"PXE-E61: Media test failed, check cable"

SYMPTOM

When being started, the PXE client comes up with the PXE copyright message, but does not reach the DHCP phase. Instead, it displays the following error message:

PXE-E61: Media test failed, check cable

Depending on the PXE client's system setup boot device list configuration, the PC then either stops or tries to boot from the next boot device in the system setup boot device list.

CAUSE

The "PXE-E61" error indicates that the PXE client was not able to establish a physical connection to the network interface.Possible causes for this problem are:

1. The network cable is not (or not properly) connected at the NIC or switch end.
2. The network cable is faulty or physically damaged
3. If the PXE client has multiple network interfaces, the network cable may be connected to the wrong network interface.

RESOLUTION

Make sure that the network cable is properly connected at both the NIC and switch ends. If the PXE client has multiple network interfaces (which is quite common for servers), make sure that the correct network interface is used. If this doesn't help, try using a different network cable.

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