How to Fix Media Test Failure, Check Cable

Preboot Execution Environment (PXE) is a kind of boot environment used in some motherboards which boots up using a network interface rather than a local hard drive. Sometimes when you try to boot the system it may eventually fail (not allowing you to access the system) indicating with an error message,

''PXE-E61 : Media Test Failure, Check Cable'' or
''PXE-M0F : Exiting PXE ROM''

This usually indicates that there is an issue in the PXE. For fixing this problem there should be some troubleshooting steps that has to be taken. This steps will help you to get rid of this error effectively.

In this article, we will see the solutions on How to Fix Media Test Failure, Check Cable | PXE-E61 ROM. This steps can be used for popular computer models such as Lenovo, Dell, HP and Toshiba.

Let's get started,

1. Change Boot Sequence

Boot sequence is the priority given to the set of devices from which the operating system is loaded. It can be either the network drive or the local hard drive. In case if the network drive is listed as the first device in the boot order and there are any problems related to it, you may eventually get encountered with this error. Same can happen in the case of hard drive too. Therefore, you have to configure the boot order with correct device using the boot utility.

To change the boot sequence,

         1. Turn on your computer
         2. Press F2 or Del key
         3. Navigate to the boot tab
         4. Change the order
         5. Press F10 to save and exit

2. Check the Cables

As mentioned earlier your computer can either boot from a network drive or a local hard drive. If your system boots from a network drive, you have to ensure that the ethernet cables are not damaged and firmly seated on their respective ports. Same goes with the hard drive SATA cables as well.

If you happen to find any damages in the cable, consider replacing them with a new one. In here you need to open the case and verify them. But this cannot be done easily with a laptop. For this you need a help from a trained professional.

3. Check the Hard drive

Sometimes the hard drive installed on your computer may be of loose connection or it may be completely dead. Moreover you can check whether your computer recognizes the hard drive using the boot menu. Look for the hard drive in the boot sequence, if it is not listed there it is an indication that the hard drive is not detected. In this case you have to buy a new one to replace it. If you are not comfortable with the replacement you can look for an assembly instruction online.

4. Remove Other Storage Devices

If other storage devices such as USB flash drives are connected to your PC and in case they are set to the highest priority in the boot sequence, then your computer may eventually try to boot from those devices. This will not be a problem unless the storage device contains the operating system and successfully boot from them.

However this can lead to boot issues if it does not. Hence, you have to remove all storage devices including USB flash drives, CD/DVD disks and Floppy disk drives off your computer.

5. Clear CMOS

Another reason for the PXE-E61 error is the misconfigurations in the BIOS. Due to this the operating system will be booting from the internal hard drive. Basic Input Output System (BIOS) contains the system settings and the CMOS battery powers them. CMOS battery is in the form of round and flat embedded in your motherboard.

Therefore, by removing the CMOS battery and reinserting it again, you can reset the BIOS to its default settings. This can hopefully clear out this error. However this should be done with extra care, you shouldn't try to remove the battery if it irremovable.