biosbootdvdlenovo-laptopwindows 8.1
I have a Lenovo W540 laptop currently running windows 8.1. I have burned an ISO image of a linux-based OS onto a DVD-R using the Mastered burn type (not live file system). I cannot figure out how to get my laptop to boot from this disk. Within the BIOS settings, I have disabled secure boot.
I do not want to install this OS onto my computer, I want to boot it from the disk every time.
Below is an image of the boot order in the BIOS. Would one of those work? I already tried "USB CD
Here are some Q&A that might help you:
Did you do a full shutdown?
A hybrid shutdown (similar to hibernation) might prevent you from booting from the USB drive. To perform a full shutdown press Win+X and select the administrative command prompt. Type shutdown /s /t 0 and press Enter.
Did you try to call the boot menu?
There might be a keyboard button (usually F12) that you have to press in order to call up a menu that lets you boot from USB.
Did you use UnetBootIn to create your drive?
If yes, try Rufus instead. If you try to boot a Linux system you can also use Live Linux USB Creator.
Did you try your USB drive in another computer?
There might be something unusual about that one machine's BIOS or USB controllers.
Why doing a Shut Down and Power On again can't get you into BIOS?
Windows 8.x doesn't really shut down the laptop completely, but puts it into hibernation state. This is called "hybrid shutdown", and was invented to speedup subsequent Windows startup. The F2 prompt on startup, only appears from a true cold boot.
How to get into BIOS in Win8.x?
Restart the computer. Restart ignores hybrid shutdown so the computer does an "actual" restart.
Hold the shift key while pressing Shut Down. This forces the system to do a true shutdown.
Now if you plan on entering BIOS for quite a few times, you can disable Hybrid Shutdown.
Go to Power Options>Choose what closing the lid does. Click Change Settings that are currently unavailable then uncheck Turn on Fast Startup.
You will be able to enter the BIOS in subsequent startups. The downside to this is, of course, you won't bootup as fast as if Fast Startup were enabled.
Best Answer
If it doesn't work, there may be a problem with your installation medium.
(* For Linux it likely is Legacy Boot that you want.)