The "no
bootable devices found" error can create headaches, as well as occasional
heartache if you're a laptop user.
This error
appears when your computer is unable to find a device or file required for
normal operation. It could indicate one of three issues: hard drive failure,
software error or motherboard malfunction.
Any of
these potential problems can render your laptop useless.
Hard drive
failure or software errors can lead to data loss, which can cause anguish and
catastrophe, depending on the files
business information, family photos, student projects at risk.
Hard Drive Failure
The
interior of a hard drive is akin to a turntable.
Most hard
drives contain two to three discs, known as platters, which are similar to records.
These platters are read and written on by a tiny needle called the read/write
head, similar to the arm and needle on a turntable.
When a hard
drive functions properly, the platters spin and the read/write head accesses
the files necessary to boot your computer.
Improper
function of any of these physical pieces
can cause a mechanical failure and result in the "no bootable devices" error.
Software Error
In rare instances, a software problem
more specifically, a particularly nasty
virus may cause the "no bootable
devices" error.
Most often, if a virus attacks and corrupts your system,
your computer can still detect the hard drive and operating system, and you'll
see some attempt at a normal boot.
If a virus attacks certain system and startup files,
however, they may not be detectable next time you boot your computer, thus
causing you to see "no bootable devices."
This may also happen if you are manually deleting files from
your computer and accidentally delete system files.
Motherboard
Sometimes individual components of your laptop's motherboard
malfunction, which can cause problems ranging from loss of wireless capabilities
to inability to detect an external power source.
If the components that detect your hard drive fail, your
laptop is unable to receive signals from the hard drive and therefore may
display the "no bootable devices" error.
Repair
Fixing a "no bootable devices" error can prove costly.
If motherboard failure caused the error, you're probably
better off purchasing a new laptop; unless it's under warranty; the average
motherboard replacement costs $250 to $500.
You can reinstall your operating system to resolve software
errors, which is fairly inexpensive by computer repair standards, costing $80
to $130 dollars, but this step may also overwrite your existing data.
In some cases, data may prove so badly corrupted it's not
salvageable.
If you can recover it, however, that raises your repair
costs. additional fee.
If hard drive failure caused your "no bootable devices"
error, you can replace the drive.
If you need to recover data from a malfunctioning hard
drive, send it to a clean room for recovery.
In a clean room, technicians disassemble your hard drive and
image each platter; this kind of data recovery is extremely expensive, costing
up to $2000
depending on the work
involved.
Prevention
There is no way to guarantee you will never receive a "no
bootable devices" error, but there are some steps you can take to help prevent
it from happening.
Keep your laptop on a flat surface when using it, and avoid
any bumps that may cause the hard drive's read/write mechanism to lock up.
Avoid transporting your laptop while the hard drive is
active; turn your computer off while traveling.
Additionally, regularly run an anti-malware program to catch
and remove viruses or spyware before they cause system problems
.
http://www.upgradenrepair.com/Issues/N/nobootabledevicefound.htmalso you might
HP laptop no bootable devices found
Turn on your HP laptop with Windows Vista or Windows 7 and
press the "Esc" key repeatedly to access the startup Menu. Press
"F10" to access the BIOS.
Press "F9" to restore the BIOS to its default
settings. Press "Enter" to verify that you want to restore the BIOS
default settings.
Press "F10" to save your changes and
exit the BIOS. Press "Enter" to confirm that you want to save the
BIOS changes and continue booting up the laptop.
HP Hard Disk Test
Hold the Power button down for 15 seconds when the laptop is
turned on to turn off the laptop.
Press the Power button again to turn on the laptop and press
the "Esc" key repeatedly to access the startup Menu.
Press "F2" to access the System Diagnostics.
Click "Hard Disk Test" to begin testing the hard
drive.
If "Pass" is displayed after all of the tests then
the program fixed the error.
If "Fail" is displayed after any of the tests,
proceed to Section 3 if you are using Windows Vista and Section 4 if you are
using Windows 7.
Recover Windows Vista Factory Settings
Click "Start," "All Programs,"
"Recovery Manager" and "Recovery Manager" again to open the
HP Recovery Manager.
Click "Advanced Options," then click "System
Recovery" and "Next."
The laptop will restart and will boot up to the HP Recovery
Manager.
Click "System Recovery" and click
"Next."
Click "No" when asked if you want to use Microsoft
System Restore and click "Next."
Select "Recover without backing up your files" and
click "Next."
Click "Next" to begin the recovery process.
When the process is finished the laptop will restart and
boot to the Windows Vista setup screen.
Recover Windows 7 Factory Settings
Click "Start," "All Programs,"
"Recovery Manager" and "Recovery Manager" again to open the
HP Recovery Manager.
Click "System Recovery."
The laptop will restart and will boot to HP Recovery
Manager. Click "System Recovery," then click "Next."
Click "No" when asked if you want to use Microsoft
System Restore and click "Next."
Click "Recover without backing up your files" and
click "Next."
Click "Next" to begin the recovery process.
When the process is finished the laptop will
restart and boot to the Windows 7 setup screen.
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