System recovery (by 3 users)

Non system disk

When a computer boots, the bios will look for any media so that the computer can boot. The default setting is that Floppy>CD rom > Hard disk. But we can change this boot order in the bios.

So, when the computer boots it will first look for system files in the floppy, if it doesnt find any system file it will show the above error message "non system disk, replace the disk and press any key". So, please check whether u have inserted any floppy in the drive.
If there is no floppy it will go in search for a CD, if there is no CD it will go in search for a Hard disk.
If the hard disk's first sector is damaged(bad sector) the same error will be shown
Solution- Replace with a new HDD and you have to install a fresh copy of windows.

If the system file has been corrputed the same error message will be shown.
Solution- Reinstall windows.

Solution provided by ShaC

you will need to get an Operating system CD that is like yours and bootable. Example windows xp Professional....and boot with it ,,
choose repair by pressing R and when it reaches the black and white screen..type chkdsk /r
that should recover your system

when booting. keep pressing F8, this will take you into safe mode.
f8 start you with minimal drivers, and no extra programs.
accessories tool should get you into system tools, then you can make a startup boot disk.
good luck!

Non-system disk / Please insert system disk:

This is the BIOS telling you that the "Boot Device" it is trying to use is not boot-able.

You might be using the wrong boot device... meaning a floppy disk might be in the floppy drive.

If you are using the correct Boot Device, then the operating system (OS) that was on that device has been damaged and needs to be repaired or re-installed.

The BIOS menu's generally allow you to select a boot device order. The normal order is Floppy -> CD -> Hard Drive... if no floppy is found, it will look for a CD... if no bootable CD is found it will boot from the HD.

TJ

refresh bios #39sf040

Your original question, how can you bypass was answered but unless your boot-order was messed up in your BIOS you are going to have to get a new system disk. The only way you are going to do that is:
-Calling Gateway and telling your story. Chances are good if it?s a Windows XP or Vista PC they will just ship you a new one.
-Finding a friend with a similar PC and making a copy.
-Purchasing Windows.

Good luck

I had the same problem. I called Gateway and purchased a recovery disk. At first it didn't work, so I called Gateway again and they suggested a new hard drive. Couldn't afford that just yet, so I took a look inside-found alot of dust; I cleaned as much as I could reach the fan was a challenge; removed the hard drive as instructed gateway provides manuals online. Looked at it decided to put it back in and deal with it later. I am one never to give up-later on that same day I tried booting up twice. At first it wouldn't come on.
Second time was the charm. I inserted the recovery disk and the rest is history. I did have to try the recovery disk twice and press f8 a couple of times before it clicked but now my 2 year old desktop works.