Creating a startup
or "boot" disk for your computer
Even though the term "boot your computer" does not mean for
you to kick your computer, the real meaning does involve a little
history on boots themselves. Long ago, boots had a strap attached
to the top that you could pull to help get the boot on, as in the
expression, "pull oneself up by the bootstraps". So
"booting" your computer actually means turning it on.
A startup or boot disk is necessary not only to start your computer
when it can't, but it also allows you to run diagnostic programs to see
what is causing the problem, and apply a fix. To create a boot disk, you
will need a blank, 1.2mg disk (any files on a disk you use will be
erased by this procedure).
Here's how to create a startup disk:
- Click Start
- Point to Settings and click Control Panel
- Click Add/Remove Programs
- Click the Startup Disk tab
- Click the Create Disk button
When finished, click OK to exit the Add/Remove
Programs Properties dialog box
Note: Whether or not you insert a disk before you
start this procedure, you will receive an Insert Disk
prompt. Insert a disk if you have not done so already and click OK
to continue.
