Member Avatar for crdnlsgrl

Hi,

I have a Toshiba Satellite A215-S5837 laptop and Windows Vista Home which is about 3 months old. It unfortunately fell from my desk and initally work but then it restarted by itself and now when it tries to reboot I get the following PXE-E61: Media test failure, check cable PXE-M0F: Exiting PXE ROM. I searched for this and tried change the boot up sequence in BIOS but it says for HD none. Does this mean that the HD is dead and I need a new one. Would it be better to replace the HD or get a computer? Is there anyway to get my docs, etc from my existing HD? How do you test if the HD is the problem? Sorry for all the questions but the only thing I really know about computers is very, very basic. I am hoping for a solution that will not be as extreme as buying a new computer though I have a bad feeling that I might have to. Any insight would be helpful. Thanks.

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Dani AI

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Short diagnosis: those PXE messages mean the firmware tried to network-boot because it could not find a local, bootable disk. On a laptop that just took a fall this usually points to the drive not being detected (loose connector or internal mechanical failure), but it can also be a motherboard/connector fault. already noted BIOS shows the HDD as "none", which is the key clue: the firmware does not see a usable disk.

Practical troubleshooting workflow (order matters):

  1. Check BIOS/Boot screen for any listed drive model or size. If a drive model appears, try setting it as first boot device and disable PXE/network boot temporarily to see the next error.
  2. If the BIOS shows no drive at all and the unit is out of warranty, power off, remove AC/battery and inspect the drive bay for a loose cable or caddy—re-seat the drive carefully. If the laptop is under warranty, contact support before opening.
  3. To recover files: remove the drive and connect it to another PC with a SATA-to-USB adapter or place it in a cheap external enclosure. If the drive mounts, copy important data immediately. If it is recognized but unstable, perform a full backup rather than repair attempts.
  4. If the drive makes clicking or grinding noises, or is not detected when attached externally, stop powering it and consult a professional data-recovery service (continuing to power a failing mechanical drive increases damage).
  5. If hardware is otherwise fine, replacing the drive (even upgrading to an SSD) is almost always cheaper than replacing the whole laptop; for a new machine only consider replacement if multiple components are damaged.

Note: ’s suggestion to run a bootable drive diagnostic is a good next step for a formal health check; combine that with the external-connection recovery method to prioritize file retrieval before any repair.

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Member Avatar for comlor

Hi,

I have a Toshiba Satellite A215-S5837 laptop and Windows Vista Home which is about 3 months old. It unfortunately fell from my desk and initally work but then it restarted by itself and now when it tries to reboot I get the following PXE-E61: Media test failure, check cable PXE-M0F: Exiting PXE ROM. I searched for this and tried change the boot up sequence in BIOS but it says for HD none. Does this mean that the HD is dead and I need a new one. Would it be better to replace the HD or get a computer? Is there anyway to get my docs, etc from my existing HD? How do you test if the HD is the problem? Sorry for all the questions but the only thing I really know about computers is very, very basic. I am hoping for a solution that will not be as extreme as buying a new computer though I have a bad feeling that I might have to. Any insight would be helpful. Thanks.

You can try to reseat your HDD. During the fall it could have gotten loose. If the computer was on when it fell then the HDD is probably bad. If you got the unit 3 months ago then you could have the drive replaced under warranty. If you want to find out for sure do the following.

Go to this website

Download the DFT(Drive Fitness Test) program. It is about halfway down the page. Make sure to download the ISO - Image since your computer doesn't have a floppy you will have to use the ISO

Use your favorite burning program to to burn the image and boot from cd. This will test your hard drive for defects

Member Avatar for crdnlsgrl

Thanks, I will try that.

Member Avatar for comlor

Thanks, I will try that.

Please reply back with success or failure for helping others with similar problems

Member Avatar for flexi

I started my computer and it was ok I then took out the hard drive to clean off the viruses now it wont start teh message was pxe-e61 media test failure,check cable. What can I do?

Member Avatar for caperjack

What can I do?

check cable,,,,,Did you Make sure its connected properly

Member Avatar for 4bid

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?

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