After hard drive replacement laptop displays PXE-E61 media test failure message
I have a major problem. I have a Toshiba Satellite P15-S479 laptop. I just replaced the hard drive and when I tried to turn my computer on I get this error:
Intel UNDI, PXE-2.0 (build 082)
Copyright (c) 1997-2000 Intel Corporation
For Reatek RTL8139(x)/8130/810x PCI Fast Ethernet Controller v2.13 (020326)
PXE-E61: Media test failure, check cable
PXE-M0F: Exiting PXE ROM.
I can see in the BIOS screen that it recognizes the new hard drive but all I keep getting is that message. I would really appreciate any help you can give me. It won’t allow me to do anything, I have the recovery CD but can’t get passed that screen to use it.
I think there is nothing wrong with your laptop and it displays PXE-E61 media test failure message because the hard drive is brand new and has not partition and file system. You can see the hard drive in the BIOS and this is good, it means the hard drive is detected.
In order to boot the laptop from the recovery CD you have to change the boot order in the BIOS and make sure the DVD drive is listed first. Alternatively, you can press F12 key as soon as Toshiba logo appears on the screen. After that it will display the boot menu and you can select the DVD drive. Here’s one more trick. Press “C” key when Toshiba logo is displayed, it will boot the laptop directly from the CD-Rom without displaying the boot menu.
Boot the laptop from the recovery disc and install the operating system. It should fix the problem. I hope it helps.
September 27th, 2007 at 10:54 pm
Thank you for your help, one thing I forgot to mention was that I had to get an external DVD/CD rom. My internal one wasn’t working, but the problem is that I can’t get the external one to load. Is there a way to get my external DVD/CD ROM to work so I can do what you said. I could really use your help. Thank you again for your help. I do have the recovery disc but can’t seem to get it to load.
September 29th, 2007 at 3:04 pm
Peter,
OK, now I see your problem. You are trying to start recovery disc from the EXTERNAL drive. Sorry my friend but I think it’s not going to work. You cannot boot your laptop from the external drive because the BIOS wasn’t programmed this way, it just doesn’t know how to “talk” to the external drive. Some newer laptop models has this capability but not older models. You’ll have to find a working internal drive.
The following drives should work with Satellite P10 and P15 notebooks:
DVD/CD-RW: K000012220, K000012230, K000004190, K000005850, K000011300, K000011600
DVD burners: K000005870, K000023180, K000013700, K000013710
Search by the above mentioned part numbers here and you should find a replacement.
February 4th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
I have the same problem with the internal hard drive – The laptop reconizes the hard drive and I can get the dvd to boot up and run but when I get to the part where I’m to take out the disk and hit any key. I go back to the pxe-e61 error everytime. I’m not sure what to do can you help?
February 4th, 2008 at 9:43 pm
Linda,
Does the laptop boot normally after the PXE-E61 error message or you see this message over and over again and it never boots into Windows?
If you see this error message on startup but after that your laptop boot into Windows, you’ll have to change the boot order in the BIOS setup menu and set the hard drive as the first bootable device. Apparently, the laptop is trying to boot from LAN before the hard drive.
February 6th, 2008 at 10:42 pm
I have a Compaq Presario X6000. I installed a new hard drive into it and I got the famous PXE-E61 error. I switched around the boot order still nothing. I tried hitting the C key during the Compaq logo, nothing. Please help!
February 6th, 2008 at 11:45 pm
David,
It’s possible that the new hard drive has to be configured as a master or cable/select.
Take a look at the old hard drive. Does it have a small jumper witch short two pins? If it does, short the same pins on the new hard drive.
If the hard drive is OK and it’s configured properly you should see it in the BIOS setup menu. Can you?
February 7th, 2008 at 3:08 am
its have 4 same length pins so making it a master on the old hard drive. For the new hard drive it recognizes the hard drive in the boot order when highlighted hard drive and pressing enter saying its a samsung but no where else does it talk about the hard drive.
