clueless in NJ - obviously

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  • BootAble – FreeDOS boot testing freeware

    To obtain direct, low-level access to a system's mass storage drives, SpinRite runs under a GRC-customized version of FreeDOS which has been modified to add compatibility with all file systems. In order to run SpinRite it must first be possible to boot FreeDOS.

    GRC's “BootAble” freeware allows anyone to easily create BIOS-bootable media in order to workout and confirm the details of getting a machine to boot FreeDOS through a BIOS. Once the means of doing that has been determined, the media created by SpinRite can be booted and run in the same way.

    The participants here, who have taken the time to share their knowledge and experience, their successes and some frustrations with booting their computers into FreeDOS, have created a valuable knowledgebase which will benefit everyone who follows.

    You may click on the image to the right to obtain your own copy of BootAble. Then use the knowledge and experience documented here to boot your computer(s) into FreeDOS. And please do not hesitate to ask questions – nowhere else can better answers be found.

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S

sorahl

Member
Aug 1, 2023
6
3
Ok. I am feeling fairly stupid at this point because i'm anticipating someone giving me the DUH do this, stupid. But i'm frustrated.
I have purchased SpinRite 6.1.. have a usb stick . I've done a number of things - ran SpinRite and had it create the bootable image on the USB stick. it doesn't work. I am using a laptop to test, where it is attempting to boot from usb but it says it is not bootable. When i look at the directory listing for the the stick i agree. All i see there a File called EDIT and SPINRITE
I next tried the BootAble, again had it create a USB and no change.
WHAT am I missing?
Thanks In advance..
 
SpinRite will not boot if your PC is in UEFI boot mode.
BootAble was made for users to test if their PC can be set to "Legacy" or "BIOS" boot mode before purchasing SpinRite. Most newer PCs do not have the option for "Legacy" or "BIOS" boot.

If you post your PC specs or motherboard model we can help to identify the issue.


***IF YOU USE BITLOCKER be sure to read the part about half way down the BootAble download page about
"Secure boot and BitLocker DANGER WILL ROBINSON !!!" ***

From the BootAble download page:
“Secure Boot” and Legacy / BIOS / CSM mode

Microsoft created “Secure Boot” specifically to prevent unsigned operating systems (like DOS or FreeDOS) from booting on modern computers, and Intel has replaced the original BIOS startup firmware (which all DOS's require) with UEFI.

In order to boot FreeDOS – which BootAble and SpinRite require – “Secure Boot” must be temporarily turned off (if it's on), and a system's startup firmware must have Legacy, BIOS, or CSM boot mode enabled. (Do not turn off secure boot until you check for BitLocker. See below.) Some systems refer to “CSM” which stands for Compatibility Support Module – another name for BIOS – so that's what you want.

Therefore, to boot FreeDOS and run BootAble or SpinRite: If “Secure Boot” is ON it needs to be turned off (but see the important details below, first!) and if a system has UEFI firmware its ability to also boot Legacy, BIOS, or CSM must be enabled.


edit: Added link to BootAble download page.
 
Last edited:
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