Encountering the dreaded “PXE-E61: Media test failure, check cable” error can be a frustrating experience, especially when you’re trying to boot your computer or perform a network installation. This error, signaling a problem during the Preboot Execution Environment (PXE) boot process, often leaves users wondering what went wrong and how to fix it. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the common causes of the PXE-E61 error and provide step-by-step troubleshooting methods to get your system back on track.
Understanding The PXE-E61 Error
The PXE-E61 error message indicates that your computer is attempting to boot from the network, usually because it’s configured to do so, but it’s failing to establish a connection or locate the necessary boot files. The PXE boot process is commonly used in corporate environments for deploying operating systems or performing network-based diagnostics. When the system attempts to boot via PXE, it sends out a request to the network, expecting a DHCP server to provide an IP address and boot server information. If this process fails at any stage, the PXE-E61 error can appear.
The “Media test failure, check cable” part of the error message suggests a physical layer issue. However, it can also stem from misconfigured network settings, server problems, or even BIOS settings. Let’s explore the potential causes in more detail.
Common Causes Of PXE-E61 Errors
Several factors can contribute to the PXE-E61 error. Identifying the root cause is crucial for effective troubleshooting.
Physical Network Connectivity Issues
The most straightforward cause is a problem with the physical network connection. A loose or damaged Ethernet cable, a faulty network port on your computer, or a malfunctioning network switch can all prevent your computer from communicating with the network.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Check the Ethernet cable: Ensure the cable is securely plugged into both your computer and the network port. Try a different Ethernet cable to rule out a damaged cable.
- Test the network port: Plug the Ethernet cable into a different port on your computer, if available. If that resolves the issue, the original port may be faulty.
- Examine the network switch/router: Verify that the switch or router your computer is connected to is functioning correctly. Check the link lights on the switch port corresponding to your computer’s connection. A lack of activity could indicate a problem.
- Inspect for physical damage: Carefully inspect the Ethernet cable and ports for any signs of physical damage, such as bent pins or frayed wires.
Incorrect Boot Order In BIOS/UEFI
Your computer’s BIOS or UEFI settings determine the order in which it attempts to boot from different devices. If “Network Boot” or “PXE Boot” is set as the highest priority, the computer will always try to boot from the network first, even if there’s no network boot server available.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Access BIOS/UEFI settings: Restart your computer and press the appropriate key (usually Delete, F2, F12, or Esc) to enter the BIOS/UEFI setup. The key varies depending on your computer manufacturer. Refer to your motherboard manual or the startup screen for the correct key.
- Adjust the boot order: Locate the “Boot Order” or “Boot Priority” settings. Change the order so that your hard drive or SSD is the first boot device. This will prevent the computer from attempting to boot from the network unless it’s explicitly instructed to do so.
- Disable Network Boot (if not needed): If you don’t need to boot from the network, you can completely disable the “Network Boot” or “PXE Boot” option in the BIOS/UEFI settings. This will prevent the PXE boot process from initiating.
- Save changes and exit: Save the changes you made in the BIOS/UEFI settings and exit. The computer will now boot from the device you specified as the highest priority.
DHCP Server Issues
The DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server is responsible for assigning IP addresses and other network configuration information to devices on the network. If the DHCP server is down, misconfigured, or unable to provide an IP address to your computer, the PXE boot process will fail.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Check the DHCP server status: Verify that the DHCP server is running and functioning correctly. If you’re in a home network, this is usually your router. If you’re in a corporate network, contact your network administrator.
- Verify DHCP server configuration: Ensure that the DHCP server is configured to provide IP addresses to the correct subnet and that there are enough available IP addresses in the pool.
- Check for IP address conflicts: An IP address conflict can occur if two devices on the network are assigned the same IP address. This can prevent your computer from obtaining a valid IP address from the DHCP server. Try releasing and renewing your IP address. In Windows, you can open Command Prompt as administrator and type
ipconfig /releasefollowed byipconfig /renew. - Restart the DHCP server: Restarting the DHCP server can often resolve temporary issues. If you’re using a router, simply reboot the router.
Network Driver Issues
Outdated or corrupted network drivers can also cause PXE boot failures. The PXE environment relies on the network interface card (NIC) to communicate with the network. If the driver for the NIC is not functioning correctly, the PXE boot process will be unable to establish a connection.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Update network drivers: Boot into your operating system and update the network drivers. You can usually download the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s website.
