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Updated on May 11, 2024
I recently upgraded my laptop's storage by adding a 1TB XPG Gamix S70 SSD to my existing 512GB SSD. Despite my efforts to install the new drive, it wasn't being detected. In an attempt to resolve this, I downloaded and installed the nvme_sata_raid_windows_driver_9.3.0.00167.zip. Following the installation, the system prompted for a restart. However, since then, I've been encountering the Inaccessible Boot Device error consistently. I attempted system restoration, but even after completing the entire process, the error persists. I'm worried about potential data loss and seek assistance in resolving this issue. from Dell Community
Facing the Dell Inaccessible Boot Device blue screen error is the worst experience for users, often leading to concerns about data loss and system stability. This error commonly arises when the operating system is unable to access the storage device containing essential boot files. In this guide from EaseUS, we'll learn five practical and useful solutions to fix this issue.
Workable Solutions | Step-by-step Troubleshooting |
---|---|
Way 1. Modify BIOS Configuration | Restart your Dell laptop, and press "F2"/"F8"/"F12"/"Esc"/"DEL" to enter the BIOS as...Full steps |
Way 2. Professional Boot Repair Tool | Start EaseUS Partition Master after connecting the external drive/USB to your computer...Full steps |
Way 3. Update IDE ATA/SATA Controller Drivers | Search for and open Device Manager in the taskbar. In the Device Manager, locate...Full steps |
Way 4. Run DISM and SFC Scan | Open Command Prompt as Administrator. Input CMD in the search bar and choose...Full steps |
Way 5. Reset Your PC | Restart your Dell and hold the "Shift" key while clicking "Restart." In the Advanced Startup...Full steps |
Way 1. Modify BIOS Configuration
The incorrect BIOS settings often lead to the Dell Inaccessible Boot Device error. If your Dell laptop won't turn on due to the misconfiguration in BIOS, enabling AHCI mode in the BIOS can potentially resolve the Inaccessible Boot Device error.
Follow the steps to enable your system's BIOS for optimal performance and to resolve the boot issue:
Step 1. Restart your Dell laptop, and press "F2"/"F8"/"F12"/"Esc"/"DEL" to enter the BIOS as the system begins startup.
Step 2. Navigate to the Advanced Options menu and find the configuration setting labeled "Configure SATA as." Adjust this setting to "AHCI." Confirm the changes by pressing "F10," then exit the BIOS.
Step 3. Reboot your Dell laptop and see if the issue is fixed.
- Notice:
- These steps above are for Windows 10. If you're using Windows 11, you may find the BIOS interfaces slightly different, but the options are similar.
If this article is helpful in resolving the Dell Inaccessible Boot Device error, feel free to share it with others.
Way 2. Professional Boot Repair Tool
If you cannot fix the Dell Inaccessible boot device with the method above, utilizing specialized tools can offer an effective solution. One such tool, EaseUS Partition Master Professional, comes equipped with a dedicated Boot Repair feature designed to fix various boot errors and startup issues.
EaseUS Partition Master Professional is a robust software known for its advanced disk management abilities. Its advanced Boot Repair feature is specifically crafted to tackle boot-related issues, providing users with a user-friendly and efficient way to rectify problems like the Dell Inaccessible Boot Device error.
Follow the steps:
Step 1. Start EaseUS Partition Master after connecting the external drive/USB to your computer, go to "Bootable Media," and click "Create bootable media."
Step 2. Select an available USB Drive or CD/DVD and click "Create." You can also burn the Windows ISO file to the storage media.
Step 3. Connect the created bootable drive to the new computer and reboot the computer by pressing and holding F2/Del to enter the BIOS. Then, set the WinPE bootable drive as the boot disk and press F10 to exit.
Step 4. Boot the computer again and enter the WinPE interface. Then, open EaseUS Partition Master and click "Boot Repair" under the "Toolkit" option.
Step 5: Select the system you want to repair and click "Repair."
Step 6. Wait a moment, and you will receive an alert that the system has been successfully repaired. Click "OK" to complete the boot repair process.
Download the EaseUS Partition Master to explore the capabilities of its Boot Repair feature.
Way 3. Update IDE ATA/SATA Controller Drivers
The Dell Inaccessible Boot Device error can be led by outdated or incompatible drivers as well. Your system must have the latest and most compatible drivers for optimal performance.
Follow the steps to update the drivers:
Step 1. Search for and open Device Manager in the taskbar.
Step 2. In the Device Manager, locate the "IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers" and click ">" to expand it.
Step 3. Here, you'll see the corresponding drivers. Right-click the Standard SATA AHCI Controller, and click the Update driver option.
Step 4. In the new pop-up Window, you'll find two options to update drivers. Choose the preferred option, whether you want to update automatically or manually browse files from your local computer.
Sometimes, the Device Manager may not be able to find the appropriate or latest drivers. Thus, you can check this page and give Driver Easy a try.
How to Use Driver Easy | Is It Safe to Use Driver Easy
Driver Easy is a free tool designed to identify and update your drivers automatically. In this article, we will offer you a comprehensive guide on Driver Easy. Read more >>
Way 4. Run DISM and SFC Scan
Your Dell system depends on essential system files for proper functioning. Corrupted or missing system files could also cause the Inaccessible Boot Device error. To fix such problems, you can try to run DISM (Deployment Image Service and Management Tool) and SFC (System File Checker) scan command lines.
