'No bootable device found'

If the boot sequence is misconfigured, your system may not
be able to find the correct drive containing the operating system.

No bootable device found

Aran Pitter, our Commercial Director says:

"Encountering the error message "No Bootable Device Found" can be alarming, especially if your system was working fine before. This error means your computer cannot find an operating system to boot from, making it unresponsive. Fortunately, this issue is often fixable with the right troubleshooting steps."

Common Causes of "No Bootable Device Found"

1. Incorrect Boot Order in BIOS/UEFI
If the boot sequence is misconfigured, your system may not be able to find the correct drive containing the operating system.

2. Corrupted or Missing Boot Files
If essential boot files are missing or damaged due to improper shutdowns, power failures, or malware, the system may fail to start.

3. Faulty or Disconnected Hard Drive
A loose or failing hard drive can prevent the system from detecting a bootable drive.

4. Damaged Master Boot Record (MBR) or GUID Partition Table (GPT)
Corrupt partition tables or boot sectors can prevent the system from booting correctly.

5. Issues After Windows Update or System Changes
Sometimes, a Windows update or major system change can inadvertently disrupt the boot process.

How to Fix "No Bootable Device Found"

Step 1: Check BIOS/UEFI Boot Order

Restart your computer and enter BIOS/UEFI (typically by pressing F2, F12, Del, or Esc during startup).
Navigate to the Boot Order or Boot Priority section.
Ensure that the primary hard drive (where your OS is installed) is set as the first boot device.
Save changes and restart your computer.

Step 2: Check Hard Drive Connection

If you’re comfortable opening your computer case (desktop users), ensure that the hard drive cables are securely connected.
For laptop users, reseat the hard drive if possible.
If available, connect the hard drive to another computer to check if it’s recognized.

Step 3: Run Automatic Repair (Windows Users)

Insert a bootable Windows installation USB/DVD and boot from it.
Select Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Startup Repair.
Follow the on-screen instructions and restart.

Step 4: Repair Master Boot Record (MBR) and Boot Sector

Boot using a Windows installation USB/DVD.
Select Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Command Prompt.
Run the following commands one by one:
bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /scanos
bootrec /rebuildbcd
Restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.

Step 5: Check for Corrupt Partitions (Using CHKDSK)

Boot into Command Prompt as shown in Step 4.
Run the following command:
chkdsk C: /f /r /x
Restart your PC and see if the error is resolved.

Step 6: Reinstall the Operating System
If all else fails, you may need to reinstall Windows or your operating system of choice. Ensure you back up any recoverable data before proceeding.

Preventing Future Boot Issues
Regularly back up important files to external drives or cloud storage.
Keep your system updated with the latest OS patches and drivers.
Use a reliable antivirus to prevent malware attacks that could corrupt boot files.
Avoid sudden power shutdowns that could damage boot sectors.

Conclusion
The "No Bootable Device Found" error can seem daunting, but with systematic troubleshooting, you can usually resolve it. Checking the boot order, repairing boot files, and ensuring your hard drive is functioning properly can get your system back on track. If hardware failure is the issue, replacing the drive may be necessary. Always keep backups to prevent data loss in such situations.

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Aran Pitter Data Recovery Specialists

Author:
Aran Pitter, Commercial Director

Categories

Data Recovery (99)

Data Security (3)

RAID Data Recovery (21)

SSD Data Recovery (4)

Technology (73)

Free Diagnosis

"Our free hard drive data recovery evaluation service will tell you whether your data can be recovered, exactly how much it will cost and how long the data recovery will take. Simply phone or email us for a job number and send your data recovery to us. Your hard drive or media will be photographed, catalogued and bar-coded and the data recovery evaluation will start within an hour of receipt."

Listing Of Recoverable Files

"Once in the laboratory, your media will undergo a comprehensive data recovery evaluation to determine the extent of the data loss. We aim to complete this process within 24 hours depending on the complexity of work involved. The engineers will provide a no obligation recovery prognosis, with a guaranteed list of recoverable files and an estimated timescale. You can then decide whether to proceed with the recovery. Should you choose not to proceed, we will return your media by secure data courier."

Completing the Process

"Should you choose to proceed, the data recovery process will be completed and the data will be safely stored on our servers. We will then copy out the data to your preferred choice of output media - either 64Gb memory stick or HDD (for purchase or loan). Your data will be dispatched on our secure, next day courier service. Once you have received your data any copies of your data will be permanently and securely erased from our servers after 7 days."

Established and Trusted

"40 years experience in the data recovery industry chairing ISO and BSI standards, we have developed a reputation for excellence at a price that is affordable. With extensive data recovery research and development capabilities, our success rates are second to none - without compromising on our prices! This is why over 36,000 companies and individuals come to us every year."

Safeguarding Your Data

"Your data is important to us, which is why all our data recovery procedures comply with the Association of Chief Police Officers Guidelines and Civil Procedure Rules for handling electronic evidence. Great care is taken when recovering and handling your data to ensure that its integrity is maintained and that there is a clear audit trail through the entire data recovery process."

Industry Leading Diagnostics

"Our data recovery laboratory completes over 120 successful recoveries every day from clients including the British Petroleum, NHS and EDF Energy. With ISO 27000 (Information Security) and ISO 9001 (Quality Management) accreditation - we are a data recovery company you can rely upon! Class 100 clean rooms, specialised platter removal jigs and software applications allow us to provide the most comprehensive service in the industry."

"Kept me informed at all times"

"They never promised anything and keep me informed at all times. When I got the call to say that they could recover 20 years' of family photos from a failed harddrive, I cried. I cried again when the files were delivered to me. The cost was insignificant next to the priceless value of the photos recovered."
Geoff Elliott
Five Star Review

"Excellent service"

"Excellent service, called back same day and arranged collection of my hard drive within a couple of days. Kept me informed all the time of what was happening. "
Susan Hall
Five Star Review

"Amazing service"

"Amazing Service, Very Professional. From start to finish this service was very professional, keeping me informed on progress and explaining each step. Totally trustworthy, and totally recommend."
Michael Downing
Four Star Review

"Thoroughly professional"

"Excellent service from a thoroughly professional company. Polite and attentive staff, prompt response, informed of progress, simple procedure to have your data recovered. Recommend to all."
Jon McKinnon
Five Star Review

"Attentive and communicative"

"DRS were very attentive and communicative. I received everything I needed from my old hard drive. It’s costly but a very particular and effective service!"
Video Blue
Four Star Review

"Highly recommend"

"I've used Data Recovery Specialists a couple of times now and each time their communication and response times have been excellent. Their team have achieved >95% data recovery for me. I would highly recommend them and will use them again should the need arise."
Ian Baker
Five Star Review

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'No bootable device found'