When your PC boots up, it runs a series of tests known as Power-On Self Test (POST). During this time, the system checks the operation of hardware such as video cards, memory and the hard disk. If a problem is found, an error message occurs and the system halts until the problem can be resolved.

The "Disk Boot Failure" message typically occurs when the operating system is trying to load into memory but cannot, because either the required system files are missing, or the hard disk that contained them isn't recognized.

• Boot the system from a floppy and type "C:" at the prompt to locate your hard disk. If your hard disk is accessible, type "dir" and check the directory.
• If it appears that the data is intact and the drive is reading properly, immediately copy your critical files to another storage media.
• Once you're satisfied that all your data is backed up, run Microsoft's ScanDisk or Symantec's Norton Utilities. If no problems are found, simply reinstall the system software.
• If the hard disk does not appear after booting up from a floppy disk, you should check the CMOS settings as described in the next section regarding error messages.

• New Hard Drives use SMART capabilities to identify hard drive failures before they happen. Do not ignore these warnings.
• Impending failures are usually preceded by clicking, scraping, or other abnormal noise. If you notice this, take the time to backup your data.

The CMOS (also known as BIOS) maintains the date and time settings as well as information about how your hard disk is set up. These settings are retained by a battery on the motherboard. When the battery dies, the settings are lost and the hard disk will become unrecognizable.

• Most systems will allow you to enter the CMOS setup at start up time with a key stroke or two, such as [Del], [Esc] or [Cntrl]-[Esc].
• Some systems, such as Compaq, NEC, Mitsubishi and many laptops and notebooks require a setup or diagnostic diskette to change the CMOS drive setting.
• Once you enter the CMOS set up program, use the tab or arrow keys to jump to the appropriate field for drive settings and enter the correct settings for your drive.
• It is a good idea to keep these settings on a note attached to your computer for future reference.
• Most modern systems will let you "Auto" sense the drive. This will usually be successful. You should then reboot your PC.
• Back up your system and get a replacement battery from your dealer.
• If applicable, remove any new drives that have been added prior to the failure. This includes CDROM, DVD and Tape drives.

• When adding new hardware, use a qualified hardware technician. Static Discharge could damage your motherboard or drive.
• IDE Devices have jumpers on them programming them as to which device they will be. Ensure that jumpers are set properly or the drive may no longer be detected by the CMOS / BIOS.
• When plugging in cables, take care not to bend the pins on the device.

• If you are familiar with editing your CONFIG.SYS file, open it in the editor and search for lines that look similar to: "DEVICE=ASPIDISK.SYS". If no such line exists, check the manual or "READ ME" file on your installation disk for the cartridge drive or SCSI Host Adapter manual.
• Try a "test" cartridge - one that is known to be good but holds no irreplaceable data.
  * This will help you identify whether the problem is with the cartridge or the drive mechanism.
  * If the same problem occurs with another cartridge check the SCSI cables and be sure they are firmly attached and the termination is correct.
• Isolating the drive on the SCSI bus by disconnecting other devices may also be helpful.
• With most systems, the first SCSI drive must have a SCSI ID of 0 (zero), and the first removable media drive must have a SCSI ID of 2.

• If a software modifies the CONFIG.SYS file, it will usually create a backup. Look for the backup file to find proper settings.
• Ensure the SCSI BIOS is loading. Check with your setup guide to verify BIOS Settings.