How to Fix Reboot and Select Proper Boot Device

You don’t need to panic if you see “Reboot and Select Proper Boot Device” on your computer. There are a variety of reasons your computer may not be able to find a bootable device, which could result in this error message. In this article, we’ll explore the various causes of this error and provide step-by-step instructions on how to fix it.

Understanding the Error Message ‘Reboot and Select Proper Boot Device’

Understanding what this error message means is important before looking for solutions. Basically, your computer’s BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) looks for an operating system-compatible device when you turn it on. It will display the “Reboot and Select Proper Boot Device” error message if it cannot find a bootable device.

The error may occur for a variety of reasons, such as a corrupted operating system file or an outdated BIOS. There are several common causes of this problem and how to fix them.

Fix Reboot and Select Proper Boot Device

So, here are some fixes that will help you resolving the reboot and select proper boot device error message:

Faulty Hard Drive

Your computer may not find a bootable device if the hard drive has failed or become disconnected. In order to determine if this is the case, you must access the BIOS and look at the boot order settings.

1. To access the BIOS settings, restart your computer and press the key (usually F2, F10, or Delete).
2. Select the “Boot” or “Boot Order” section.
3. You can check if your hard drive is listed as a bootable device by selecting it from the bootable devices list. It may be necessary to reseat or replace the hard drive if it’s not.
4. You need to place your hard drive at the top of the boot order list if it is listed as a bootable device.

Outdated BIOS

Having an outdated BIOS may prevent your computer from recognizing newer hardware, such as a hard drive. The Reboot and Select Proper Boot Device issue can often be resolved by updating the BIOS.

1. To download the latest BIOS version, go to the manufacturer’s website.
2. For BIOS updates, follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Ensure that you follow the instructions carefully since a failed BIOS update may cause your computer to stop working.
3. After the BIOS update has been completed, reboot your computer to see if the issue has been resolved.

Corrupted Operating System Files

It may be impossible for you to boot your computer if you have corrupt operating system files. It is possible for this to happen for a variety of reasons, including viruses, malware, improper shutdowns, or hardware failures. In order to resolve the Reboot and Select Proper Boot Device issue, you may need to restore the system or repair the installation of the operating system.

1. Restart your computer after inserting your operating system installation disc or USB drive.
2. Press a key (typically F2, F10, or Delete) to access the BIOS settings.
3. You can find the “Boot” or “Boot Order” section and select your installation disc or USB drive.
4. Save your changes and exit the BIOS.
5. To perform a system restore or repair installation, follow the instructions on the screen.

Incorrect Boot Order Settings

Using the wrong BIOS settings may result in your computer not finding a bootable device. If you have recently installed new hardware or changed the BIOS settings, you may experience this problem. It will be necessary to adjust the boot order settings in the BIOS in order to resolve the Reboot and Select Proper Boot Device issue.

1. To access the BIOS settings, restart your computer and press the key (usually F2, F10, or Delete).
2. Find the “Boot” or “Boot Order” section.
3. It is important to set your boot order to the correct device where your operating system is installed. It is usually your hard drive or SSD.
4. Save the changes and exit the BIOS.

External Devices Connected

External devices such as USB drives, CDs, or DVDs may affect your computer’s boot process. Ensure that all external devices are disconnected and see if the error message goes away. When you have figured out which device is causing the issue, you can reconnect them one at a time.

1. Disconnect all external devices and turn off your computer.
2. Once your computer has been turned on, check if the error message has disappeared.
3. You can check if the error message reappears after reconnecting your external devices one by one if the error message has disappeared.

Preventive Measures

In order to prevent “Reboot and Select Proper Boot Device” errors in the future, you can follow these steps:

1. Make sure your computers and hardware are up-to-date with the latest firmware and software.
2. To prevent loss of important data in case of a hardware failure, back up your data regularly.
3. You should be cautious when installing new hardware or changing the BIOS settings.
4. To protect your computer from viruses and malware, install reputable antivirus software.
5. It is always a good idea to shut down your computer properly and to avoid sudden power outages.

Some Frequently Asked Questions — FAQs

Is there a reason why my PC says to select the proper boot device?

A bootable device may not be found on your PC and will display “Select Proper Boot Device.” BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) determines whether your computer’s hard drive is bootable when turned on. Suppose the BIOS is unable to locate a bootable device. In that case, it will display the error message “Select Proper Boot Device.” There are several reasons why your PC may be unable to find a bootable device, including:

1. Faulty hard drive.
2. Outdated BIOS.
3. Corrupted operating system files.
4. Incorrect boot order settings.
5. External devices connected.

Can you tell me where to find the original Windows installation media?

If you have obtained Windows from a different source, you may be able to obtain the original installation media. You can choose from the following options:

1. Retail purchase.
2. Microsoft Store.
3. Manufacturer recovery partition.
4. Download from Microsoft.
5. Other sources.

What options are available for system recovery?

System recovery options can be found on Windows computers in several different ways. Here are some common methods:

1. Installing Windows from a disc or USB drive.
2. By using advanced startup options.
3. Using the built-in recovery tools.
4. Using the Command Prompt.

How do I disable legacy boot?

UEFI Boot is the best way to enable your computer’s legacy booting mode: Follow these steps to disable Legacy Boot and enable it:

1. Start your computer and open the BIOS/UEFI setup program. You can usually do this by pressing F2, F10, or Delete while the computer is booting. Your computer’s manufacturer may specify a different key.
2. Navigate to the Boot tab by pressing the arrow keys on your keyboard once you’re in the setup utility.
3. Select “Boot Mode” or “Boot Priority” from the list.
4. To disable Legacy Boot, you must disable the option “Legacy Support” or “Compatibility Support Module (CSM).”
5. Don’t forget to save your changes before exiting the setup program. You should now be able to boot your computer in UEFI mode.

Conclusion

It can be frustrating to receive the “Reboot and Select Proper Boot Device” error message, but it is not usually a serious problem. You should be able to resolve this issue and get your computer up and running after following the steps outlined in this article. Be sure to take preventive measures to reduce the likelihood of this error occurring again. So, that’s how to fix the Reboot and Select Proper Boot Device error. We hope that this guide has helped you. Moreover, comment below and let us know your doubts or queries. 

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