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laptop only boots to the hdd

Q_PrimeQ_Prime Registered User regular
edited May 2007 in Help / Advice Forum
My toshiba M40-SF3 laptop refused to boot to anything except the hdd. (i've tried cd, dvd, usb, and lan) i have a feeling it's the mbr, or the bootloader. but i can't touch them since i can't load my bootable utility disc (or my windows xp disc) to fix it. is there anyway i can get them from within windows. i could remove my hdd and put it in a tower but that would require me to go to the store and buy a 2.5" to 3.5" converter which i can't do till monday. any ideas/suggestions or alternate theories are welcome. thanks :)

Q_Prime on

Posts

  • AngelHedgieAngelHedgie Registered User regular
    edited May 2007
    Boot order is usually controlled in the BIOS. When your machine starts up, go into setup (It's usually F2, but may vary by machine), and once in the BIOS control screen, change the boot order.

    AngelHedgie on
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  • Q_PrimeQ_Prime Registered User regular
    edited May 2007
    Doesn't matter. it ignores it and when i press F12 to choose the boot device when the computer starts it ignores that too.

    Q_Prime on
  • theclamtheclam Registered User regular
    edited May 2007
    Have you tried updating the BIOS? They may have fixed this bug in a later version. You should be able to grab the file off Toshiba's website (most manufacturer's have one that will run off the HDD nowadays). If you've never done it before, make sure you follow their instructions to the letter.

    theclam on
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  • Q_PrimeQ_Prime Registered User regular
    edited May 2007
    yea i've done it before i just don't like to. i'm updating it now and i'll give it a try. though i doubt it will fix my problem it's something i should do regardless.

    Q_Prime on
  • Q_PrimeQ_Prime Registered User regular
    edited May 2007
    it worked.. then i had to go apologize to my friend. all in all it's been a good day, except for the apology part. thanks for your help.

    edit: he said to update bios and i called him stupid.

    Q_Prime on
  • lunchbox12682lunchbox12682 MinnesotaRegistered User regular
    edited May 2007
    Quick lesson since you brought it up.
    If you are having loading order problems, it will never be the MBR.
    The MBR is not accessed until the HDD is accessed.
    Now if you are trying to start various OS's, then it's the MBR.

    NOTE- boot loader and MBR are interchangeable in my diatribe.

    lunchbox12682 on
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Penny Arcade Forums› Help / Advice Forum