The ‘select boot device’ error message appears when your computer is unable to find a bootable device during the booting process. This often indicates an issue with your computer’s boot order configuration or a problem with your primary hard drive that prevents it from being detected at boot. Understanding what this error means and how to resolve it will help get your computer up and running again.
What Does “Select Boot Device” Mean?
When you first turn on your computer, it goes through a boot up sequence known as the Power On Self Test (POST). During this process, the BIOS checks your hardware, initializes components, and looks for bootable devices like your hard drive or USB drive.
If your computer displays a “select boot device” message, it means the BIOS was unable to automatically find a bootable device during this process.
There are a few common reasons why this error may appear:
Boot Order Not Set Properly
The BIOS follows a specific boot order when looking for a bootable device. This boot order prioritizes devices like the hard drive, optical drive, USB drives, etc. If the BIOS cannot find your primary hard drive in the boot order, the “select boot device” message will appear.
Connection Issue with Primary Hard Drive
If the data cable between your primary hard drive and motherboard is loose, damaged, or disconnected, the BIOS may not detect the drive at boot. This will generate the error.
Hard Drive Not Detected or “Dead”
If your primary hard drive has failed, has corrupted boot files, or is not getting power, the BIOS will not see it as a bootable option. The “select boot device” indicates the hard drive is not visible to the BIOS.
Damaged Bootloader or System Files
The bootloader files or critical system files on your primary hard drive may have become corrupted or damaged. This prevents the hard drive from booting properly, causing the error.
How to Fix the “Select Boot Device” Error
If you see the “select boot device and restart” message, try these troubleshooting steps:
Check Boot Order in BIOS
Enter your computer’s BIOS setup utility and verify the boot order. Make sure your primary hard drive or SSD is prioritized first in the list. If not, use the boot menu to reorder the list so the correct drive is first.
Inspect Hard Drive Connections
Shut down your computer, open the case, and check that the data and power cables are properly connected to your hard drive. Reconnect any loose cables.
Test Hard Drive Health
Run your hard drive manufacturer’s diagnostic software to test for drive errors or failures. If issues are found, you may need to replace the drive.
Try Booting from a Windows Recovery Drive
Create a Windows recovery drive on a USB stick. Boot to the recovery drive to access Windows recovery tools and try to repair the master boot record or boot files.
Reinstall or Repair Bootloader
Use your operating system install disc to totally reinstall or repair the master boot record and bootloader. This overwrites any corrupted files.
Replace Damaged Hard Drive
If all else fails, you likely have a non-functioning hard drive. You will need to replace it with a new drive and reinstall your operating system and programs.
Detailed Troubleshooting Steps
Follow these more detailed troubleshooting steps to identify and fix the underlying problem causing the “select boot device” error:
1. Check BIOS Boot Settings
Restart your computer and enter the system BIOS setup utility. This can usually be accessed by pressing a key like F2, F10 or Delete during bootup. Navigate to the “Boot” section of the BIOS. Verify the following:
– The hard drive or SSD you want to boot from is listed first under the boot order. If not, use the arrow keys to move it to the top.
– The boot mode is set properly for your drive type – IDE, AHCI or RAID.
– Fast boot is disabled, at least initially while troubleshooting.
Save changes and exit BIOS to reboot. The boot order change may resolve the issue.
2. Inspect Drive Connections and Cables
If the error persists, open your computer case and locate the hard drive. Check that both the power cable and data cable are inserted snugly into the back of the drive.
Look for any damaged pins or loose connections. If needed, swap out the SATA cable for a new one. Power cycle the system and see if the drive is now detected.
3. Run Hard Drive Diagnostics
Download diagnostic software from your hard drive manufacturer to test drive functionality. Tools like Seagate SeaTools or WD Data Lifeguard can run thorough assessments and report any errors found.
If the diagnostics find issues, you may need to reformat the drive or replace it if it is damaged. A healthy drive should pass all tests.
4. Attempt Booting From a Recovery Disk
Create a bootable USB recovery drive from another working computer. Change your BIOS settings to boot from the USB drive first.
When you boot the recovery drive, you can access Windows recovery tools to repair the master boot record (MBR) or boot files using commands like bootrec.exe. This may resolve the issue if your original hard drive is still healthy.
5. Reinstall or Repair Bootloader
If previous steps don’t work, boot from your Windows install media. At the installation screen choose “Repair your computer”.
This will open recovery options where you can access the Command Prompt. From here you can run bootrec commands to rebuild the boot configuration data or bootsect command to repair the master boot record (MBR).
