4 Ways to Fix the "Reboot and Select Proper Boot Device" Error

When you turn on your computer, you might see an error that says "Restart and select proper boot device". This means that your desktop or laptop can't find the hard drive with the Windows operating system on it. Restarting your computer won't fix the problem, so what should you do?

"Restart and select proper boot device" error

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Solution 1: Select the Right Boot Device by Changing the Boot Order
Solution 2: Check if the Boot Device is Detected
Solution 3: Repair the Windows Boot Files
Solution 4: Rebuild MBR (Recommended Solution)

The error message "Reboot and Select Proper Boot Device" is typically caused by one of the following issues: 1. **Incorrect Boot Device Configuration**: The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) might not be correctly identifying or selecting the hard drive, USB drive, or CD/DVD drive as the boot device. You need to enter the BIOS settings and ensure that the correct boot device is set as the primary. 2. **Hard Drive Problem**: The hard drive could be faulty or damaged, preventing the system from finding a valid boot sector. This might require a disk check and repair or replacement of the hard drive. 3. **Operating System Corruption**: If the operating system's boot files are missing or corrupted, this error can occur. You may need to use an installation disc or recovery tool to repair it. 4. **Loose Hardware Connections**: Sometimes, loose memory modules, hard drive data cables, or power cables can cause this issue. Check and ensure all hardware connections are secure. 5. **Outdated BIOS**: In certain cases, an outdated BIOS version might not support your hardware devices. Updating the BIOS to the latest version could resolve the problem. 6. **Incorrect Boot Order**: If you have multiple storage devices connected to your computer (such as multiple hard drives or USB devices), the BIOS might attempt to boot from the wrong device. These are common reasons, and solutions often involve checking hardware connections, updating the BIOS, or repairing/reinstalling the operating system. If the issue persists, it's advisable to seek professional technical support.

This issue plagues a lot of Windows users. Fortunately, you can resolve it through this article. Before you take action, though, it's best to determine the reason behind the “Restart and Choose Proper Boot Device” error.

• Hardware failure
• Incorrect BIOS settings
• Incorrect boot order in BIOS
• Incorrect active partition setting
• Missing or corrupted boot files

Upon understanding the exact reason behind the error, you can take the necessary steps. I've listed multiple solutions for this issue, and we'll start with the most common ones. Simply follow the steps outlined in the posts.

Fix 1: Change the Boot Order to Select the Right Boot Device

Usually, you don't need to change any settings in the BIOS, as it should configure itself automatically. However, if you've replaced an old system drive with a new one, you'll need to set the boot priority drive. To select the correct boot device, follow these steps:

Step 1: Restart your computer and press F2/F12/Del to enter BIOS.

Step 2: Access the boot options and change the boot priority to boot the operating system from the bootable drive.

Step 3: Save the changes, exit the BIOS, and restart your computer. Wait patiently for your computer to boot up.

Fix 2: Check if the boot device is detected

If Windows prompts you to insert a boot device and press any key, you should check that your BIOS is detecting the boot disk or installation media.

For desktop computers:

Make sure the computer is turned off and disconnected from its power source. Locate the hard drive and check that its connectors are properly seated. Reconnect the power cord and turn on the computer.

For laptops:

• If possible, remove the battery.
• Open the bottom cover of the laptop.
• Check that the hard drive is properly connected.
• Close the cover and reinsert the battery.

After checking everything, it's time to turn on the computer and enter BIOS. Then, run the hard drive self-test. If there is no hard drive self-test in your BIOS, you can create a WinPE disk and run hard drive tests with tools.

Solution 3: Repair the Windows Boot Files

You'll need a Windows repair disc, and you'll need to boot your Dell, Acer, Asus, or Lenovo computer from it. Follow these steps to fix the Windows boot files:

Step 1: Boot from the recovery USB drive or original install DVD.

Step 2. On the setup screen, click on “Repair your computer.”

Next, open the Command Prompt and enter the following command:

For users with a traditional BIOS: bootrec /fixmbr bootrec /fixboot bootrec /rebuildbcd

For UEFI users: bcdboot C:\Windows

Solution 4: Rebuild the MBR (Recommended)

However, if you still get the “Reboot and Select Proper Boot Device” error on your ASUS, Dell, Acer, Lenovo, etc. computer with Windows 10/8/7, you should try the next method. The Partition Master Tool has the function of Rebuild MBR which can fix the master boot code issue.

Step 1: Create a Windows PE boot disk

• Launch Partition Master, click “Bootable Media Creator” on the toolbar and then select “Create Bootable Disk”. • Click “Next” to finish the process.

Create a bootable disk

Step 2. Boot into the Partition Wizard bootable USB

• Connect the bootable USB or CD/DVD to your computer. • Restart your computer and press F2 or Del to enter the BIOS screen. Set it to boot from “Removable Device” or “CD-ROM Drive.” The partition tool will then launch automatically.

Step 3: **Rebuild the MBR**

Click on "Toolbox," and then select "Rebuild MBR."

Rebuild MBR

Choose the disk and MBR type, then click “Rebuild”.

You'll then see a message that says, “The MBR of Disk X has been successfully rebuilt.”

If you still receive this error – restart and select the correct boot device, you can try to perform a fresh install of Windows 10 on your HDD or SSD. Reinstalling Windows will delete all files saved on the boot partition, so it's recommended to back up your data without booting into Windows.

Conclusion

Hopefully, the above steps have helped you resolve the "Reboot and Select Proper Boot Device" error. Remember, if you don't see your hard drive in BIOS, first ensure that the connections are correct. Next, check if the hard drive itself is faulty or damaged. If you've tried all the solutions above, you can also attempt to repair a corrupted hard drive without formatting.