PXE-E61: Media Test Failed check cable

[JMKnight]

Hello

I have a Gateway Desktop computer. I know some about computers but i've never encountered this and don't know how to fix it.

When I turn on the computer it takes me to a blank screen that says;

PXE-E61: Media Test Failed check cable
PXE-M0F:Exiting Boot Agent

I'm pretty sure my HD isn't dead because it's recognized in the BIOS, but i'm not positive. If anyone could give some advice it'd be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[shadowpr]

Have you read this: PXE-E61 Media Test Failure, OS not found..HELP!

[Statica]

The error shows up because you have boot from LAN as one of your boot devices. Go into your BIOS and make sure that your HDD is set to a higher priority for booting than the LAN and try booting.
If you still cannot boot or if your HDD was set to boot first then you have some issues.

At best, it's something you did s/w related - OS changes, a virus or something that wiped the bootsector. Post back here if you suspect this and we can help you restore it.

Unfortunately, this error is more symptomatic of hard drive failures and by just seeing it in the BIOS may not mean much. You can use diagnostic boot CDs like http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/ and run some diags on your harddrive.
Sometimes, rebooting a number of times may get the hard drive working again .. enough to boot.

Again, if it isnt a s/w issue and you are able to get your hard drive going .. I'd strongly recommend you backup your data asap.

[JMKnight]

Okie dokie, first of all, thanks for the help earlier, but now i have something else wrong. I've now replaced the hard drive with a new bigger one, but, while i was doing my thing before hand when i was trying to figure out the problem, my computer-clueless fiancee wouldn't stop turning it off and on trying to make it work. Now it won't do anything when we hit the power button except for the little blue power light comes on. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what's wrong with it now and how i can fix it? I would greatly appreciate the help.

[rjfvillarosa]

Originally Posted by JMKnight my computer-clueless fiancee wouldn't stop turning it off and on trying to make it work.

First of all tie her up and put her somewhere safe where she can't hurt herself or small children...

Ok. I know the machine was working and and the steps in this thread are normally for a new machine that will not boot but, the steps in this thread can help you pinpoint a piece of faulty hardware:
http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=132409

[JMKnight]

Originally Posted by rjfvillarosa First of all tie her up and put her somewhere safe where she can't hurt herself or small children... Ok. I know the machine was working and and the steps in this thread are normally for a new machine that will not boot but, the steps in this thread can help you pinpoint a piece of faulty hardware: http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=132409

Actually, I'm the girl and it was HIM that wouldn't leave things alone Not only is he computer clueless (can't even install ram) but he doesn't even know what a pair of channel locks or a cordless screwdriver is. But that's ok, i'm cool with being the handy-dandy fixer-upper. I'll try this out here soon. Thanks!

[rjfvillarosa]

Originally Posted by JMKnight Actually, I'm the girl and it was HIM that wouldn't leave things alone

oop's my bad..........I am all embarrassed now...

Have a good look at the data cable to the harddrive. I have seen IDE drives report in the BIOS but not boot and it has been a bad IDE cable, sometimes the halves of the plugs come apart leading to bad contact. I don't recall ever seeing a SATA data cable do that though.

[JMKnight]

Lol, it's all good. I know this area is typical guy territory, so, no worries.

I don't guess i'll get to do your suggestion though. He flipped the voltage switch on the back of the computer and totally smoked that brand new 1TB Hard drive i just installed. Man doesn't know how to leave anything alone *eyeroll* so, now i'm throwing in the towel since i can't leave it alone with him and trust him not to mess with it like i've told him repeatedly. So, i'm gonna put that warranty he purchased last year to good use. I do greatly appreciate all the help you've sent my way though! Thanks again!