How to fix error PXE-E61: Media Test Failure, Check Cable

PXE-E61 errors are related to the Preboot eXecution Environment (PXE) - supported by some motherboards. PXE is a special boot mode that allows the computer to search for and load a bootable operating system over the network instead of from a local hard drive.

When does the PXE-E61 error message appear on the computer?

Typically, the PXE-E61 error message appears on a computer when a user accidentally boots a network device that doesn't actually exist. This is usually due to a misconfigured setting in the BIOS , but it can also be due to a failed hard drive.

How to fix error PXE-E61: Media Test Failure, Check Cable

Here are the most common errors related to PXE:

  • PXE-E61: Media test failure, check cable
  • PXE-M0F: Exiting Intel PXE ROM.
  • PXE-M0F: Exiting Intel Boot Agent.
  • No Boot Device Found. Press any key to reboot the machine.

PXE-E61 errors appear before the computer boots, usually in white text on a black background, and are accompanied by additional text displayed above the error.

How to fix PXE-E61 error

1. Change the boot order in the BIOS to boot from the hard drive instead of the network. This will force the BIOS to look for an operating system installed on a local hard drive, which is how most computers are set up.

Important: Try your best to complete this step. Change the Boot menu search and make sure the Boot Drive Order (or similar name) screen shows the hard drive, not “No Boot Drive.”

2. If BIOS does not detect the hard drive, turn off the computer, open the computer case (if you are using a desktop) and make sure the HDD cable is properly connected.

Note: If the cable is securely connected and the hard drive is still not detected, you may need to replace the hard drive. Before you do this, make sure it is actually damaged by using a hard drive testing program (if it doesn't work, those programs won't find the hard drive either).

3. If you are trying to boot from a USB device such as an external hard drive, make sure the device is actually bootable. Otherwise, the BIOS will look for another device to boot from and may try to use the network, thus generating the PXE-E61 error.

You can use a program like Rufus to create a bootable USB device.

Also, double check that the boot order is configured to boot from USB , that the device is fully connected, and that the USB port isn't faulty - try moving the device to a different USB port if you're unsure about this.

How to fix error PXE-E61: Media Test Failure, Check Cable

4. Go into the BIOS and disable PXE if you don't actually want to use it. It will be called Boot to Network or Ethernet, and is usually found in the Boot menu.

5. If you want to use PXE to boot into a network device, check that the network cable is properly connected. Without a solid connection, PXE will not be able to connect over the network and will generate a PXE-E61 error.

Replace the cable with a new one if you suspect that the old cable is damaged.

6. Update the network card driver to fix PXE-E61 error. An outdated or corrupted driver can prevent the computer from accessing the network, which will prevent PXE from working properly.

Note: Since it is unlikely that you will be able to boot your computer to update the network driver, try booting in Safe Mode or changing the boot order to use the local hard drive first. After updating the network card driver, try booting from the network again.

7. Reset BIOS . If the PXE-E61 error is caused by misconfigured BIOS settings, resetting the BIOS to its default options may clear the error.

See also:

Sign up and earn $1000 a day ⋙

Leave a Comment

Healthy snacks that help you lose weight

Healthy snacks that help you lose weight

Craving for snacks but afraid of gaining weight? Dont worry, lets explore together many types of weight loss snacks that are high in fiber, low in calories without making you try to starve yourself.

What to do when you have trouble sleeping?

What to do when you have trouble sleeping?

Prioritizing a consistent sleep schedule and evening routine can help improve the quality of your sleep. Heres what you need to know to stop tossing and turning at night.

How to add a printer to Windows 10

How to add a printer to Windows 10

Adding a printer to Windows 10 is simple, although the process for wired devices will be different than for wireless devices.

The most commonly deficient nutrients in the diet

The most commonly deficient nutrients in the diet

Diet is important to our health. Yet most of our meals are lacking in these six important nutrients.

How to get beautiful nails quickly

How to get beautiful nails quickly

You want to have a beautiful, shiny, healthy nail quickly. The simple tips for beautiful nails below will be useful for you.

The best laptops for students in 2025

The best laptops for students in 2025

Students need a specific type of laptop for their studies. It should not only be powerful enough to perform well in their chosen major, but also compact and light enough to carry around all day.

Ways to reduce the risk of birth defects in the fetus

Ways to reduce the risk of birth defects in the fetus

Birth defects are something no one wants. Although they cannot be completely prevented, you can take the following steps to reduce the risk of birth defects in your baby.

How to check RAM and check RAM errors on your computer with the highest accuracy rate

How to check RAM and check RAM errors on your computer with the highest accuracy rate

As you know, RAM is a very important hardware part in a computer, acting as memory to process data and is the factor that determines the speed of a laptop or PC. In the article below, WebTech360 will introduce you to some ways to check for RAM errors using software on Windows.

Top 5 best automatic home coffee makers

Top 5 best automatic home coffee makers

The automatic home coffee maker is a modern and professional product, bringing you and your family delicious cups of coffee with just a few quick steps.

Difference between regular TV and Smart TV

Difference between regular TV and Smart TV

Smart TVs have really taken the world by storm. With so many great features and the ability to connect to the Internet, technology has changed the way we watch TV.

Why doesnt the freezer have a light but the refrigerator does?

Why doesnt the freezer have a light but the refrigerator does?

Refrigerators are familiar appliances in families. Refrigerators usually have 2 compartments, the cool compartment is spacious and has a light that automatically turns on every time the user opens it, while the freezer compartment is narrow and has no light.

2 Ways to Fix Network Congestion That Slows Down Wi-Fi

2 Ways to Fix Network Congestion That Slows Down Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi networks are affected by many factors beyond routers, bandwidth, and interference, but there are some smart ways to boost your network.

How to Downgrade from iOS 17 to iOS 16 without Losing Data using Tenorshare Reiboot

How to Downgrade from iOS 17 to iOS 16 without Losing Data using Tenorshare Reiboot

If you want to go back to stable iOS 16 on your phone, here is the basic guide to uninstall iOS 17 and downgrade from iOS 17 to 16.

What happens to the body when you eat yogurt every day?

What happens to the body when you eat yogurt every day?

Yogurt is a great food. Is it good to eat yogurt every day? What will happen to your body when you eat yogurt every day? Let's find out together!

Which type of rice is best for health?

Which type of rice is best for health?

This article discusses the most nutritious types of rice and how to maximize the health benefits of whichever rice you choose.