Win2k Boot Error

[biggpigg]

I'm running a Win2k Pro version of windows, all updates etc. I also actively run Norton Pro. I have never had any problems with my omputer before (virus, HD, whatever), and while I'm not a computer genius I do know my way around my box (I worked tech/network support for my college, etc.)

2 hours ago I shut my computer down through the normal Start -> Shutdown procedure. Half an hour later I turned the computer on. Memory check runs okay, then it loads my CD/DVD drives.

- It detects my primary master (HD) as normal
- Detects Sec. Mater and Sec. slaves (my DVD and CD-RW respectively) as normal
- Lists my PCI devices as normal

Then:
"Verifying DMI Pool Data..." (this is normal)
"Boot from ATAPI CD-ROM: Boot from ATA-PI CD-ROM:" (don't remember what it usually says here but this is at least familiar...)
"Cannot load DOS! Pres any key to retry."

As you all know this means "Press any key, I'll reboot, and then I'll continue to give you this error message for all eternity when I get to this boot point each time."

- I have made no recent hardware or software changes
- I don't download ransomc rap off the internet
- I have not run Ad-Aware type programs since my last reboot so I didn't delete/change anything by accident

Any ideas?

[bAdWaYz]

Can you get it to boot into safe mode? If so maybe scandisk for errors but it sounds like its trying to boot from one of the rom drives. "Boot from ATAPI CD-ROM: Boot from ATA-PI CD-ROM" Is the cd or dvd dirve either listed as first boot device in the BIOS? It shouldn't really matter as long as the hard drive is listed in the boot order at some point but for faster boots I always list mine as first and change it as needed.