Hi James,

If there is no floppy in the floppy drive and you are still getting this
error, I would try putting a boot floppy in and booting that way.  If, after
that attempt, your system will still not boot, there might be a problem with
the IDE controller.  If it will boot, then it could be a problem with the
MBR of the hard drive.

If it is the MBR you "might" be able to salvage the data by installing
windows on a new hard drive and putting the current one in as the second
drive.  I wouldn't hold my breath, though.

Also, did you recently move or accidentaly kick or otherwise jiggle the
machine?  It's slightly possible the IDE cable dislodged a little bit.  It's
worth checking out.

Good luck!

Kyle Elmblade
Distinct Computer Solutions
[log in to unmask]

From: "James W. Christian" <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, March 22, 2001 1:54 PM
Subject: [PCBUILD] can not post


> hi when i try to post it go's so far and then i get a message that say's
> (invalid system disk riplace the disk and then press any key) no matter
> what key i press the same message come's up again,the only way i can get
> out is to click on ctrl alt delete, were do i start to at least be able
> to get into windows or safe mode,  thank you very much
>  james w, christian   [log in to unmask]
> P.S. i do not have a disk in the computer when i get this messageIBM
APTIVA 2168 M40 COMPUTER
>
> Purchased - 10/14/95
> 75 MHz Pentium processor, Mwave media processor
> 1GB hard disk (1000 million bytes)
> 8MB memory, expandable to 128MB
> 4x Speed Quad Speed IDE CD - ROM drive
> 28.8K bps data, 14.4k bps fax modem w/speakerphone
> 1 MB Video Ram
> Max Color Resolution 1280 x 1024 (16)
> 16-Bit Wave Table Sound Card
> IBM DOS 7.0
> Windows 95
> thanks again

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