the wording "Save and Exit". This will restart the computer and load the operating system from the CD-ROM.
You may need to press the Enter key to confirm your action
Method 2 of 2: Mac
Step 1. Insert the CD into your computer's optical drive
Place the disc inside the optical drive carriage with the reflective side facing down. The disk must contain a version of the OS X operating system in order to be used as a startup disk.
Some Macs don't have a built-in CD player. If this is your case, you will need to purchase an external optical drive
Step 2. Access the "Apple" menu
It is located in the upper left corner of the screen.
Step 3. Choose the Restart option
It is located at the bottom of the menu starting from the top.
Step 4. When prompted, press the Restart button
In this way the Mac will begin the system restart procedure.
Step 5. Hold down the ⌘ Command key
Hold down the ⌘ Command key as soon as the Mac begins the restart phase and do not release it until the Startup Manager window appears.
Step 6. Click the CD player icon
It is usually labeled "Mac OS X Installation DVD" at the bottom. Click it with the mouse to select it.
Step 7. Press the Enter key
This will instruct the Mac to use the disc in the optical drive as a boot drive.
