How to Clean Your Hard Drive with SURERASE
SURERASE Pro Startup / Boot Issues
Your System Must Boot from the CD
In order to function properly, the system being erased must boot from the SurErase CD. While this will happen automatically on most computers, the configuration of your PC may not permit this action by default. In this case, you will need to reconfigure or direct your system to boot from the CD either by hitting the proper key at startup time or by configuring the BIOS.
Changing the Boot Method
Each manufacturer provides different ways to set the system to boot from the CD. All manufacturers permit the BIOS to be configured to allow a CD boot and some manufacturers provide a way to intervene at the beginning of the start to boot from the CD on a one-time basis.
To determine the options offered by your system, pay close attention to the screen immediately after turning it on. You might see a message such as that offered by many Dell Systems:
F2 – Setup
F12 – Boot Menu
These Dell systems allow the user to configure the BIOS by pressing F2 during the early phase of the boot, or access a Boot Menu by pressing F12. The Boot Menu allows the user to choose which device the system should boot from for that particular boot. When using this method, the procedure needs to be repeated each time, whereas configuring the BIOS will allow the PC to boot from the CD from that point on.
Using the BIOS Method
If your system does not offer a Boot Menu, or you wish to configure your system permanently to boot from the CD, you will need to configure the BIOS.
If you do not see a message such as the one above, you will need to try various function keys at the beginning of the startup process until you find one that works. You can use the table below as a general guideline, but it is by no means exhaustive. We also recommend that you check the web site of your computer’s user manual, manufacturer or Google the information for your specific computer model.
| Computer | Function Keys |
|---|---|
| Compaq | F10 |
| Dell | F2 or DEL |
| eMachine | DEL |
| Gateway | F1 or F2 |
| HP | F1 or F2 |
| IBM | F1 or F2 |
| Sony | F2 |
| Toshiba | F1 or ESC |
Common Function Keys to Access BIOS
Once in the BIOS, use the arrow keys on your keyboard to navigate to the ‘Boot Sequence’ menu. Once there, change the boot setting so that the CD-ROM drive is listed before the primary hard drive or “C Drive.” Then Save your setting and Exit the BIOS setup by following the on-screen instructions.
After changing the BIOS configuration you will need to restart your system, at which time it should boot from the SurErase CD.
If you still have problems, you will need to consult your computer's user manual or manufacturer's support website for specific instructions. If you still cannot get your system to boot from the CD, contact customer support and we’ll do our best to help you out.