March 1st, 2008 at 8:04 pm
I have been reading all around about this error…this is my sisters laptop and everytime you turn it on it says …
PXE-E61 Media Test Failure, check cable then something else and exitting pxe or something….i looked it up ppl said to rearrange the bios or buy a new hdd…but my sisters laptop is only about 3 months old and problem is it was a open-box so someone probably messed it up…im pretty sure it is not a hdd error…and i dont want to mess it up by changing bios, because it has not worked for many people and i still cant find a solution.
March 1st, 2008 at 11:50 pm
Max,
Does your laptop boots into Windows after displaying PXE-E61 Media Test Failure message?
If the laptop gives you this message and after that starts loading Windows, then there is nothing wrong with the hardware. Apparently the laptop tries booting from LAN first and after that boots from the hard drive. You can change this settings in the BIOS. All you have to do is enter the BIOS setup menu, find where you can change the boot order and set the hard drive as the first bootable device. Safe settings and reboot the laptop.
March 5th, 2008 at 10:54 am
My laptop (3-yr old Compaq presario V2000) is more erratic.
Normally this is the sequence –
1. First the compaq screen
2. Then a blank screen with a blinking cursor for few moments (longer than when it was normal)
3. Then Windows starting option (safe mode, thru network etc etc)
4. Irrespective of what you choose in step 3, it gives the PXE error and restarts
I was assuming that since it is able to detect windows I do not need to change the boot order. Last time when it created the problem I reinstalled the OS using the internal drive and it worked for sometime. However, it stopped connecting to my wireless home network (though would work fine with neighbour’s
). I disabled the in-built wireless and used a card (wi-fi). It started connecting fine to my home network but after a couple of days the whole thing went dead and PXE problem started again.
I’m at loss as to what triggered it last time and what triggered it second time. I’m hoping by reinstalling the OS it should get fixed again but it is too painful to do that every couple of weeks without knowing the exact problem.
Thanks for your help.
March 5th, 2008 at 11:04 am
Also forgot to give couple of inputs –
A. I recently started using McCafe anti-virus on my machine. It is a genuinely purchased copy but I was not able to register it before the second crash. I had registered it before the first crash. This was needed big time because one member in my family visited lots of crazy sites for free online music, videos etc leading to loads of viruses and trozans etc.
B. Another input – My original power adapter was not working fine few months back and I ordered an aftermarket one from an eBay seller which I’ve been using for a couple of months now (few weeks before the first crash). The laptop charges normally but am not geek enough to measure if the adapter output is good.
March 18th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
Hello,
Same error message: pxe-e61 media test failure
but different challenge:
My laptop’s ( Toshiba Satellite 5205 S505) DVD drive stopped working and I replaced it. My former DVD drive was a TEAC DW-224E – T1 as I couldn’t find any mention of compatible DVD drives, I got the same one, TEAC DW -224E – CF5 (which I presume is a newer version). The latter fits into the laptop and plays music when the laptop is off (this laptop can turn the DVD drive on even if the laptop’s off). That’s how I figured the drive was well connected.
No I get this error and there’s no way to bypass it but replacing the new drive by the old one.
Would you have any idea of how I could fix this?
Many thanks
March 30th, 2008 at 11:09 pm
Hello, i have the same problem with Media Test Failure: Please check cable
My PC is IBM Think Centre(not sure what model)
recently i changed my Hardisk to SEAGATE 250GB.
-I tried to boot from CD but it didn’t work.
-Tried to change to boot order in the BIOS but unfortunately the is only one option (AUTO)
-I took the new Hdisk and intalled it in other PC, it works fine.( after that, i installed window xp using the other PC, after the installtion finished i took out the Hdisk and put is back in my IBM PC.
Still cannot boot from Hdisk.
-Keep on getting this message: 0062: configuration change has occured
-media test failure: please check cable.( the cable is ok. I tried it out in other PC it works well)
IS it something wrong with the BIOS?