- Reinstall network drivers: If updating the drivers doesn’t resolve the issue, try uninstalling and reinstalling the network drivers.
- Check for driver conflicts: Use Device Manager to check for any driver conflicts. Look for devices with yellow exclamation marks or red crosses.
Firewall Or Security Software Interference
Firewall software or other security applications can sometimes interfere with the PXE boot process by blocking network traffic or preventing the computer from obtaining an IP address.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Temporarily disable firewall: Temporarily disable your firewall software to see if it’s interfering with the PXE boot process. If disabling the firewall resolves the issue, you’ll need to configure the firewall to allow PXE boot traffic.
- Check firewall rules: Review your firewall rules to ensure that PXE boot traffic is not being blocked. You may need to create exceptions for the PXE boot protocol (usually TFTP and DHCP).
- Disable security software: Similarly, temporarily disable any other security software, such as antivirus programs, to see if they’re interfering with the PXE boot process.
PXE Server Configuration Issues
If you are attempting to boot from a PXE server, the server itself may be misconfigured or experiencing problems.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Verify PXE server is running: Make sure the PXE server is up and running.
- Check PXE server configuration files: Examine the PXE server’s configuration files to ensure they are correctly configured. This includes DHCP options, boot file paths, and other relevant settings.
- Test PXE server functionality: Use a different computer to test the PXE server. This can help determine if the issue is with the server itself or with the specific computer experiencing the PXE-E61 error.
Hardware Problems
In rare cases, the PXE-E61 error can be caused by a faulty network interface card (NIC) or other hardware problems.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Test the NIC: If possible, test the NIC in another computer to see if it’s functioning correctly.
- Replace the NIC: If the NIC is faulty, you may need to replace it.
- Check motherboard: Examine the motherboard for any signs of physical damage, such as swollen capacitors or burnt components.
Advanced Troubleshooting Techniques
If the above solutions don’t resolve the PXE-E61 error, you may need to try some more advanced troubleshooting techniques.
Network Packet Analysis
Using a network packet analyzer, such as Wireshark, can help you diagnose network communication problems that may be causing the PXE-E61 error.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Install Wireshark: Download and install Wireshark on a computer connected to the same network as the computer experiencing the PXE-E61 error.
- Capture network traffic: Start Wireshark and capture network traffic while the computer is attempting to PXE boot.
- Analyze the capture: Analyze the captured traffic to see if the computer is sending out DHCP requests and if the DHCP server is responding. Look for any errors or anomalies in the network communication.
- Filter the traffic: Filter the captured traffic to focus on DHCP and TFTP packets. This can help you isolate the specific network communication problems that are causing the PXE-E61 error.
BIOS/UEFI Updates
Updating the BIOS or UEFI firmware can sometimes resolve compatibility issues or bugs that may be causing the PXE-E61 error.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Check for BIOS/UEFI updates: Visit the computer manufacturer’s website to check for available BIOS/UEFI updates.
- Download the update: Download the latest BIOS/UEFI update for your computer model.
- Follow the update instructions: Carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions for updating the BIOS/UEFI firmware. Caution: Incorrectly updating the BIOS/UEFI can damage your computer.
Testing With A Different Network
If possible, try connecting the computer to a different network to see if the PXE-E61 error persists. This can help determine if the issue is with the computer itself or with the network configuration.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Connect to a different network: Connect the computer to a different network, such as a home network or a test network.
- Attempt to PXE boot: Attempt to PXE boot the computer on the different network.
- Analyze the results: If the PXE-E61 error does not occur on the different network, the issue is likely with the original network configuration.
Preventing Future PXE-E61 Errors
Taking preventative measures can help minimize the chances of encountering the PXE-E61 error in the future.
- Maintain up-to-date drivers: Regularly update your network drivers to ensure compatibility and optimal performance.
- Secure network connections: Ensure that all network cables are securely connected and in good condition.
- Proper BIOS/UEFI configuration: Configure the BIOS/UEFI settings to boot from the desired device by default, avoiding unnecessary PXE boot attempts.
- Monitor DHCP server health: Regularly monitor the health and performance of your DHCP server to ensure it’s functioning correctly.
- Implement a robust network infrastructure: Invest in a reliable network infrastructure with quality hardware and proper configuration.
By understanding the potential causes of the PXE-E61 error and following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively resolve the issue and get your system back up and running. Remember to systematically investigate each potential cause and test your solutions thoroughly.
