Boot from CD without adjusting BIOS???

FastCougar · 06-11-2008, 09:26 PM

Is it possible somewhere in window's settings to get the computer to boot from CD at next restart without adjusting the BIOS settings? I have an OLD server ... the OLD NECO servers be exact and I'm wishing to install Windows Server 2003 on and there is a major snaffu. The machines are anchient and require the older serial/PS2 mouse & keyboard. I don't have one and the USB keyboard & mouse aren't detectable until the OS is booted up. Therefore, I can't get into the BIOS settings to get it to boot from CD. Hell, the CD is a bootable CD and on the POST messages, I see "Press any key to boot from CD" and pressing the keys doesn't do squat because the machine doesn't recognize the keyboard until Windows is booted up. Anyone have any ideas before I go knocking on neighbor's doors???

marinofan · 06-11-2008, 09:29 PM

Not that I know of. I have an old ps2 Keyboard that I keep for that exact reason. USB is great.. unless you need to do something useful

deliveryguy · 06-11-2008, 09:34 PM

If its not that urgent I can send you a USB => PS/2 converter. Otherwise, you can make the PC think it's at boot by initializing the executable that is located on the install CD. It should be located in the i386 directory - something like winsrv.exe or something of the like.

Erg · 06-11-2008, 09:50 PM

Make recovery onto floppy and try. It should not ask you -Boot from CD- crap. Again depends on bios setting. Other than that, bum keyboard for a second.

kaupov · 06-12-2008, 02:51 AM

Actually the line "Press any key to boot from CD" is printed to screen from CD so it is booting to CD but it checks if you already have an OS. If there is no partition on the hard drive (maybe also with cleared MBR) the Windows installation usually starts automatically. If this is acceptable you can try this out.

NorCalCoug · 06-12-2008, 05:29 AM

You could just use an old PS2 cable and short two of the wires together for a quick second to generate a "keypress". YMMV and I'm not responsible if you kill your PS2 port.

Blackcoog · 06-12-2008, 08:54 AM

Can't you pick up a converter that goes form USB to serial? I have a few of those. Pick one up from the store or online for a few bucks. Then you don't need to lug around an ancient keyboard.

marinofan · 06-12-2008, 01:33 PM

USB to PS2 works better and yeah there like 5 bucks I think I have 2 of them

FastCougar · 06-12-2008, 03:24 PM

Went to a local computer repair store today and was going to buy a new PS2 keyboard and the guy goes "why not just get one of the used one's over there". At which point, he gets up, walks over to a bin full of keyboards on the other side of the store, and hands one to me in very good condition. I follow him to the counter to pay and he says "don't bother, take it". It's really saving me a lot of grief, so I insisted on something and handed the guy a $5 bill ... problem solved!

BTW, I fount a PS2 to USB converter in my "computer junk" box and it wouldn't work

marinofan · 06-12-2008, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FastCougar

BTW, I fount a PS2 to USB converter in my "computer junk" box and it wouldn't work

Mine had the same problem of not working when I got my new microsoft keyboard, thats why I have 2 KBs on my computer.
People look at me funny cause of that... (like thats the only reason)

06-11-2008, 09:26 PM	#1 (permalink)
FastCougar In search of more boost! Join Date: Nov 1999 Location: Kearneysville, WV Posts: 8,087 Images: 732	Boot from CD without adjusting BIOS??? Is it possible somewhere in window's settings to get the computer to boot from CD at next restart without adjusting the BIOS settings? I have an OLD server ... the OLD NECO servers be exact and I'm wishing to install Windows Server 2003 on and there is a major snaffu. The machines are anchient and require the older serial/PS2 mouse & keyboard. I don't have one and the USB keyboard & mouse aren't detectable until the OS is booted up. Therefore, I can't get into the BIOS settings to get it to boot from CD. Hell, the CD is a bootable CD and on the POST messages, I see "Press any key to boot from CD" and pressing the keys doesn't do squat because the machine doesn't recognize the keyboard until Windows is booted up. Anyone have any ideas before I go knocking on neighbor's doors??? __________________ 1999 Mercury Cougar - Turbo'd 3L. Status: Working on cooling issue and concerned about 150psi compression test on cylinder #5. Power: 391.9 hp @ 6750 rpm \| 374.2 lbs/ft. @ 4250 rpm \| boost @ 11 psi For Sale: 19" Konig Verdicts with Toyo ProxesFZ4 225/35ZR19 Tires - $850 shipped! "There are times when I wish someone would implement facepunching over TCP/IP" - NorCalCoug

