Are you facing the frustrating “No Bootable Device” error on your Toshiba laptop? This error can be caused by various issues, including problems with the BIOS settings, corrupted boot files, or a faulty hard drive. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to troubleshoot and fix the error, so you can get back to using your laptop without any issues.
Understanding The “No Bootable Device” Error
The “No Bootable Device” error is a common problem encountered by laptop users, including those with Toshiba laptops. When your laptop displays this error message, it means that it cannot find a bootable device (such as a hard drive or SSD) to load the operating system from. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Causes Of The “No Bootable Device” Error
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BIOS Settings
The BIOS settings on your Toshiba laptop may be set to boot from a device that is not available or not set to boot from the correct device.
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Corrupted Boot Files
The boot files on your hard drive or SSD may be corrupted, preventing the laptop from booting up properly.
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Faulty Hard Drive or SSD
The hard drive or SSD on your Toshiba laptop may be faulty or failing, causing the laptop to be unable to boot up.
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Loose Connections
The connections between the hard drive or SSD and the motherboard on your Toshiba laptop may be loose, preventing the laptop from detecting the device.
Troubleshooting Steps To Fix The “No Bootable Device” Error
Before we dive into the steps to fix the “No Bootable Device” error, make sure that you have tried the simplest troubleshooting steps first. These include:
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Restarting Your Laptop
Restarting your Toshiba laptop may help to resolve the issue, especially if the error is caused by a temporary software glitch.
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Checking For Loose Connections
Check the connections between the hard drive or SSD and the motherboard to ensure that they are secure.
If these steps do not resolve the issue, you can try the following troubleshooting steps:
Step 1: Enter The BIOS Settings
To access the BIOS settings on your Toshiba laptop, follow these steps:
- Restart your laptop and press the F2 key repeatedly until you see the BIOS settings screen.
- Use the arrow keys to navigate to the Boot tab.
- Check the Boot Order section to ensure that the correct device is set as the first boot device.
If the Boot Order is not set correctly, change it to the correct device and save the changes.
Step 2: Check The Boot Files
If the BIOS settings are correct, the next step is to check the boot files on your hard drive or SSD. You can do this by using the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) on your Toshiba laptop. To access the WinRE, follow these steps:
- Restart your laptop and press the F11 key repeatedly until you see the Windows Recovery Environment screen.
- Click on the Troubleshoot option.
- Click on the Advanced options.
- Click on the Command Prompt option.
In the Command Prompt window, type the following command to check the boot files:
- bootrec /fixboot
Press Enter to execute the command. This command will scan the boot files and repair any issues.
Step 3: Run A System File Checker
If the boot files are not corrupted, the next step is to run a System File Checker (SFC) to scan for corrupted system files. To do this, follow these steps:
- Restart your laptop and press the F11 key repeatedly until you see the Windows Recovery Environment screen.
- Click on the Troubleshoot option.
- Click on the Advanced options.
- Click on the Command Prompt option.
In the Command Prompt window, type the following command to run the SFC:
- sfc /scannow
Press Enter to execute the command. This command will scan the system files and replace any corrupted files.
Step 4: Check For A Faulty Hard Drive Or SSD
If the problem persists, the next step is to check if the hard drive or SSD on your Toshiba laptop is faulty. You can do this by using a third-party tool such as CrystalDiskInfo. To use this tool, follow these steps:
- Restart your laptop and enter the BIOS settings.
- Save the changes and exit the BIOS settings.
- Download and install CrystalDiskInfo on a separate device.
- Connect the hard drive or SSD to the separate device.
- Run CrystalDiskInfo and scan the hard drive or SSD.
If the tool reports any issues with the hard drive or SSD, it may be faulty and need to be replaced.
Step 5: Reinstall Windows
If none of the above steps resolve the issue, the final step is to reinstall Windows on your Toshiba laptop. This will erase all data on the hard drive or SSD, so make sure to back up any important files before doing so.
To reinstall Windows, follow these steps:
- Restart your laptop and enter the BIOS settings.
- Save the changes and exit the BIOS settings.
- Insert the Windows installation media and restart your laptop.
- Follow the installation prompts to complete the installation process.
Conclusion
The “No Bootable Device” error on your Toshiba laptop can be a frustrating issue, but it can be fixed by following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article. Start by checking the BIOS settings and boot files, and then move on to running a System File Checker and checking for a faulty hard drive or SSD. If all else fails, reinstalling Windows may be the only option. Remember to always back up your important files before making any changes to your laptop’s configuration.
