Skip to content Skip to sidebar Skip to footer
Menu
Menu
Tech Technology

Reboot and Select Proper Boot Device: Common Causes and Fixes

6 min

As a computer user, you may have come across the error message “Reboot and select proper boot device” at some point. This message can be quite frustrating and confusing, especially if you’re not tech-savvy. In this blog post, we will discuss what this error message means, what causes it, and how to fix it.

What Does “Reboot and Select Proper Boot Device” Mean?

The error message “Reboot and select proper boot device” is a common issue that computer users encounter. This error message typically appears on the screen when your computer is unable to locate a bootable device, such as your hard drive or solid-state drive (SSD). The bootable device contains your operating system, and without it, your computer cannot function properly. Therefore, the error message “Reboot and select proper boot device” indicates that your computer cannot find a device that it can boot from, and it needs your attention to resolve the issue. In the following sections, we will explore the reasons why this error message occurs and how to fix it.

What Causes Reboot and Select Proper Boot Device

The “Reboot and select proper boot device” error message is a common problem that computer users encounter. This error message can be caused by several issues, including:

  1. Incorrect boot order: The boot order specifies the order in which the system looks for a bootable device. If the boot order is incorrect, the system will not be able to find the bootable device, and the error message will appear.
  2. Damaged boot sector: The boot sector is a critical part of the bootable device that contains information about the operating system’s location. If the boot sector is damaged or corrupted, the system will not be able to find the operating system, and the error message will appear.
  3. Failed hard drive or SSD: If your hard drive or SSD fails, the system will not be able to locate the bootable device, and the error message will appear.
  4. Loose or damaged SATA or power cables: If the SATA or power cables connecting the hard drive or SSD to the motherboard are loose or damaged, the system will not be able to detect the device, and the error message will appear.

By understanding the common causes of the “Reboot and select proper boot device” error message, you can begin to troubleshoot the issue and fix it.

How to Fix “Reboot and Select Proper Boot Device”

If you encounter the “Reboot and select proper boot device” error message, don’t panic. There are several solutions you can try to fix the issue. In this section, we will discuss the most common methods to resolve the problem.

  1. Check the boot order in BIOS: As we mentioned earlier, an incorrect boot order can cause the error message. To check and modify the boot order, you need to access the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) settings. To access BIOS, restart your computer and press the designated key (usually F2 or Delete) during the boot-up process. Once you’re in the BIOS, navigate to the boot order menu, and make sure the bootable device (usually your hard drive or SSD) is listed first. Save and exit the BIOS, and restart your computer.
  2. Repair the boot sector: If the boot sector is damaged, you can repair it using the Command Prompt. To do this, you need a Windows installation disk or a bootable USB drive. Insert the installation disk or USB drive and restart your computer. Select the language, time, and keyboard options, and click on “Repair your computer.” Select “Troubleshoot” and then “Command Prompt.” In the Command Prompt, type “bootrec /fixboot” and press Enter. Then type “bootrec /fixmbr” and press Enter. Finally, type “bootrec /rebuildbcd” and press Enter. Restart your computer.
  3. Check the hard drive or SSD: A failed hard drive or SSD can cause the error message. To check if this is the case, you can run a diagnostic tool. Many hard drive and SSD manufacturers provide free diagnostic software that you can download and use. Run the diagnostic tool and check if there are any errors or bad sectors. If your hard drive or SSD has failed, you need to replace it.
  4. Check the SATA or power cables: If the SATA or power cables are loose or damaged, you can try reconnecting or replacing them. Turn off your computer and unplug it. Open the case and locate the cables connecting the hard drive or SSD to the motherboard. Make sure the cables are firmly connected and not damaged. If the cables are damaged, replace them with new ones.

Conclusion

The “Reboot and select proper boot device” error message can be frustrating, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can fix the problem. By checking the boot order, repairing the boot sector, checking the hard drive or SSD, and checking the SATA or power cables, you can resolve the issue and get your computer running smoothly again. Remember to back up your important data regularly to avoid losing it in case of a hard drive or SSD failure.

This Pop-up Is Included in the Theme
Best Choice for Creatives
Purchase Now