Computer won't boot up.

[G2C2C]

I have a computer on a network of 11 others that will not boot up, it is running Windows Vista. When it turns on it shows the black screen with the grey writing and the options for Safe Mode and Start Windows Normally. When I click either of those it then goes to another screen asking to insert CD ROM. Does anyone know what could be causing this? The other computers are going okay.

[Old_Geezer]

My first thoughts are a corrupted OS.
But I anticipate the real experts along any moment.

[rojash]

"My first thoughts are a corrupted OS. "
Those are my first thoughts, closely followed by "Have you set it in the BIOS to boot from CD?"

[G2C2C]

Okay. Is that something that can be checked without too much hassle and without the risk of making the situation worse? Or should I just leave it for someone who knows more what they are doing? If there is a way to log onto the BIOS or whatever it is to see if it's set up as rojash suggested I would have a go if I didn't think it would cause any worse damage.

[ChuckFickens]

Look for a brief message when the computer is very foirst turned on say something like press XX to enter setup and press the key indicated.

Then either have a look for the boot options and make sure the hard drive is at least listed as a boot device.... if not sure just reset the BIOS to defaults.

Though with a network of 11 computers you must have somebody who looks after them.

[ChuckFickens]

"foirst"???

My country boy roots are showing :)