Reinstalling or repairing the bootloader may restore bootability if the original files were corrupted.
6. Replace Failed Hard Drive
If all troubleshooting fails, the hard drive itself has likely failed or has severe file system corruption. You will need to replace it with a new drive. Install the new drive in the computer, then reinstall your operating system, programs and restore data from backups.
This should resolve the issue and let your system boot normally again from the new healthy drive.
Causes of the “Select Boot Device” Error
Understanding the root causes leading to this error can help guide troubleshooting:
Boot Order Change
If you alter the boot order in your BIOS settings so your main hard drive is no longer first, you will get the “select boot device” message. Simple BIOS settings changes can trigger the error.
Loose Cable Connection
A loose or malfunctioning data cable between the hard drive and motherboard will cause connection issues. No boot device will be detected if communication is disrupted.
Old or Faulty Hard Drive
Mechanical hard drives can fail as they age. Drives typically last 3-5 years. If your drive is old, it may have developed bad sectors or mechanical failure preventing it from being detected.
Corrupted Bootloader
The master boot record (MBR) or other bootloader files can become corrupted from an interrupted OS update or other system issue. This prevents booting even though the drive is still visible in the BIOS.
Damaged System Files
Critical operating system files like bootmgr and winload.exe can become corrupted or damaged, leading to boot issues and the error message.
Disabled Hard Drive in BIOS
In some cases, your hard drive may show up in BIOS but is disabled or not activated. Enabling it as a boot device will resolve the issue.
BIOS Mode Mismatch
Your hard drive may not boot correctly if the BIOS boot mode (IDE, AHCI, RAID) does not match the Windows installation, causing the error.
How to Prevent the Error
You can take proactive steps to avoid a “select boot device” failure:
Maintain Proper Boot Order
Always check your BIOS boot order and keep your primary hard drive or SSD first in the list. This prevents the error if devices get moved out of order.
Keep BIOS and Drivers Updated
Regularly update your system BIOS, chipset drivers, SATA drivers and hard drive firmware. Updated drivers and firmware prevent compatibility issues.
Verify Boot Mode Matches OS
Check that your hard drive’s BIOS boot mode matches the mode used when installing Windows: IDE, AHCI or RAID. Setting the incorrect mode for your OS will cause boot problems.
Use Quality Cables and Connections
Poor quality or damaged SATA cables can cause intermittent drive detection issues. Replace aging cables. Ensure connections are secured.
Backup Important Data
Maintain backups of your critical data, documents, photos and other files on an external hard drive or cloud storage. This protects your data if you suddenly have hard drive failure.
Check Drive Health Regularly
Perform hard drive diagnostics regularly to confirm your drives are in good health. This can identify any developing problems before drive failure causes boot issues.
Replace Old Hard Drives
Swap out mechanical hard drives after 3-5 years of use before age-related issues occur. Replace drives showing signs of failure immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I get a “Reboot and Select Proper Boot Device” error?
This error has the same causes as the “select boot device” message. It indicates the BIOS was unable to find a bootable device at startup. The most common reasons are boot order issues, disconnected or damaged hardware, or a failed hard drive.
Can the MBR be repaired without losing data?
Yes, the master boot record contains bootloader code but does not store your actual files and data. Repairing the MBR using the bootrec commands from a Windows recovery drive can often fix boot issues without data loss.
How can I tell if my hard drive is failing?
Warning signs of a failing hard drive include loud clicking noises during operation, very slow transfer speeds, disappeared files and folders, frequent freezes or crashes, and multiple bad sectors reported in diagnostics. Backup your data immediately if you notice these issues.
Why does my computer say “No bootable devices found”?
This error indicates that your PC cannot find any storage devices with bootable operating system installed. It is typically caused by the same problems as the “select boot device” error – boot order issues, disconnected hard drive, or hard drive failure.
Can a bootable USB fix the “select boot device” problem?
Yes, creating a Windows recovery USB and booting from it will often allow you to access tools to repair the master boot record and boot files on your main hard drive. This can resolve the issue without replacing the drive.
Conclusion
The “select boot device” error message ultimately indicates your PC cannot find a suitable startup disk during the boot process. By checking your boot order settings, inspecting your hard drive connections, running diagnostics, and repairing the bootloader, you can troubleshoot the underlying problem causing the error.
In most cases, this issue stems from an incorrect boot order, loose cables, or a damaged hard drive. Understanding the possible causes and applying the right troubleshooting steps will get your computer booting properly again. Be sure to backup important data regularly as a preventive measure.