September 27th, 2008 at 3:46 am
gateway laptop, have the same error message… pxe e61 media test failure check cable, i already check the boot priority (dvdrom, hard drive)and i already replaced my hard drive an all i see in the bios is funny character… i checke my hard drive using an external cable an it works but the gateway bios can’t recognize my new hard drive.. please help.
October 12th, 2008 at 6:19 am
I got this error after I whalloped my laptop in anger while it was running.. I think my bad temper has knackered it. I’ve yet to get a new hdd, so not sure if I can remedy it.. Also in bios screen I’ve reset the boot priority, but it is stating the ide for the hdd is disabled, and I can’t find head nor way of enabling it.. Oh dear!
Also while attempting to reinstall the OS (XP on 40gb) sometimes it recognises the drive as being there, other times not, and got as far as formatting only for it to state it couldn’t access the drive to continue. Something about a bad boot sector..
Just suggsting maybe there have a few traumas to some of the other posters laptops too..
October 30th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
I have a laptop Toshiba ,and it was error
UNDI, PXE-2.0 (build 082)
Copyright (c) 1997-2000 Intel Corporation
For Reatek RTL8139(x)/8130/810x PCI Fast Ethernet Controller v2.13 (020326)
PXE-E61: Media test failure, check cable
PXE-M0F: Exiting PXE ROM.
I can see in the BIOS screen that it recognizes the new hard drive but all I keep getting is that message. I would really appreciate any help you can give me. It won’t allow me to do anything,
October 30th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
i just power it on,with showing toshiba i pressed the F12,then more that 10 mints I’m waiting and nothing comming up and ….?????can any one give an advice please?
November 21st, 2008 at 11:46 pm
How do I replace the hard drive in a Toshiba Satellite M65-S9063. Not sure how to get to it.
Thank You
January 16th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
I have a Gateway that is about 4.5 years old and about every 12-18 months it seems that I get boot up problems. This time is the PXE-E61 error. But in the discussion I see here, it doesn’t discuss the problem of it sometimes booting up and sometimes not. I will say that the area on the underside for Memory gets red hot, extremely hot that you don’t want to touch it after the laptop has been on for a long period of time. Yet I cannot say that every mouse freeze-up that then makes me reboot with the frequent result of the PXE-E61 error is after the laptop has been on a long time. A spinning noise and clicking sounds comes from the arear where the DVD/CD device is even when it’s empty when I am having a problem. Seems like if I let it cool down for 15 minutes and restart, it often works. I have run CHKDSK /f.
January 16th, 2009 at 4:09 pm
I forgot to say that I am on at least my second harddrive….perhaps third….via a PC repairshop.
March 24th, 2009 at 11:55 am
I have a toshiba laptop. After changing the hard drive, I am getting a following message
PXE-E61
PXE-M0F
Operating system not found
March 24th, 2009 at 7:30 pm
vasu,
Did you run the recovery disc? Did you reimage the hard dive back to factory defaults? Maybe your hard drive has no software on it?
October 5th, 2009 at 7:47 pm
I have a laptop Toshiba M35X,and it was error
UNDI, PXE-2.0 (build 082)
Copyright (c) 1997-2000 Intel Corporation
For Reatek RTL8139(x)/8130/810x PCI Fast Ethernet Controller v2.13 (020326)
PXE-E61: Media test failure, check cable
PXE-M0F: Exiting PXE ROM.
I can see in the BIOS screen that it recognizes the new hard drive but all I keep getting is that message. I would really appreciate any help you can give me. It won’t allow me to do anything,I aslo checked the boot order and try factory default setting. I tried reinstall cd after changing botting order to cd drive. nothing work can any body help………..