What Does The PXE-E61 Media Test Failure Error Mean?
The PXE-E61 error indicates that your computer is trying to boot from a network device (like a server) via Preboot Execution Environment (PXE), but it’s failing to find any bootable media. This typically occurs because the BIOS or UEFI is configured to prioritize network booting over other options like the hard drive, SSD, or USB drive, and the network is either unavailable or doesn’t offer a bootable image.
Essentially, your computer is attempting to locate an operating system over the network, but the search is unsuccessful. This can be due to a variety of reasons, including incorrect BIOS settings, a faulty network card, a disconnected network cable, or a problem with the PXE server if you are indeed attempting to boot from the network. It’s often mistakenly perceived as a problem with the hard drive itself.
How Do I Change The Boot Order In BIOS/UEFI To Resolve PXE-E61?
To change the boot order, you’ll need to access your computer’s BIOS or UEFI settings. Typically, you can do this by pressing a specific key during startup. Common keys include Delete, F2, F12, Esc, or another key specified by your motherboard manufacturer. Pay attention to the startup screen for instructions on which key to press.
Once in the BIOS/UEFI, navigate to the “Boot” or “Boot Order” section. Here, you’ll see a list of boot devices. Use the arrow keys to highlight your hard drive or SSD (the device with your operating system) and then use the plus (+) or minus (-) keys, or a similar option, to move it to the top of the boot order. Make sure to save your changes before exiting (usually by pressing F10) and restart your computer.
My Network Cable Is Connected. Why Am I Still Getting The PXE-E61 Error?
Even with a connected network cable, several factors could prevent a successful network boot and trigger the PXE-E61 error. The cable itself might be faulty, preventing proper data transmission. Furthermore, the network port on your computer or the switch/router it’s connected to could be malfunctioning.
Another possibility is that the network configuration isn’t allowing your computer to receive the necessary IP address or boot information. DHCP might be disabled, or the network might not be set up to support PXE booting. Check your network settings and try a different cable or port to rule out physical connectivity issues.
Could A Faulty Network Card Cause The PXE-E61 Error?
Yes, a faulty network card is a potential culprit behind the PXE-E61 error. If the network card is damaged or malfunctioning, it won’t be able to establish a proper connection with the network, even if the cable is connected correctly. This prevents the computer from receiving the necessary boot information.
To test this, you could try using a different network card (if possible, such as a USB network adapter) or booting the computer with a known working network card. You can also check the device manager within your operating system (if you can access it) for any errors or warnings related to the network card driver. Reinstalling or updating the network card driver might also resolve the issue.
What If I Actually Want To Boot From The Network (PXE)?
If you intend to boot from the network, the PXE-E61 error indicates a problem with your network boot setup. First, ensure that your network is properly configured to provide DHCP and TFTP services. These are essential for PXE booting, as they provide the IP address and boot image respectively.
Next, verify that the PXE server is running correctly and that the boot image is accessible. Check the server logs for any errors or connection issues. Also, confirm that the BIOS/UEFI on your client machine is configured to prioritize network booting and that it’s attempting to boot from the correct network interface.
How Can I Temporarily Disable Network Boot To Bypass The PXE-E61 Error?
To temporarily disable network boot, enter your computer’s BIOS/UEFI settings during startup (usually by pressing Delete, F2, or a similar key). Once inside, navigate to the “Boot” or “Boot Order” section, as you would to change the boot order.
Look for an option to disable PXE boot or network boot specifically. This option might be labeled as “Network Boot,” “PXE Boot,” or similar. Disable this setting, then save your changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI. The computer should now bypass network booting and attempt to boot from the next device in the boot order, typically your hard drive or SSD.
Could Incorrect BIOS/UEFI Settings (other Than Boot Order) Cause PXE-E61?
While the boot order is the most common culprit, other BIOS/UEFI settings can indirectly contribute to the PXE-E61 error. For example, if the network adapter is disabled within the BIOS/UEFI, it won’t be able to initiate a network boot, even if it’s prioritized in the boot order.
Additionally, some BIOS/UEFI settings related to secure boot or legacy boot modes might interfere with the PXE boot process. Ensure that the settings are compatible with your network boot setup. In some cases, resetting the BIOS/UEFI to its default settings can resolve conflicts caused by incorrect or corrupted configurations.