When you start a system, BIOS (Basic Input Output System) recognizes, tests and initializes all the connected hardware including hard disk. It ensures that system should reach to a stage so that operating system can be loaded. If you find system not starting up, the probability is that hard disk is damaged or is not properly configured in BIOS. Thus, it is very critical to always maintain a data backup and regularly update it. If your hard disk gets damaged without the availability of valid backup, data recovery solutions come to rescue.

You might encounter the below error message while trying to start your Windows-based system:

“1962: No operating system found. Press F1 to repeat boot sequence”

Cause

Possible causes for the above error message to occur are:

• BIOS is not configured to recognize hard drive properly
• Incorrect boot sequence in BIOS
• Hard disk cabling issues
• Jumper settings concerns
• Windows installation is corrupt
• Hard disk is damaged

Solution

You should consider applying these methods to solve ‘No operating system found’ error:

1. Check BIOS settings. Make sure that your hard disk is being properly recognized by BIOS
2. You should ensure proper boot sequence. The above error might occur if system tries to boot from a removable media that doesn’t contain required boot files
3. Check all hard disk and interface cables are properly connected and are in healthy state
4. Diagnose and fix jumper settings issues, if any
5. Try to boot the system using Windows installation disc. If you can boot the system, Windows installation might be corrupt. Repair the damaged Windows installation using ‘Startup Repair’ options. If it fails, reinstall Windows and restore from backup. Use data recoveryapplications if backup fails to restore or is absent.
6. If you cannot boot the system using installation disc either, hard disk might be physically damaged. A physically damaged hard disk is not recognized by BIOS. You should immediately turn off the system, replace the hard drive and restore from backup. If you observe any backup problems, consult data recovery servicesprofessionals for recovering lost from physically crashed drive.