Question

Auto-boot doesn't work - on NEC CD/DVD - XP Pro - I've tried Tweak-UI - still doesn't work

Asked by: DFlaschen

A long time ago, I turned off Auto-boot on my CD/DVD drive.  I can't remember why or HOW.  It's been happily off for some time.
It turns out I MUST have it back on now - because I need Virtual Machine, which needs AutoBoot to install it's Operating System.

I can't turn Auto-Boot on.
I've tried Tweak-UI,  I looked in the BIOS, I['ve looked at right-click Properties.
Just can't turn it on.
BTW: The CD in question is a Windows XP Home CD.  
The computer is a Dell INspiron 8600 (which I may hurl out the Window before you read this)

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Asked On
2008-07-18 at 11:27:04ID23577747
Topics

Computer Hard Drives

,

VMware

,

Microsoft Operating Systems

Participating Experts
4
Points
125
Comments
9

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Answers

 

by: rindiPosted on 2008-07-18 at 12:40:58ID: 22039081

To install an OS from CD or CD image in a VmWare VM, you boot that VM, then either go into the BIOS that gets displayed (I think you need to press F2) and then change the boot order, or press F12 when it shows up, and there you can directly say to boot from CD.

 

by: SysExpertPosted on 2008-07-18 at 12:48:06ID: 22039159

in My computer, right click on the CD drive, and look at the autoplay Tab.

I hope this helps !

 

by: larstrPosted on 2008-07-18 at 15:22:43ID: 22040317

1. VMware normally disabled AutoPlay in your VMs to avoid it starting to autoplay in all of your guest OSes and eating all your resources when you change cdrom.
2. Autoboot from CD is only enabled during the first boot when creating a VM. To boot from a CD after that you will either need to select to boot from CD in the boot menu (hit Esc during POST to come to the boot menu), or you can change the boot device order in the virtual BIOS (as mentioned by rindi).

If POST is too quick for you, please see here: http://vmfaq.com/entry/40/

Lars

 

by: S00007359Posted on 2008-07-20 at 01:37:32ID: 22044968

As a quick workaround, i suggest you make iso files of the OS disks, and configure your vm's to boot / use iso files, it's much faster that way.

 

by: DFlaschenPosted on 2008-07-20 at 12:41:20ID: 22046695

I am using the Microsoft Virtual Machine - not VMWare.  Is VMWare also free?  (<- Anyobdy know?)
I think I will try the ISO path.  I think Virtual Machine can be given an ISO image.

 

by: rindiPosted on 2008-07-20 at 13:04:58ID: 22046752

Yes, vmware server is free and a lot better than the m$ stuff. I'd never use anything m$ if there is something else around. Also, vmware server runs as host on other platforms than m$'s virtual pc, so you are much more flexible there.

 

by: DFlaschenPosted on 2008-07-20 at 13:20:20ID: 22046788

Server?  I have a PC running XP Pro and I want to run XP Home in a Virtual Machine.  Is Server what I want for that?  thanks.

 

by: rindiPosted on 2008-07-20 at 13:45:15ID: 22046888

The software is called vmware server, it runs on all platforms. They also have vmware workstation which isn't free. Yes, you want vmware server.

 

by: DFlaschenPosted on 2008-07-21 at 14:09:01ID: 31478050

It has not escaped my attention that the solution provided DID solve my need but did not figure out how to retore the auto-boot capability of my DVD drive.  If someone feels I've awarded these points unfairly, please let me know and I will respond.  Thank you.  (My drive still doesn't auto-boot but using the ISO solution eliminates the need for auto-boot.  It is an effective work-around for me).  david

20120131-EE-VQP-002

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