06-11-2008, 09:34 PM	#3 (permalink)
deliveryguy NECO Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Princeton, MA Posts: 654	Re: Boot from CD without adjusting BIOS??? If its not that urgent I can send you a USB => PS/2 converter. Otherwise, you can make the PC think it's at boot by initializing the executable that is located on the install CD. It should be located in the i386 directory - something like winsrv.exe or something of the like. __________________ WTB •End links •Fidanza flywheel •Anything CF •NEW Slave Cylinder •01-02 Steering Wheel •99-00 Fog Lamps •Euro/WW/AM Grille •Lower (long) '99-00 Grille •Aussie Corner Reflectors (01-02) FS •Stock Rio Red Spoiler - $50 shipped

06-11-2008, 09:50 PM	#4 (permalink)
Erg NECO Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Quad Cities Iowa Posts: 4	Re: Boot from CD without adjusting BIOS??? Make recovery onto floppy and try. It should not ask you -Boot from CD- crap. Again depends on bios setting. Other than that, bum keyboard for a second.

06-12-2008, 02:51 AM	#5 (permalink)
kaupov NECO Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Estonia Posts: 7	Re: Boot from CD without adjusting BIOS??? Actually the line "Press any key to boot from CD" is printed to screen from CD so it is booting to CD but it checks if you already have an OS. If there is no partition on the hard drive (maybe also with cleared MBR) the Windows installation usually starts automatically. If this is acceptable you can try this out. __________________ Ford Cougar '99 2,5 V6 125kW Honda Prelude '82 1,6 60kW \| IZ 412IE Last edited by kaupov; 06-12-2008 at 02:56 AM.

06-12-2008, 05:29 AM	#6 (permalink)
NorCalCoug El Mucho Post Whoro Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 13,818	Re: Boot from CD without adjusting BIOS??? You could just use an old PS2 cable and short two of the wires together for a quick second to generate a "keypress". YMMV and I'm not responsible if you kill your PS2 port.

06-12-2008, 08:54 AM	#7 (permalink)
Blackcoog 3L Install Maestro Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 4,350	Re: Boot from CD without adjusting BIOS??? Can't you pick up a converter that goes form USB to serial? I have a few of those. Pick one up from the store or online for a few bucks. Then you don't need to lug around an ancient keyboard. __________________ Current Rides 1999 MTX Cougar, 3L Supercharged 325hp and 278tq 1999 SVT Contour, Ported 3L Visit: http://www.3lduratec.com For info on ready to drop in 3L's and our supercharger kit.

06-12-2008, 03:24 PM	#9 (permalink)
FastCougar In search of more boost! Join Date: Nov 1999 Location: Kearneysville, WV Posts: 8,087 Images: 732	Re: Boot from CD without adjusting BIOS??? Went to a local computer repair store today and was going to buy a new PS2 keyboard and the guy goes "why not just get one of the used one's over there". At which point, he gets up, walks over to a bin full of keyboards on the other side of the store, and hands one to me in very good condition. I follow him to the counter to pay and he says "don't bother, take it". It's really saving me a lot of grief, so I insisted on something and handed the guy a $5 bill ... problem solved! BTW, I fount a PS2 to USB converter in my "computer junk" box and it wouldn't work __________________ 1999 Mercury Cougar - Turbo'd 3L. Status: Working on cooling issue and concerned about 150psi compression test on cylinder #5. Power: 391.9 hp @ 6750 rpm \| 374.2 lbs/ft. @ 4250 rpm \| boost @ 11 psi For Sale: 19" Konig Verdicts with Toyo ProxesFZ4 225/35ZR19 Tires - $850 shipped! "There are times when I wish someone would implement facepunching over TCP/IP" - NorCalCoug

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