The boot device is hardware that contains files required to start. The device includes a hard drive, floppy disk drive, CD-ROM drive, DVD drive, and USB jump drive. Any computer start-up issues related to the hard drive lead to a hard disk 3f0 error or boot device not found error.
Before heading to know how to fix the boot device error, let’s see the reasons responsible for the boot device error or hard disk 3f0 error.
What Causes Boot Device Not Found/Hard Disk 3F0 Error?
Simple issues like an incorrect BIOS boot sequence, an improperly plugged-in hard drive, viruses, or a corrupted hard disk partition mainly cause the hard disk boot error 3f0. Some of the preeminent reasons are-
- Incorrect Master boot record order settings
- The hard drive’s boot sector or partition table is corrupted.
- Hard Disk failure
- The SATA/IDE cable connecting your hard drive to the motherboard is loose or doesn’t work
- Corrupt Boot Configuration Data (BCD)
Irrespective of any reason, it is still possible to fix the error hard disk 3f0 boot device not found and keep your PC error-free. You can also recover data from unbootable hard drives.
Let’s see the various simple ways to fix the hard disk 3f0 errors.
How to Fix the Boot Device Not Found or Hard Disk 3f0 Error?
You can fix the boot device not found error by any of the following given DIY methods-
- Check your BIOS setting
- Check the PC to HDD’s connection
- Run chkdsk
- Run automatic repair/ start repair to fix hard disk 3f0 error
- Reinstall Windows onto your PC’s hard drive
- Replace your hard disk drive
Check Your BIOS Setting to Fix Boot Device Not Found Error
One of the reasons for the ‘no boot disk detected or the disk has failed’ error message is the boot disk is not at the top of the boot order. Follow the procedure to keep the boot disk at the top
1: To enter the BIOS menu, check for the initial start-up screen after turning the computer on.
2: On the startup screen, you find a line of text to guide which key to press to enter the BIOS menu.
3: The key differs from manufacturer to manufacturer, but in most cases, it tends to be ESC, F1, F2, F8, or F10.
4: While selecting the BIOS setup, you will be able to see associated storage devices with the computer.
5: Make your computer’s internal disk is top in the list.
The boot order holds the sequence of sources needed to retrieve valid information that the computer searches for.
If you can access files on the other computer and not on your PC, there may be a chance of an unsecured terminal connection. Check for the hard drive terminal connection.
Check the PC to Hard Drive’s Cable Connection
Sometimes, improper cable connection can also lead to hard drive errors such as a hard disk 3f0 boot device not being found.
- The error hard disk 3f0 can sometimes be encountered for the improper cable connections.
- Ensure all the connections are fastened tightly, and clean all the ports and cables connected to and from the hard disk drive.
However, if your connections are secured and fastened, there might be a problem with the hard disk drive. If the process is stuck in between and unable to complete the process, don’t panic! you can still try fixing the issue using chkdsk.
Run CHKDSK to Fix any Issue Related to Logical Error
CHKDSK also follows the same instructions as a start repair process. But, it requires the usage of command codes. CHKDSK fixes the corruption in the hard disk and allows you to access the drive.
Note: While fixing the corruption during the repair process, you might be risking your data stored on the drive. Hence, recover data from the corrupt or damaged drive partition connecting your hard drive as external storage.
Follow the below steps to run the chkdsk command to fix the boot device not found error-
1: Insert the Windows DVD and boot from the bootable installation DVD.
2: When prompted, press any key to boot from a CD or DVD.
3: Select your language preferences and click on the Next button
4: Now, click on Repair your computer
5: Click on Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt
6: Type chkdsk C: /F, where C is the drive you need to boot into
7: Restart your computer and check for the error hard disk 3f0 boot device not found
Once you complete the procedure, verify whether the error still persists or not.
Try running an automatic system repair tool to fix the boot device not found hard disk error.
Run Automatic Repair or Start Repair to Fix Hard Disk 3f0 Error
You can fix the boot error problem by performing automatic repair or start repair on your system by using the Windows bootable installation DVD. follow the instructions below to fix the error hard disk 3f0-
1: Insert the Windows version bootable installation DVD and restart your PC
2: Press any key to boot from CD or DVD when prompted to continue.
3: Choose your language preferences, and click Next
4: Click on Repair your computer in the bottom-left of the screen
5: From the Choose an option screen, Click Troubleshoot > Click Advanced option > Automatic Repair or Startup Repair. Wait until Windows Automatic/Startup Repairs completes.
6: Restart your PC and boot to Windows.
If your internal disk is already at the top, there should be something wrong with the hard drive’s file system. Try reinstalling the Windows to reset the file system.
Reinstall Windows onto your PC’s Hard Drive to Fix Hard Disk Error 3f0
If your hard disk seems to be physically healthy and the problem is related to the hard drive’s file system, consider reinstalling the Windows and start fresh. Once the new OS is installed check for the error hard disk 3f0.
Reinstalling Windows sometimes leads to data loss from the hard drive. Hence, it is recommended to recover data from the hard drive with no file system issues
If you are still encountering the error boot device not found, another reason could be the failed state of the hard drive or a dead state. Try replacing your hard disk if the drive seems to be dead or failed. Make sure you recover data from the hard drive before replacing the failed drive.
Replace your Hard Disk Drive to Fix the Boot Device Not Found Error
If any of your important data is stuck in the hard drive that you need to replace, it is suggested to recover data from a dead hard drive before replacing the hard disk.
1: Detach the computer hard disk drive from the PC
2: Connect to another PC and check hard disk 3f0 appears.
3: If you can access all the files and folders on the other PC, the problem is not related to the hard drive.
4: If you are unable to access the files in the folder, you need a replacement to fix the boot device not found error.
Conclusion
Hard disk errors most frequently appear on the screen when there is a fault in the operating system. Boot device not found error or hard disk 3f0 error is one such hard disk error commonly found.
The above-given methods can certainly fix the error and keep your hard drive error-free. Do let us know in the comment section below if you were successful in fixing the hard disk 3f0 error.
