How to fix media test failure check cable PXE-E61 error

If you are receiving a PXE-E61 error when you start up your computer, it may be because the computer is trying and failing to boot on a network device. This tutorial will walk you through the various solutions to this issue.

What are PXE-E61 error messages?

When your computer starts, it can try to search and load a bootable OS over the network instead of booting from a local environment. PXE stands for Preboot eXecution Environment, and they are errors related to that booting procedure.

How to fix the PXE-E61: Media Test Failure, Check Cable Error?

Faulty network connection

If the PC needs to boot on a network device, you should check if the network cable is disconnected or faulty. Either reconnect it or use another network cable. This problem can also be due to a defective network card, in which case you should swap it out.

Wrong boot sequence

You may also experience this issue if the boot sequence is not properly configured and the computer attempts to boot from a "PXE" network card. Go into the BIOS to change the boot sequence. (This process is specific to your computer but usually involves the pressing of a single key or a string of keys.)

Malfunctioning devices

Finally, if the hard drive, the connections, or the motherboard is faulty, you could receive this error message. Symptoms of this issue include the computer being unable to boot, the computer frequently producing the BSOD (Blue Screen Of Death), the computer randomly freezing, and a rattling sound coming from the computer. To fix it, open the computer, unplug your hard drive, clean the connectors, and reconnect it.

If none of the above solutions work, the problem may be due to a faulty motherboard or HDD.