reboot and select proper boot device or insert boot media in selected boot device

[marilynd]

I have been given a computer, which was previously used for business purposes. It has been purged of all programmes. When I turn it on I get the message "reboot and select proper boot device or insert boot media in selected boot device". How do I do this? What is a "boot device". I have only ever had computers that have come ready for use before so am struggling with this one.

[pauln90]

Could be a number of things either software or hardware.

However I think it most probable that the previous owner has uninstalled everything on the hard drive.Maybe even formatted it in which case you will have to install an operating system.

Do you have install disc for windows or a recovery disc for the pc

[ACtheTROLL]

I think the purging was actually a total blitzing

sounds like the disc has been totally emptied ... along with the operating system ... you need a new version of windows (I assume you'd want windows) installing

the first stage of the install involves formatting the drive ... and the creation of a "boot sector" - it sounds as if this is gone.

some businesses buy operating systems by license
when they replace a machine the licence transfers to the new machine ... and they don't need to buy another copy .... this means you do

On the other hand ... it could just be a mistake ....
come back if you need more

[peanut]

Just to be sure, you should check BIOS and be sure that your computer is set to boot from the hard drive. Or you could use a bootable cd just to see if the computer even will boot to begin with.

[marilynd]

The computer does boot up from a disc. How do I check the BIOS, please?

[peanut]

When you restart your computer, there is usually something like a logo that pops up for just a couple seconds. While that logo is showing, keep tapping either F2 or delete. This should take you into BIOS. In BIOS, you go to the BOOT section by using your arrow keys then press enter. In the boot screen select boot device priority. Usually it is set up to boot first from floppy, second from CD, third from Hard disc. There are many different ways to follow this procedure depending on your computer. You may not be able to do this exactly as I say, but it should be close. DO NOT do anything else in the bios screen. Don't forget to save your changes if you make changes to your boot priority.

[peanut]

If everything is ok in BIOS, then the first two posts to this thread are probably spot on.

[marilynd]

Thanks all for your help. The BIOS thing was the key to the problem.