Troubleshoot “Reboot and Select Proper Boot Device” Error

If your computer is showing the “Reboot and Select Proper Boot Device” error message, don’t panic. This article will guide you through troubleshooting steps to fix the issue and get your computer back up and running smoothly.

Check your BIOS settings: Make sure your BIOS settings are correctly configured to boot from the right device. You may need to change the boot order to prioritize your hard drive or USB drive if you’re booting from an external device.

Understanding the “Reboot and Select Proper Boot Device” Error

Understanding the “Reboot and Select Proper Boot Device” error is crucial for PC users as it can cause major startup issues. This error message appears when a computer fails to locate the boot device or media. It can happen due to several causes like a hard disk failure, incorrect boot order, faulty boot disk, or corrupted BIOS settings.

Symptoms of this error include the computer failing to boot and displaying the error message on the screen. The error can occur on any Windows operating system, including Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10.

To fix the “Reboot and Select Proper Boot Device” error, users can follow several steps, including checking the boot sequence in BIOS, ensuring the hard drive is connected correctly, checking for any damaged partitions, and using a boot disk or USB drive to boot the computer. Technicians and partner organizations like ASUS and Gigabyte also offer solutions to fix the issue.

A computer without a proper boot device is like a car without fuel.

Common Causes of the Error

  • Check for loose or disconnected cables:
    • Turn off the computer and unplug all cables.
    • Open the computer case and check all cables to make sure they are securely connected.
    • If any cables are loose or disconnected, reconnect them.
    • Close the computer case and plug in all cables.
      If any cables are loose or disconnected, reconnect them.
Close the computer case and plug in all cables.
    • Turn on the computer and check if the error has been resolved.
  • Check the boot order in BIOS:
    • Restart the computer and enter BIOS by pressing the designated key (usually F2 or Del).
    • Navigate to the Boot Order or Boot Options menu.
      Restart the computer and enter BIOS by pressing the designated key (usually F2 or Del).
Navigate to the Boot Order or Boot Options menu.
    • Check that the hard drive or SSD containing the operating system is listed as the first boot device.
    • If the boot order is incorrect, change it to the correct order.
    • Save and exit BIOS, then restart the computer.
  • Repair the operating system:
    • Boot the computer using a Windows installation media (USB or DVD).
    • Select the language and keyboard layout, then click Next.
      Boot the computer using a Windows installation media (USB or DVD).
Select the language and keyboard layout, then click Next.
    • Click on Repair your computer, then Troubleshoot, and finally Advanced options.
    • Select Startup Repair and follow the on-screen instructions to repair the operating system.
    • Restart the computer and check if the error has been resolved.
  • Replace the hard drive or SSD:
    • Turn off the computer and unplug all cables.
    • Open the computer case and locate the hard drive or SSD.
    • Disconnect all cables and screws that secure the hard drive or SSD.
    • Remove the old hard drive or SSD and replace it with a new one.
      Disconnect all cables and screws that secure the hard drive or SSD.
Remove the old hard drive or SSD and replace it with a new one.
    • Secure the new hard drive or SSD with screws and reconnect all cables.
    • Close the computer case and plug in all cables.
      If any cables are loose or disconnected, reconnect them.
Close the computer case and plug in all cables.
    • Turn on the computer and install the operating system.

Checking Boot Order and Boot Device Detection

  • Restart the computer and enter BIOS setup by pressing the designated key (usually F2, F10, or DEL) during startup.
    • Check the boot order to ensure that the hard drive or SSD is listed as the first boot device.
      Restart the computer and enter BIOS setup by pressing the designated key (usually F2, F10, or DEL) during startup.
Check the boot order to ensure that the hard drive or SSD is listed as the first boot device.
    • If the hard drive or SSD is not listed, select the option to “Scan for new devices” or “Auto-detect” to detect the drive.
    • If the hard drive or SSD is detected but still not listed as the first boot device, use the arrow keys to move it to the top of the list.
    • Save changes and exit BIOS setup.


import os

def reboot():
os.system("sudo reboot")

def select_boot_device():
# code to select boot device

def insert_boot_media():
# code to insert boot media

This code defines three functions: `reboot`, `select_boot_device`, and `insert_boot_media`. The `reboot` function uses the `os.system` method to execute the “sudo reboot” command, which will reboot the system. The `select_boot_device` and `insert_boot_media` functions are left empty, as the code required to perform these tasks will depend on the specific hardware and operating system of the computer.

Fixing the Error on Windows

The “Reboot and Select Proper Boot Device” error is a common problem that many Windows users face. This error message appears when the computer is unable to find a bootable device, such as a hard drive or USB drive, to load the operating system.

This error can be caused by a number of issues, including a malfunctioning hard drive, incorrect boot order settings in BIOS, or a corrupted operating system. To fix this error, there are a few suggestions that you can try.

First, you should check the boot order settings in your computer’s BIOS to make sure that the correct device is set as the primary boot device. You can also try disconnecting any external devices, such as USB drives or DVDs, that may be interfering with the boot process.

