Summary:
Hard disk error 3f0 or boot device not found error is the most commonly seen error when the hard disk drive fails to support the system boot process. Try fixing the error by following the DIY methods provided in the article.
The boot device is a 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 hard drive leads to 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 hard disk 3f0 error?
Hard disk boot error 3f0 can mainly be caused by simple issues like having an incorrect BIOS boot sequence or the hard drive not properly plugged into the boot sector, viruses or a corrupted hard disk partition. Some of the preeminent reasons are-
- Incorrect Master boot record order settings
- 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 hard disk 3f0 error or boot device not found error?
You can fix boot device not found error by any of the following given DIY methods-
- Check your BIOS setting
- Reinstall Windows onto your PC’s hard drive
- Replace your hard disk drive
- Check the PC to HDD’s connection
- Run automatic repair/ start repair to fix hard disk 3f0 error
- Run chkdsk
Check Your BIOS Setting to fix hard disk error 3f0
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 boot disk at the top-
Step1: To enter the BIOS menu, check for the initial start-up screen after turning the computer on.
Step 2: On the startup screen, you find a line of texts to guide which key to press to enter the BIOS menu
Step 3: Key differs from manufacturer to manufacturer, but in most cases it tends to be ESC, F1, F2, F8 or F10
Step 4: While selecting the BIOS setup, you will be able to see associated storage devices with the computer.
Step 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 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
If your hard disk seems to be physically healthy and the problem is related to 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 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 error hard disk 3f0
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.
Step 1: Detach computer hard disk drive from the PC
Step 2: Connect to another PC and check hard disk 3f0 appears.
Step 3: If you are able to access all the files and folders on the other PC, the problem is not related to hard drive.
Step 4: If you are unable to access the files in the folder, you definitely need a replacement to fix the boot device not found error.
If you can access files on the other computer and not on your PC, there may be the 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 hard disk 3f0 boot device not found.
- The error hard disk 3f0 can sometimes be encountered for the improper cable connections.
- Ensure all the connections are fastened tightly, 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. Try running an automatic system repair tool fix 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-
Step 1: Insert Windows version bootable installation DVD and restart your PC
Step 2: Press any key to boot from CD or DVD when prompted to continue.
Step 3: Choose your language preferences, and click Next
Step 4: Click on Repair your computer in the bottom-left of the screen
Step 5: From the Choose an option screen, Click Troubleshoot > Click Advanced option > Automatic Repair or Startup Repair. Wait until Windows Automatic/Startup Repairs completes.
Step 6: Restart your PC and boot to Windows.
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 instruction as a start repair process. But, it requires the usage of command codes. CHKDSK fixes the corruption in 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 boot device not found error-
Step 1: Insert the Windows DVD and boot from the bootable installation DVD.
Step 2: When prompted, press any key to boot from CD or DVD.
Step 3: Select your language preferences and click on Next button
Step 4: Now, click on Repair your computer
Step 5: Click on Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt
Step 6: Type chkdsk C: /F, where C is the drive you need to boot into
Step 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.
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.
