Have you ever encountered an error Checking Media Presence when trying to start up your computer? This error usually occurs when your computer cannot detect valid boot media, such as a hard disk, flash drive, or CD/DVD.
This error can be caused by a variety of factors, such as hardware damage, incorrect BIOS settings, viruses, or software issues. This error can prevent you from accessing your operating system and your important data.
If you are facing this error, don’t worry. There are several ways you can try to fix this. In this article, I will describe some of the most common and effective solutions to solve the Checking Media Presence error on your computer. Follow these steps carefully and check if the error is resolved.
Solution 1: Check Your Hardware Connection
One of the most common causes of Checking Media Presence errors is a loose or broken hardware connection. If the cable or port connecting your boot media to your motherboard isn’t working properly, your computer won’t be able to read that boot media. To check this, you need to open your computer case and check your hardware connection.
Here are the steps you should take:
- Turn off your computer and disconnect the power cord and other devices connected to your computer.
- Open your computer case carefully. You may need to use a screwdriver or other tools depending on the type of case you have.
- Find your boot media, such as a hard disk, flash drive, or CD/DVD. Check that the cables and ports connecting them to your motherboard are still in good condition. If something is loose, close it again. If something breaks, replace it with a new one.
- Close your computer case and reconnect the power cable and other devices.
- Turn on your computer and see if the Checking Media Presence error still appears.
If this solution doesn’t work, try the next solution.
Solution 2: Change Boot Order in BIOS
BIOS stands for Basic Input Output System, which is a program that manages communication between hardware and software on your computer. The BIOS is also responsible for determining the boot order, i.e. the priority of the media that will be used to start your operating system. If the boot order in your BIOS doesn’t match the boot media you’re using, you may encounter an error in Checking Media Presence.
To change the boot order in BIOS, you need to access BIOS first. How you access the BIOS can vary depending on the make and model of your computer, but you usually need to press certain keys when your computer starts up, such as F2, F10, F12, Del, or Esc. You can look at the on-screen instructions or read your computer’s manual to find out the exact key.
After you enter the BIOS, follow these steps:
- Look for menus related to boot order, such as Boot, Boot Order, Boot Priority, or Boot Sequence. You may need to use the arrow keys, Tab, or Enter to navigate between menus.
- Change the boot order so that the boot media you are using is in the first or highest position. For example, if you are using the drive as boot media, make sure it sits on top of a flash drive, CD/DVD, or other media. You can use the + or – buttons to change the order or follow the on-screen instructions.
- Save the changes you made and exit BIOS. You may need to press the F10 or Esc button to do this or follow the on-screen instructions.
- Turn on your computer and see if the Checking Media Presence error still appears.
If this solution doesn’t work, try the next solution.