Lenovo C100 will not boot to bootable CD

On the HP System, you'll need to press the escape key as the system is starting up, and then hit F9 to get to Boot Device Options. Once there, you can set the boot order. After you've set the boot order, you'll also need to make sure that you have bootable files in the device that you've selected as the first boot device.

For example, if you've set the first boot device as CD-ROM drive, and the second is the Hard Disk Drive, then you'll have to make sure that there's a bootable CD/DVD in the drive when you start the system. If no bootable files are found on the first boot device, it'll automatically check the next boot device, which is the Hard disk and start booting from the Hard disk.

GuruAid

If you can get into BIOS check your boot order.  Set you HDD to first, then CD, then floppy, remove network if listed.

Causes

1. Computer is booting from a non-bootable source.
2. Computer hard disk drive is not properly setup in BIOS.
3. Corrupt NTLDR and NTDETECT.COM file.
4. Misconfiguration with the boot.ini file..
5. Corrupt boot sector / master boot record.
6. Seriously corrupted version of Windows 2000 or Windows XP.
7. Loose or Faulty IDE/EIDE hard disk drive cable.
8. Failing to enable USB keyboard support in the BIOS.

Solutions

Computer is booting from a non-bootable source

Many times this error is caused when the computer is attempting to boot from a non-bootable CD-ROM. First verify that no CD is in the computer, unless you are attempting to boot from a CD.

hi there,
please make sure that there is no USB flashdrive connected on your computer and make sure that there is no cd in the drive.
It's saying that it cannot find a bootable device because the drive it's trying to boot from doesn't have any bootable file.
If there is no cd in the drive and no USB flashdrive is connected chances are that your operating system installed in the hard drive was corrupted and you may have to do a reinstallation.
Hope this helps!

This issue is often caused by either an incorrect setting in BIOS or a bad boot device, such as a bad hard disk drive.

Try this:

Verify that your hard disk drive is setup and detected properly in BIOS. You're computer should list a hard disk drive installed either under the main page or the drives page in BIOS. If BIOS indicates the drive is not installed or not detected skip to Hard Disk drive is bad or not connected properly.
Verify the boot options are properly set in BIOS, almost all BIOS setups should contain options specifying how your computer boots. For example, most computers should have their boot options setup similar to the below example.

- Floppy drive
- CD drive
- Hard drive

Rest your BIOS to default values. Many BIOS will enable users to reset the values to the default settings. If you've tried the above options without success try resetting the BIOS.

Boot from either your emergency repair disk, your bootable Windows CD, or your bootable restore CD.
Once boot attempt to repair Windows. If you're able to repair Windows remove the disks and reboot the computer.

If the above fails:

Verify the connections are properly connected to the computer if the hard drive was recently installed or the computer was moved.

If all connections are setup properly and all the above recommendations have been attempted, it is likely that the hard disk drive is bad and it will need to be replaced.

Let us know how it works out.

Use an external CD rom or sometimes there is a petition file in the Hard drive to format.

This error can be caused by one or more of the below possibilities.
Floppy or CD that is not bootable is cur...
BIOS or CMOS setup is not setup properly...
Hard disk drive does not have bootable f...
The hard disk drive is bad or not connec...
Solution: Floppy or CD that is not bootable is currently in the computer Verify that no floppy diskette or CD is currently in the computer. If a diskette or CD is in the computer that is not bootable your computer may attempt to boot from that diskette or CD causing this error message.
BIOS is not setup properly Additional information and help with getting into BIOS or CMOS setup can be found on http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000...
Verify that your hard disk drive is setup and detected properly in BIOS. You're computer should list a hard disk drive installed either under the main page or the drives page in BIOS. If BIOS indicates the drive is not installed or not detected skip to Hard Disk drive is bad or not connected ....
Verify the boot options are properly set in BIOS, almost all BIOS setups should contain options specifying how your computer boots. For example, most computers should have their boot options setup similar to the below example.
- Floppy drive
- CD drive
- Hard drive

Rest your BIOS to default values. Many BIOS will enable users to reset the values to the default settings. If you've tried the above options without success try resetting the BIOS.
Hard disk drive does not have bootable files on it It is possible that command.com or another bootable file may be missing from the hard disk drive. Follow the below steps to possible resolve your issue.
Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows ME users
Boot from a bootable floppy diskette.
At the A:> type fdisk <press enter>
If you receive a message no fixed disk present, read Hard Disk drive is bad or not connected ....
If you are able to get into fdisk, choose option 4 to display the partition information. In the partition information, if the System is listed as FAT16 or FAT32 then continue to step 5. If you have a message indicating no partitions defined, no information is on your hard disk drive and you will need to create a new partition. See our fdisk page for additional information.
If you see FAT16 or FAT32 in fdisk press the ESC key until back at the A:>
Once at the A:> type, sys c: <press enter> (only do this command if you are using the same operating system that this diskette was created on).
This should return a message 'System Transferred', if you receive bad command or file name and have verified you have typed the command properly, you will need to obtain a bootable diskette with the file sys.com on it.
If system was transferred successfully, reboot the computer and issue should be resolved.
Windows 2000 and Windows XP users
Boot from either your ERD, your bootable Windows CD, or your bootable restore CD.
Once boot attempt to repair Windows. If you're able to repair Windows remove the disks and reboot the computer.
All users
If your operating system is not listed above or the above steps did not resolve your issue you can also try erasing the hard disk drive and starting over.The hard disk drive is bad or not connected properly
If you have attempted all above suggestions and you are still encountering the same issues, verify the connections are properly connected to the computer if the hard drive was recently installed or the computer was moved.
Unfortunately, if all connections are setup properly and all the above recommendations have been attempted, it is likely that the hard disk drive is bad and it will need to be replaced.

you can check by disabling all other driver to boot except from cd rom. if it fails again then try with a new bootable cd written in low speed, if still it fails then try with a new rom

1. Verify that your hard disk drive is setup and detected properly in BIOS. You're computer should list a hard disk drive installed either under the main page or the drives page in BIOS. If BIOS indicates the drive is not installed or not detected skip to Hard Disk drive is bad or not connected properly.
2. Verify the boot options are properly set in BIOS, almost all BIOS setups should contain options specifying how your computer boots. For example, most computers should have their boot options setup similar to the below example.
   
   - Floppy drive
   - CD drive
   - Hard drive
   
3. Rest your BIOS to default values. Many BIOS will enable users to reset the values to the default settings. If you've tried the above options without success try resetting the BIOS.

One of your memory slots might be bad as I'm assuming you tried both memory chips in the known working slot.
I found setting the boot up sequence in BIOS is better than using F12.
Set your BIOS to boot the CDROM first. I suspect the hard drive has failed or has a problem. Do you have a floppy boot disk? Lenovo has PCDoctor bootable diagnostics on their website. You may have inadvertently bent a pin inserting the hard drive. Your CMOS battery could be dead but since that was untouched I would be surprised.