CDs

  • Thread starter Thread starter bob
  • Start date Start date
Anyone know the exact difference between a bootable CD and a
non-bootable one?
Click to expand...

A bootable CD or DVD is built up according to the El Torito standard.
This means that the ISO9660 File System has an extension which provides
information to a BIOS so that the BIOS knows where to boot from and what
files to load from where.
Bootable CDs or DVDs are a BIOS thing, once the OS is up and running the
bootable structures are ignored.

It is not simply possible to copy a bootable floppy image onto CD or DVD
and then hope the medium is now bootable.
The File System really needs to know and needs to provide special
structures and volume descriptors (in accordance with the El Torito
standard).

If you want to create a bootable CD or DVD you need to use a mastering
application that does it for you.
E.g. in Nero or Easy CD Creator you can check an option to make a
bootable CD/DVD and the application will then prompt you to insert a
bootable floppy or use a bootable image.

More info available on the 'net ;-)
 
i'm trying to back up my win 2k cd. the original is bootable, but all
the copies i make aren't. is this what you would expect?
 
i'm trying to back up my win 2k cd. the original is bootable, but all
the copies i make aren't. is this what you would expect?
Click to expand...

Yes it is.

Here's a tutorial I think you'll find of use.
 
I would expect it to be bootable. I've made copies of Windows 98 and
Windows ME, and both are bootable copies. How did you copy Win 2K?

--
Edward A. Weissbard
El Paso, TX

"Life is easy with eyes closed"
-----------------------------------------------
 
Mark,

but you are right, it depends on how the copy is made.

--
Edward A. Weissbard
El Paso, TX

"Life is easy with eyes closed"
-----------------------------------------------
 
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