on the screen of my loptop it says missing operating system what is wrong?

first: check there is no diskette in the floppy drive.
second: use your windows or other OS disc to install your O perating S ystem.
If you are using a cd rom, ensure the laptop is set up to boot from cd rom. Go to the BIOS and set it up there(usually by pressing the DELETE button as soon as you see the FIRST set of letters).Look for a boot section.
If you are using a boot up diskette ensure then that the BIOS is set up to boot from the a:\ drive. If given the choice, ask to boot up with cd rom support.
Good luck.

Hugo
September 2005