I used to have this error when starting my PC. " boot from atapi cd-rom failure, insert system disk and press enter " then after restarting a few times, I can successfully enter windows xp ( professional sp2 ) and so I take no notice of it. But now I get this error upon every boot of PC and this error persist even if I reboot 100 times. I can only enter my OS if I open up the computer and remove/insert the HD IDE cables. then the computer can enter windows successfully but after shutdown, the error continues and I have to do the above again. only by remove/insert the IDE cables of HD upn every boot then I can enter windows. My First Boot disk is floppy. have tried the following to no success 1) change the IDE cables. 2) recopy the system file using scannow Is my Hard Disk spolit? I have two cd-roms ( 1 dvd-rw and 1 dvd ) any ideas why? tks.

No idea to be honest but try setting the HDD0 as your first boot devoce, and desable all others. See if that helps first. IF IT AINT BROKE, DONT FIX IT A8N-SLI Deluxe AMD X64 3500+ Wnchst Corsair 2x512 DDR400 Dual Channel GV-NX6600128D PCIX Graphics Card Ggbyte GT Pro CPU Cooler Zalman VF700-CU VGA Cool

Try to uninstall the IDE controller drivers and reinstall them. You will need the drivers from your mobo drivers disc or go to the mobo manufacturer's web site and download the drivers prior to uninstalling them. IN THE MATTERS OF STYLE, swim with the current; in matters of principle, STAND LIKE A ROCK

Sounds like the bios is set to boot to CD only/first. Is there a CD in the CD drive? remove it if there is. Also go in to your bios (DEL or F2 when you first start your PC). Find your boot devices option and remove all devices. now add HD0 as the first boot device that should do it. potentially it is trying to boot to your hard disk, failing then trying your CD and failing. in which case it might be your hard disk is on its way out.

I believe Wizzard may have the explanation. If the CDrom is set as a boot device before the HD then the BIOS will look for bootable media there. If no disks are present then no problem but if a disk with data that isn't bootable is present the result could be the message you get. Does the CDrom function properly otherwise? Watch the POST screens at startup for all drives to be properly identified by model. Use Pause/ break if necessary.