How to fix boot error "PXE-E61" Media Test failure
If your laptop or desktop computer won't start and displays the following message:
PXE-E61: Media test failure, check cable
Or
PXE-M0F: Exiting PXE ROM
Your BIOS settings may be incorrect, or your hard disc could be failing, according to this error. For the Media Test Failure, Check Cable problem to be resolved, it is essential to understand the root problem of PXE-E61.
One boot mode that some motherboards offer is Preboot eXecution Environment, or PXE. This allows the computer to now boot from a network disc. Since the computer was unable to locate the boot drive, the full error message instructs you to examine the cable.
The PXE specification in computing provides a standardised client-server environment that starts a software assembly that was downloaded over a network on PXE-capable clients. It uses a modest number of industry-standard network protocols on the client side, including DHCP and TFTP, and only needs a NIC with PXE capabilities.
There are many reasons causing this error. They might be
- The BIOS's incorrectly configured boot order
- Physical damage to either a hard drive or network drive
- A defective ethernet cable
- Power issue
- Boot sector damages
The BIOS incorrectly configured boot order
Verify to see if the network drive is at the top of the boot order if you want to boot from one. Alternatively, position it highest in the BIOS settings.
Enter the BIOS Setup after starting your computer. Verify that network boot is not set up for the boot sequence. Ensure that your hard drive appears in the boot order. Your machine wants to boot from the chosen bootable network disc when you turn it on.
The next approach might be useful if this one is unsuccessful.
Physical damage to either a hard drive or network drive
You might have Windows installed on your hard disc, but the linked network drive, which doesn't have Windows installed on it, is given top priority during bootup. The device will try to boot from the network disc, but it may fail and display a PXE-E61 error.
Disable the network drive by unplugging the network cable in order to resolve the PXE-E61 Media Test Failure, Check Cable error.
Otherwise, you might reinstall the BIOS to its factory settings. This will cause the internal hard disc to boot the computer.
The CMOS battery has a flat, spherical form. It resembles the ones seen in electronic watches and toys. Avoid attempting to remove it if it cannot be, and reset the BIOS using the first approach instead.
Note: Removing and replacing the CMOS battery will restore the BIOS setting to its default position.
A defective ethernet cable
The BIOS will try to start from USB first if the BIOS is configured improperly and the USB boot has the greatest priority in the booting process. You can have a Media Test Failure error if the linked USB device cannot be booted since it will then look for a bootable device on the network.
To avoid starting from USB, remove the external USB device.
Power issue
When you turn on your computer, the system wants to start from the designated bootable network drive. The hardware could be connected incorrectly or loosely, which would prevent the system from booting and result in the PXE-E61: Media Test Failure issue.
Check your network drive carefully, making sure the power wires are connected correctly and are in good shape.
Note: Contact a data recovery specialist to retrieve your lost data if the drive is damaged or not identified.
Boot Sector Damages
You shouldn't try any additional random steps if none of the options resolved the issue. To avoid any loss of information, you must approach the operator of professional data backup and recovery services. The data itself is ultimately what matters the most.
Note: In the event that the PXE-E61: Media Test Failure, Check Cable Boot problem could not be resolved, you must first recover your data. To prevent irreversible data loss, recover your data. It is completely free for you to restore it using free data recovery software. You can seek data recovery services if you are unable to retrieve your data on your own. Online restoration and in-lab backup and restoration are the two choices for recovering data.