Additional Tips
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Regular Maintenance
Regularly maintain your Toshiba laptop by checking the BIOS settings, running a System File Checker, and checking for updates to ensure that it runs smoothly.
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Backup Your Data
Make sure to back up your important files regularly to prevent data loss in case of a system failure.
What Causes The ‘No Bootable Device’ Error On Toshiba Laptops?
The ‘No Bootable Device’ error on Toshiba laptops can occur due to various reasons. It could be caused by a missing or corrupted bootmgr file, a malfunctioning hard drive, or a boot order issue. Additionally, issues with the master boot record (MBR) or the boot configuration data (BCD) can also trigger this error.
To resolve the issue, you need to identify the root cause. Start by checking your laptop’s hard drive for any signs of physical damage or corruption. You can also try booting your laptop in safe mode or using a bootable media to access your laptop’s settings.
How Do I Fix The ‘No Bootable Device’ Error On My Toshiba Laptop?
To fix the ‘No Bootable Device’ error on your Toshiba laptop, you need to first try and boot your laptop in safe mode. Press the F8 key repeatedly while booting your laptop to access the safe mode options. If your laptop boots successfully in safe mode, then the issue is likely with your laptop’s boot configuration. Try resetting your laptop’s BIOS to its default settings and see if the issue resolves.
If safe mode doesn’t work, try using a bootable USB drive to boot your laptop. You can create a bootable USB drive using a laptop with a working Windows installation. Alternatively, you can also try reinstalling your laptop’s operating system using the original installation media.
What Is The Difference Between A Hard Drive Failure And A Boot Order Issue?
A hard drive failure occurs when your laptop’s hard drive becomes physically damaged or corrupted. In this case, you will need to replace your hard drive to resolve the issue. On the other hand, a boot order issue occurs when your laptop is trying to boot from the wrong device. This can happen if your USB drive is set as the first boot device or your hard drive is set below the USB drive in the boot order.
If you suspect a hard drive failure, try using a disk diagnostic tool to scan your hard drive for errors. However, if you suspect a boot order issue, try accessing your laptop’s BIOS settings and changing the boot order to prioritize your hard drive as the first boot device.
Can I Fix The ‘No Bootable Device’ Error Without Losing Data?
It is possible to fix the ‘No Bootable Device’ error without losing data. If the error is caused by a boot order issue or a missing bootmgr file, you can resolve it without losing your files. However, if the issue is caused by a corrupted or damaged hard drive, then there is a risk of losing data.
If you suspect a hard drive failure, try using a data recovery tool to back up your important files before attempting to repair or replace your hard drive. However, if the issue is caused by a boot order issue or a missing bootmgr file, you can safely resolve the issue without affecting your data.
How Do I Access Toshiba BIOS Settings To Change The Boot Order?
To access Toshiba BIOS settings, restart your laptop and press the F2 key repeatedly while booting. You can also try pressing the F12 key to access the boot menu and then navigate to the BIOS settings.
Once you access the BIOS settings, navigate to the Boot tab and set your hard drive as the first boot device. Save the changes and exit the BIOS settings to see if your laptop boots successfully. If you are not comfortable accessing the BIOS settings, refer to your Toshiba laptop’s user manual for instructions specific to your model.
Will Reinstalling Windows Fix The ‘No Bootable Device’ Error On My Toshiba Laptop?
Reinstalling Windows may fix the ‘No Bootable Device’ error on your Toshiba laptop, depending on the cause of the issue. If the error is caused by a corrupted bootmgr file or a boot configuration issue, reinstalling Windows may resolve the issue.
However, if the issue is caused by a hardware failure such as a damaged hard drive, reinstalling Windows will not resolve the issue. Before attempting to reinstall Windows, try identifying the root cause of the issue. If you suspect a hardware failure, consider replacing the hardware before reinstalling Windows.
Can I Use A Bootable USB Drive To Fix The ‘No Bootable Device’ Error On My Toshiba Laptop?
Yes, you can use a bootable USB drive to fix the ‘No Bootable Device’ error on your Toshiba laptop. A bootable USB drive can help you access your laptop’s settings and repair any issues with the boot configuration.
To create a bootable USB drive, use a laptop with a working Windows installation and download the Windows installation media. Use the installation media to create a bootable USB drive, and then insert it into your Toshiba laptop. Restart your laptop and set your USB drive as the first boot device to access the boot menu and repair any issues with the boot configuration.