How to create a Bootable CD/DVD

Diy-Computer-Repair can help!

You have seen them, your installation cd is bootable. So how do you make a cd or a dvd that is bootable?

(Note: read the entire procedure before you start!)

Well you need to have some things besides the blank cd/dvd.
        1. A CD or DVD that will write to a blank disk
        2. A software program that will create bootable disks
        3. A bootable floppy with the files you want to have on the boot section of the CD/DVD

Ok, I have all the materials what next?

Now the files are saved on the floppy. Start your CD\DVD writing program, put your disk in the drive.

You may have to use the help file for the software program to find the correct procedure to create your boot CD/DVD. (Because this is a new process for you I would suggest you get a ReWritable CD/DVD, if you make a mistake you can erase it and start again!)

This is how Roxio does it.

Under File, select New Project then Bootable Disk, you will need a blank CD/DVD and a bootable floppy.

Insert the cd and floppy.
Select - Bootable Disk, at this point you will chose the type of boot disk type.
Select - Floppy Disk Emulation (1.44 MB),
Select - Generate Image from Floppy
(my version allows you to save the bootimg.bin file for creating a bootable cd in the future.)

You will find more information on bootable devices in the Self Computer Repair Unleashed! E-Book.

The program will read the floppy, the next step is to burn the cd, if you have supporting files you want on the cd you can now add them under the two files that the software has created.

In case I have confused you any files that you add to the cd that are not on the floppy will show up on the drive that the CD/DVD drivers load, it could be C: or D: drive if you have not changed the drive letter designation in the Autoexec.bat file by adding this parameter to the MSCDEX.EXE line: /L:E this will make the CD/DVD drive letter E:\.

Already? Burn it!

Now test it, nothing like making a cd then needing to use it and it has an error!

Or you could use a program like ERD Commander or Bart's PE and save your self a lot of work and hassle.

As always if you need to contact me about this procedure use my support page to send me an email.

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