CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201)Hardware and Network TroubleshootingMedium
A technician is troubleshooting a desktop computer that powers on, but consistently displays a 'No Boot Device Found' error message. The technician has verified that the hard drive is detected in the BIOS/UEFI settings and has the correct boot order configured. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?
- AA failing power supply unit (PSU)
- BCorrupt boot sector or master boot record (MBR)
- COutdated BIOS/UEFI firmware
- DIncorrect RAM module installed
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Corrupt boot sector or master boot record (MBR)
If the drive is detected and boot order is correct, a 'No Boot Device Found' error often indicates that the system can see the drive but cannot find valid boot information on it. This points to a corrupted boot sector or MBR.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A failing PSU would likely cause intermittent power issues or no power at all, not a consistent 'No Boot Device Found' error with the drive detected.
- C. Outdated BIOS/UEFI firmware is unlikely to cause this specific error if the drive is detected and boot order is correct, unless it's a very old system with a new large drive.
- D. Incorrect RAM would typically cause POST errors, system instability, or BSODs, not specifically a 'No Boot Device Found' message.
No Boot Device Found (Drive Detected)
When a 'No Boot Device Found' error occurs despite the boot drive being detected in BIOS/UEFI and the boot order being correct, it typically indicates a corrupted boot sector or Master Boot Record (MBR) on the drive.
- Drive is physically recognized
- Boot order is correct
- OS cannot initiate boot process
- Often requires boot repair tools
Memory trick: Boot Records are Broken, so Repair Boot.