October 10th, 2009 at 3:09 pm
I have a toshiba satellite p15-s420 (the dvd rom is damage), my problem was that a have a lot off issues (virus and REALLY slow times of rections) so i backup my files and try to format my HDD. The principal problem is that my DVD ROM is broken, so i remove the HDD and install windows in a friends laptop (that menas remove my friends HDD and put my on it, then use his perfect condition laptop to format my HDD and install windows). When i replace my HDD in my laptop, toshiba logo enter but the when trying to start windows i pops a blue screen REALLY fast then goes again with toshiba logo making an infinite cycle. My first guess was i broke my HDD, but it works great and my friends laptop. What cai i do? The blue screen says something a new hardware malfuntion and virus…is really fast can read it all. Im trying to install windows via USB but no, doesnt work, hoping the format and installer apper again. THANKS
November 7th, 2009 at 3:39 pm
I have a Sony Vaio PCG-9B3L. I need to replace the hardrive and can’t seem to find where it’s located in the computer. Can you help?
November 7th, 2009 at 11:16 pm
Jeff Ihde,
There should be another model number on your laptop, maybe somewhere on the screen bezel. What is it?
If you cannot find the hard drive on the bottom, most likely it’s hidden under the palm rest.
April 17th, 2010 at 3:12 am
I have a new Toshiba Satellite L505-119 with Win 7 64bit.
Bought a new SATA HD (same data as the original) to run Win XP Professional on.
I have changed HD. Changed first Boot to CD/DVD. Put the CD with XP on in the drive. Can hear the drive rotate. Can see my new HD in BIOS.
Nothing happens. Seems like the dator can´t find the CD-drive.
Get this message.
For Realtek RTL8101E/8102E(L)/8103E(L) PLI-E Ethernet controller v1.13 (081016)
PXE-E61:Media test failure. Check cable.
PXE-M0F: Exiting PXE ROM
I have even tried to booth When I have the original HD in. Can´t do that either.
What´s the problem. It was easier whit the old dators.
Please. Hope you can help.
Lars Erik
April 20th, 2010 at 8:38 am
Lars Erik Sjöberg,
If the CD/DVD drive spins but cannot boot from a bootable disc, it’s either bad disc or there is a problem with the CD/DVD drive.
Are you sure the Windows XP disc is bootable? Just in case try booting from another disc, you can use the recovery disc for test.
If the problem still exists, try cleaning the optical lens inside the drive with a cotton swab and 99% alcohol.
If the problem is still there, most likely the CD/DVD drive is bad and has to be replaced.
This message is normal because you have no files on the hard drive.
August 24th, 2010 at 2:11 pm
Hi, I have a Toshiba Satellite Model #M55-S135 and when I turn on my laptop it just says PXE-E61 and there is a continuous beeping sound. But goes away when I go into BIOS. Just replaced the Hard Drive and the BIOS recognizes and reads the new Hard Drive but could it be needing a new ram? I looked in the back and opened up the ram slot and there is nothing where the ram should be, the ram is missing. I don’t understand because how could it work before without the ram but not now?
I am looking to by new ram but I don’t want to get it if that is not the problem. Please help? lol
Much Thanks, Melissa
September 21st, 2010 at 10:38 am
Hi
Just inherited a Acer Aspire 1800 and the internal dvd /cd player rw was missing.
Bought a Sony dw-q520a ata slotted it straight in powered up and was met with the Acer page asking me to press F2.
Didn’t press and go the OS can’t be found message.
Repowered up and I am met with the BIOS settigs page.
Anyone got any suggestions on how to power up (if I remove the drive it starts as normal)
Kind Regards
Seasiders
October 21st, 2010 at 5:28 pm
Hi, i have same problem with
PXE-E61:Media test failure. Check cable.
PXE-M0F: Exiting PXE ROM
but this case is ” Bios (mainboard) can not detect harddisk and battery”. on My Acer AO 751h Phoenix Bios. Then, i try to boot via hd usb or dvd usb but Blue screen i got. any body can help?
October 31st, 2010 at 8:10 pm
Dear sir
Ihave toshiba satlite pro6000 , pls letme know how it boot from external hard disk or external cd drive