How to Make a Windows Startup Disk From a CD-ROM

If you bought your computer from a major retailer, chances are that it did not come with a Windows installation disc. While this disc does not only reinstall Windows it also can act as a startup disk which is also called a "boot disk" or "recovery disk." This disk can be used to start Windows in case something goes wrong. Luckily, Microsoft has made it easy to create a startup disk right out of the box.

Automatic Method

• 1

  Click "Start."

• 2

  Type "Backup and Restore" into the search field.

• 3

  Click the "Backup and Restore" program.

• 4

  Click "Create a system repair disc."

• 5

  Insert a blank CD or DVD into the CD/DVD burner drive.

• 6

  Click "Create Disc" and wait for the setup to complete.

Manual Download

• 1

  Download a copy of a Windows startup disk image.

• 2

  Download the CD image file after selecting the version of Windows you have running on your computer.

• 3

  Burn the CD image file onto a CD or DVD using your CD/DVD burning software.