If the issue persists, you may need to repair or replace your hard drive. You can also try using a boot disk or USB drive to boot into Windows and attempt to repair the operating system.

If you are not comfortable attempting these solutions on your own, it may be best to consult with a technician or reach out to partner organizations and companies for assistance. With these solutions, you can fix the “Reboot and Select Proper Boot Device” error and get your PC up and running again.

The reboot is the ultimate solution to most computer problems.

Legacy Boot and UEFI Differences

Legacy Boot UEFI
Uses the BIOS firmware interface Uses the UEFI firmware interface
Only supports MBR partition scheme Supports GPT partition scheme
Cannot boot from drives larger than 2TB Can boot from drives larger than 2TB
Boots slower Boots faster
Not secure due to lack of secure boot feature Secure boot feature prevents malware attacks

Repairing the Windows Boot Loader and MBR

One of the most frustrating and common errors that users experience is the “Reboot and Select Proper Boot Device” error. This error message indicates that the computer’s boot order is not configured correctly or that there is an issue with the hard disk or boot device.

The causes of this error can vary, but the most common ones include incorrect BIOS settings, a malfunctioning hard disk, or a damaged Master Boot Record (MBR). Depending on the issue, there are several solutions to fix reboot and boot device errors in Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP, and older versions.

One of the most straightforward solutions is to change the boot order in the BIOS settings. Users can also try repairing the MBR or recreating the partition table using bootable media such as a DVD or USB drive. For more complex issues, such as a damaged hard disk, technicians or partner organizations may need to be contacted for assistance.

Regardless of the cause, it’s essential to address this error quickly to prevent further damage to the computer and avoid data loss. By following the appropriate steps and suggestions, users can fix reboot and boot device errors and get their computers back up and running in no time.

Restoring Lost EFI Partition

One of the causes of the “Reboot and Select Proper Boot Device” error is a lost or corrupted EFI partition on your hard drive. This partition contains critical information needed for your computer to start up and without it, you won’t be able to boot your device.

If you suspect that this is the issue, you can try restoring the lost or corrupted EFI partition on your hard drive. This can be done through the command prompt using a Windows installation media or a bootable USB drive.

It’s important to note that restoring an EFI partition can be a complex process and should only be attempted by experienced technicians or users who are familiar with the process. There are also some third-party software solutions available that can help you fix the problem.

If you’re unsure about how to proceed, it’s best to consult with a professional or contact the technical support team of your device’s manufacturer for assistance.

Hard Drive Failure and Troubleshooting

  • Check the BIOS settings: Ensure that the hard drive is set as the primary boot device.
  • Check the hard drive cables: Make sure they are properly connected and not damaged.
  • Run a diagnostic test: Use a diagnostic tool to identify any issues with the hard drive.
  • Use system restore: Go back to a previous restore point to fix any software issues that may be causing the error.
    Run a diagnostic test: Use a diagnostic tool to identify any issues with the hard drive.
Use system restore: Go back to a previous restore point to fix any software issues that may be causing the error.
  • Reinstall the operating system: If all else fails, reinstall the operating system and start fresh.

Deleting System Reserved and EFI Partition

One of the causes of this problem is a misconfigured or corrupted boot order in the BIOS settings. Another cause is a faulty hard disk or device, such as a USB drive or DVD. The symptoms of this error screen include the “Insert Boot Media” alert, the “Following boot device priority” page, or the “Press any key to boot from CD or DVD” message.

To fix the reboot and boot device error, you can try some of these suggestions:

– Check the boot sequence and make sure the hard disk is the first boot device
– Disconnect any external devices and remove any CDs or DVDs from the drives
– Repair or replace the hard disk if it’s damaged or failing
– Create a boot disk or USB drive using another computer and use it to boot your PC
– Delete the System Reserved and EFI partition using diskpart or third-party software
– Contact the manufacturer or technicians for further assistance

Note that deleting the partition can cause data loss or damage, so backup your important information before proceeding. Also, some companies like ASUS and Gigabyte may have specific instructions or tools for fixing this issue on their products. You can check their websites or forums, such as Reddit or Hindi tech posts, for more information and solutions.

Reinstalling Windows as a Last Resort

If you’ve exhausted all other solutions to fix the “Reboot and Select Proper Boot Device” error and it still persists, then reinstalling Windows may be your last option.

Before you proceed with reinstalling Windows, make sure to back up all important information from your hard drive, as this process will erase all data. You will also need a Windows installation disk, USB drive, or bootable DVD.

To reinstall Windows, access your BIOS settings and set your preferred boot order to the device you are using to install Windows. Insert the boot media and follow the on-screen prompts. The process will vary slightly depending on your version of Windows, but you will typically need to select the partition or disk where you want Windows installed.

Keep in mind that reinstalling Windows is a time-consuming process that should only be done as a last resort. If you’re not comfortable with the process, consider reaching out to a professional computer technician or partnering with reputable organizations and companies for assistance.

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