Fixing the Selected Boot Device Failed Error
Having trouble with the Selected Boot Device Failed error? Here’s how I fixed it.
Understanding the Causes of the “Selected Boot Device Failed” Issue
One common cause is a problem with the boot sector or the master boot record (MBR). These are essential components of the computer’s startup process, and if they become corrupted or damaged, the selected boot device may fail to load.
Another possible cause is a misconfiguration in the BIOS settings. The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) controls the computer’s hardware and startup process. If the BIOS is not set up correctly, it may not recognize the selected boot device, leading to the error.
Hardware issues can also cause the “Selected Boot Device Failed” error. A failing hard disk drive or solid-state drive can prevent the computer from booting properly. Additionally, connecting a faulty USB flash drive or optical disc drive can also trigger the error.
Malware or viruses can also interfere with the boot process and cause the selected boot device to fail. It is important to regularly scan your computer for malware using reliable antivirus software like Malwarebytes to prevent these issues.
To fix the “Selected Boot Device Failed” error, you can try several troubleshooting steps. First, ensure that the selected boot device is connected properly and is in working condition. If using a USB flash drive or DVD, try using a different one to rule out any issues with the device itself.
You may also need to enter the BIOS settings and verify that the boot order is set correctly. Make sure the selected boot device is listed as the first boot option.
If the issue persists, you can try using a boot disk or a Windows Preinstallation Environment (WinPE) to repair the boot sector or MBR. Tools like EaseUS Partition Master can help you with this process.
Effective Methods to Resolve the Selected Boot Device Failed Error
- Restart your computer.
- During the boot process, press the BIOS key (usually Del, F2, or F10) to access the BIOS settings.
- Use the arrow keys to navigate to the Boot or Startup tab.
- Make sure the selected boot device (usually your hard drive) is listed at the top of the boot order.
- If necessary, use the plus (+) or minus (-) keys to rearrange the boot order.
- Save the changes and exit the BIOS settings.
- Restart your computer to see if the error is resolved.
Repair Method 2: Check Hard Drive Connections
- Power off your computer and unplug it from the power source.
- Open the computer case to access the internal components.
- Locate the hard drive and check its connections.
- Ensure that the SATA or IDE cables connecting the hard drive to the motherboard are securely connected.
- If necessary, disconnect and reconnect the cables to ensure a proper connection.
- Close the computer case and plug it back into the power source.
- Power on your computer to check if the error is resolved.
Repair Method 3: Run Startup Repair
- Insert the Windows installation disc or recovery drive into your computer.
- Restart your computer and boot from the installation disc or recovery drive.
- Choose your preferred language and click Next.
- Click on Repair your computer.
- Select the Troubleshoot option.
- Choose Advanced options.
- Select Startup Repair and follow the on-screen instructions to let Windows attempt to repair the boot issues.
- Restart your computer and check if the error is resolved.
Additionally, if the error is related to hardware miscommunication or incompatible drivers, Fortect can identify and repair these causes. Trust Fortect to help resolve your boot device issues and get your computer back up and running.
Adjusting Boot Order and BIOS Settings for Resolution
To adjust the boot order and BIOS settings to resolve the “Selected Boot Device Failed” error, follow these steps:
1. Reboot your computer and access the BIOS settings by pressing the designated key (usually F2, F10, or Del) during startup.
2. Once in the BIOS settings, navigate to the “Boot” or “Boot Order” section.
3. Use the arrow keys to select the primary boot device and press the “+” or “-” keys to change the order.
4. Make sure that the device you want to boot from (such as the hard disk drive or solid-state drive) is listed as the first boot option.
5. Save the changes and exit the BIOS settings.
6. If the error persists, try resetting the BIOS to its default settings by selecting the “Load Defaults” or “Reset to Default” option in the BIOS menu.
7. If you’re using UEFI firmware, make sure the UEFI boot mode is enabled and the legacy boot mode is disabled.
8. Check for any hardware issues by running diagnostics on your hard disk drive or using disk utilities like EaseUS Partition Master.
9. If you suspect a virus or malware infection, boot your computer using a boot disk or Windows Preinstallation Environment (WinPE) and run a thorough scan using reputable antivirus software like Malwarebytes.
10. If you continue to encounter the error, it may be necessary to repair or reinstall the operating system. You can do this using a Windows installation DVD or an optical disc image.
Running SFC and DISM Scans and Rebuilding BCD
To fix the “Selected Boot Device Failed” error, you can try running SFC and DISM scans and rebuilding the BCD. First, open the Command Prompt with administrative rights. Then, type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter to run the System File Checker scan. This will check for and repair any corrupted system files.
After the SFC scan completes, you can run a DISM scan to repair the Windows image. In the Command Prompt, enter “dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth” and hit Enter. This will scan for any issues with the Windows image and fix them if possible.
If the error persists, you can try rebuilding the BCD (Boot Configuration Data). Type “bootrec /fixmbr“, “bootrec /fixboot“, and “bootrec /rebuildbcd” in the Command Prompt, pressing Enter after each command. This will repair any issues with the master boot record and rebuild the BCD.
Once you have completed these steps, restart your computer and check if the error is resolved. If not, further troubleshooting may be required.
Troubleshooting with Startup Repair and Hardware Checks
If you’re encountering the “Selected Boot Device Failed” error, there are a few steps you can take to resolve it.
First, try running the Startup Repair tool in Windows 10. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Reboot your computer and press the F8 or F12 key repeatedly to access the boot menu.
2. Select “Repair Your Computer” and wait for the Windows Boot Manager to load.
3. Choose “Startup Repair” and let the tool scan your system for any issues.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the repair process.
If Startup Repair doesn’t fix the problem, you can also perform hardware checks to identify any potential issues with your computer’s components. Here’s how:
1. Reboot your computer and enter the boot menu again.
2. Select “Diagnostic Tools” or “Hardware Diagnostics” (the exact name may vary depending on your computer manufacturer).
3. Run a comprehensive scan of your system to check for any hardware failures.
4. If any issues are detected, consult your computer’s user manual or contact the manufacturer for further assistance.
Additional Fixes and Considerations for Selected Boot Device Failed Error
| Fix | Description |
|---|---|
| Check boot order | Ensure that the correct boot device is selected as the first option in the boot order. Use the BIOS settings to change the boot order if necessary. |
| Disconnect external devices | If there are any external devices connected to the computer, such as USB drives or external hard drives, disconnect them and restart the computer to see if the error is resolved. |
| Reset BIOS settings | Resetting the BIOS to default settings can sometimes fix the selected boot device failed error. Enter the BIOS settings and look for an option to reset to default. |
| Check hard drive cables | Make sure that the cables connecting the hard drive to the motherboard are securely plugged in. If necessary, try using different cables or connecting the hard drive to a different port. |
| Run hardware diagnostics | Use a hardware diagnostic tool to check the health of the hard drive. This can help identify any potential issues with the hardware that may be causing the error. |
| Repair Windows startup | If none of the above fixes work, try using the Windows startup repair tool. This tool can automatically fix common startup issues and may resolve the selected boot device failed error. |
| Reinstall Windows | If all else fails, reinstalling Windows may be necessary. Backup important data before proceeding with a clean installation of the operating system. |
It’s important to be cautious if you encounter a “selected boot device failed” error message, but it’s usually not something to panic about. Download this tool to run a scan
