This wikiHow teaches you how to start your computer from a CD, not from your computer's internal hard drive. This is very useful if you want to install another operating system on your computer.
Step
Method 1 of 2: On Windows Computer
Step 1. Insert the CD into the computer
You can do this by placing the CD in the computer's CD tray with the logo facing up. The CD must have listed the version of Windows on it.
Step 2. Go to Start
This can be done by clicking the Windows logo in the lower-left corner, or pressing Win.
In Windows 8, place the mouse cursor in the upper-right corner of the screen, then click the magnifying glass
Step 3. Click
It's in the lower-left corner of the Start window.
Step 4. Click on the Restart option located at the bottom of the menu that appears
If there are still programs running, you may be prompted to click Restart anyway in order to continue.
Step 5. Press and hold the Del key or F2 to enter setup.
The buttons that must be pressed can vary. Most computers will notify you with a message at startup that says "Press [keyboard key] to enter setup" or something similar. So, look for this message when the computer restarts to find out what key to press to enter the BIOS.
Look in your computer manual or computer manufacturer's website for the BIOS key on your computer
Step 6. Go to the Boot tab
Use the arrow keys to select this tab.
Depending on the manufacturer of the computer you are using, tab Boot may be named Boot Options.
Step 7. Select the CD-ROM Drive option
You can do this by pressing the arrow keys until there is a box surrounding this option.
Step 8. Press +. button until The CD-ROM Drive comes first.
This puts it at the very top of the boot options list.
You may have to press a different key according to the instructions listed on the right side of the BIOS screen
Step 9. Save your settings
You will be told what key to press (e.g. F10) at the bottom of the screen which functions the same as "Save and Exit". If the button is pressed, the computer will boot using the CD drive.
You may have to press Enter to confirm your changes
Method 2 of 2: On Mac Computer
Step 1. Insert the CD into the computer
You can do this by placing the CD (the logo should be facing up) into the CD slot on your Mac. The CD must have the Mac OS version on it indicating that you can use it to boot.
Some Mac computers do not have a CD slot. Purchase an external CD drive if your Mac doesn't have a CD slot
Step 2. Click
which is located in the upper left corner.
Step 3. Click Restart
It's at the bottom of the Apple menu.
Step 4. Click Restart when prompted
Your Mac computer will restart.
Step 5. Hold down Command key
Press and hold the Command key as soon as your Mac restarts, and keep holding it down until the Startup Manager window appears.
Step 6. Click the CD icon
It usually says something like "Mac OS X Install DVD" at the bottom. This icon will be selected once you click on it.
Step 7. Press Return
The Mac will boot from the CD drive.
