What is Media Test Failure Check Cable Error?(+Solutions)

Computers are a must-have today since they increase our productivity and can enhance our privacy. However, if your comp throws the media test check cable error, you might think it’s too costly and difficult to maintain. From experience, if you understand this error, you can fix it without hiring an expert or spending much time. 

This error message alerts you to address problems related to your computer’s Preboot eXecution Environment (PXE). It typically occurs when the machine can’t read your boot device or your boot sequence is misconfigured.  

There are simple troubleshooting techniques that you can follow to fix this error. Read on for more on the root causes and the best ways to resolve them. 

What is PXE E61 Media Test Failure Check Cable Error? 

PXE-416 errors appear on your screen to alert you about problems related to your computer’s boot mode that some other motherboards support (PXE). This boot mode is designed to allow your desktop or laptop to boot from a network drive instead of your hard drive. 

When you see the error message, your computer can’t find the appropriate boot drive. Here is a list of the significant issues that can cause media test failure check cable error: 

• Physically damaged, crashed, or corrupted network drive or hard drive.
• Power issues.
• Misconfigured BIOS boot order. 
• Damaged cables. 
• Damaged boot sector. 

How Do I Fix Media Test Failure Check Cable Error? 

Here we will list all the possible fixes for the issue.

Check Power Supply

An inadequate power supply can be an underlying cause of media test failure check cable error. As your computer attempts to boot from the configured bootable network drive, a loose connection between the hardware may hinder the transmission of signals and cause the problem. 

You can solve this by using quality power cables and ensuring they are appropriately connected. 

Remove USB Storage Devices

You can get the error if your USB boot has the highest booting priority, yet it’s not bootable. If this is the case and the BIOS is misconfigured, the BIOS will boot from the USB without success. It will then search the bootable network devices, increasing the risk of encountering the error. 

So, by removing the external USB devices, you direct the BIOS to skip USB and fix it. 

Change Boot Order in BIOS

Most computers boot from the hard drive. Nonetheless, you can do the following to change it to network drive if you think this setup is causing the error: 

Step 1: Restart or turn on the computer 

Step 2: Press “F2” as the computer turns on to get into the BIOS setup utility (Use your user’s manual to verify if you should press a different key) 

Step 3: Go to the “Boot Menu” (Note that the menu’s name could vary slightly depending on the computer) 

Step 4: Ensure the network drive is at the top of the row of devices (That’s how to set it as the highest priority) 

Reset BIOS or Disconnect the Network Drive

Suppose you’ve installed Microsoft Windows on your hard drive but set the connected network drive with a different operating system to the highest priority.

In that case, your computer can attempt to boot from the network drive without success. This can cause the PXE-E61 error. 

To fix the error, you can remove the network cable. This effectively disconnects the network drive from the systems and resolves the hitch. 

Alternatively, you can fix it by resetting the BIOS to factory settings. Remove and reinsert the CMOS battery. After doing this, the system will boot from the internal hard drive. 

Remember, you should not remove the battery if it’s not removable. You can reset the BIOS from within the BIOS environment. 

Update Network Card Drivers

Outdated, corrupted, or missing drivers can prevent your computer from accessing the network, hindering PXE from working as required. You can boot into Safe Mode. Alternatively, change the boot order to the hard drive. After doing this, you can update your drivers via the “Device Manager” or manually. 

You can also navigate to Windows Update and download the latest version on the “Optional Updates” section. 

Repair the Computer

If none of the above steps resolves the error, either the BIOS or hard drive has failed. Your computer needs to be serviced. 

How Do I Fix Media Test Failure Check Cable No Bootable Device Error? 

The media test failure check cable no bootable device is another PXE-E61-related error. One of its most common causes is the failure to set the hard drive as the BIOS’s first bootable device. This should be the default. 

Here is how you can set it: 

Step 1: Restart your computer and then tap “Esc” as it boots to enter the BIOS interface. 

Step 2: Press the keyboard’s right-arrow continuously until the “Boot” tab is opened. 

Step 3: Press “+” or (-) to move the hard drive to the boot order’s list 

Step 4: Press “F10” and restart the computer 

Suppose your hard drive’s priority level is not the problem, your Master Boot Record (MBR0 could be corrupted.  

Unexpected system shutdown, malware attack, power outage, and actions like deleting partitions that contain system results are the leading causes of this. 

Here’s how you can fix it: 

Step 1: Insert an updated Windows installation media and boot 

Step 2: Select the region and language 

Step 3: Click on “Repair your computer” 

Step 4: Select “Troubleshoot” 

Step 5: Select “Command Prompt” and input the following, and press Enter after each. 

• bootrec /fixmbr 
• bootrec /fixboot 
• bootrec /scanos 
• bootrec /rebuildbcd 

Type “Y” if the system asks whether you intend to add a new installation to the boot list 

Step 6: Exit and Restart Your computer 

Conclusion

Once you identify what causes any of the error messages, you can fix it with ease. Since the underlying cause is often not apparent, you can troubleshoot by using a few of the above methods before finding the solution.  

In case none of the above works for you, the BIOS or hard drive may have failed. It would be best if you found a reliable technician to service it.