Follow the steps to run DISM:
Step 1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator. Input CMD in the search bar and choose "Run as administrator."
Step 2. Type in the following commands and press "Enter."
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
sfc /scannow
Step 3. Wait for it to scan and repair if any corrupted files are detected.
See also:
Way 5. Reset Your PC
When all other methods fail, resetting your Dell can be a comprehensive solution to fix persistent issues like the Dell Inaccessible Boot Device error. This method involves returning your system to a fresh state while preserving your files.
Follow the steps below to initiate the reset process and potentially resolve the boot-related problem:
Step 1. Restart your Dell and hold the "Shift" key while clicking "Restart."
Step 2. In the Advanced Startup menu, select "Troubleshoot." Then, navigate to "Reset this PC." You'll be presented with two options:
- Keep My Files: This option resets your Windows settings and removes installed apps but preserves your personal files.
- Remove Everything: This option wipes everything, including personal files and apps. Choose this option only if you have backed up your data elsewhere.
Step 3. Then, follow the instructions to finish the procedure. The reset process can take some time.
After resetting your Dell, the system should be accessible.
Possible Reasons for Dell Inaccessible Boot Device
Recognizing the potential causes behind the Dell Inaccessible Boot Device error is essential for effective troubleshooting. Below are some general factors that can give rise to this issue:
- Disk Misconfiguration: Incorrect settings or misconfigurations of storage devices, especially after hardware changes, can lead to the Inaccessible Boot Device error.
- Outdated or Faulty Drivers: Using outdated or incompatible drivers, especially for critical components like storage and graphics, can instigate boot-related problems on your Dell system.
- Corrupted System Files: The existence of corrupted system files contributes to the Inaccessible Boot Device error.
- Hardware Errors: Issues with hardware parts, such as faulty cables, disconnected drives, or malfunctioning storage devices, can result in boot errors.
- Virus or Malware Attacks: Security threats, including viruses or malware attacks, can compromise system files and disrupt the boot process.
- UEFI/BIOS Settings: Wrong or incompatible settings in the UEFI/BIOS can lead to conflicts during the boot process.
Hope you find this article helpful. Please share it with anyone who may get help from it if facing the same issue.
Conclusion
Navigating the challenges posed by the Dell Inaccessible Boot Device error demands a strategic and systematic approach. This tutorial has provided five comprehensive ways to fix the issue, ranging from correcting BIOS misconfigurations and employing professional boot repair tools to updating drivers, running DISM and SFC scans, and ultimately resorting to resetting your PC.
While each method caters to specific scenarios, it's crucial to recognize that the solution might vary based on individual system configurations. If you find manual procedures challenging, EaseUS Partition Master Professional is a user-friendly tool with advanced features such as Boot Repair. Its effectiveness in resolving Dell Inaccessible Boot Device errors makes it a recommended choice.
FAQs on Dell Inaccessible Boot Device
Do you have more questions? Check the FAQs below, and you may find the answers.
1. How do I fix my Dell computer when it says no boot device found?
If your Dell computer showes "No boot device found" while booting up, go and check the BIOS settings to confirm the correct boot device is selected. If the issue continues, consider troubleshooting using this guide's detailed methods and steps.
2. How do I restore my Dell boot device menu?
Here are a few ways to restore your Dell boot device menu:
- Advanced Startup: Restart your Dell and hold the Shift key while clicking "Restart." This will boot your Dell into the Windows Recovery Environment, where you can access advanced options.
- Startup Settings: In the Recovery Environment, choose "Startup Settings" and "Restart." This allows you to enable various boot options like Safe Mode.
- System Repair: The Recovery Environment also offers a "System Repair" option. This can diagnose and fix boot-related issues automatically.
3. What is the BIOS key for Dell recovery?
The BIOS key for Dell recovery can vary, but commonly, it is "F2," "F12," "F8," "DEL," or "ESC." During the startup process, you'll see the corresponding key. Press the prescribed key to enter the BIOS or UEFI settings. Once inside, you can explore recovery options or check and modify boot settings to troubleshoot Dell Inaccessible Boot Device errors.
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About the Author
Updated by Tracy King
Tracy became a member of the EaseUS content team in 2013. Being a technical writer for over 10 years, she is enthusiastic about sharing tips to assist readers in resolving complex issues in disk management, file transfer, PC & Mac performance optimization, etc., like an expert.
Oliver is an EaseUS professional writer who dares explore new areas. With a passion for solving tech issues with straightforward guides for common users, Oliver keeps honing his writing craft by developing in-depth solutions for disk and partition management, computer boot-up issues, file transfer, etc.
Product Reviews
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I love that the changes you make with EaseUS Partition Master Free aren't immediately applied to the disks. It makes it way easier to play out what will happen after you've made all the changes. I also think the overall look and feel of EaseUS Partition Master Free makes whatever you're doing with your computer's partitions easy.
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Partition Master Free can Resize, Move, Merge, Migrate, and Copy disks or partitions; convert to local, change label, defragment, check and explore partition; and much more. A premium upgrade adds free tech support and the ability to resize dynamic volumes.
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It won't hot image your drives or align them, but since it's coupled with a partition manager, it allows you do perform many tasks at once, instead of just cloning drives. You can move partitions around, resize them, defragment, and more, along with the other tools you'd expect from a cloning tool.
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