Tip: PXE-E61: Media Test Failure Error

Problem:
The hard drive has been replaced on an HP Notebook PC. Can't boot to the CD drive to reinstall Windows. BIOS is set to ATAPI CD drive as first boot device. The system seems to "jump" over the CD drive. It repeatedly tries to boot from the network adapter. An error message from the system BIOS is displayed on a black screen referring to 'PXE-E61: Media Test Failure' during startup or boot.

Follow this link for HP's suggestions: http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/genericDocument?cc=us&docname=c00488753&lc=en&jumpid=reg_R1002_USEN

It didn't work for me.

My Solution:
Follow the manual for specifics. Details may vary from one model to another. (I was working on a Pavilion DV4230US notebook PC.)

Step 1 -
Remove the AC adaptor.

Step 2 -
Remove the battery.

Step 3 -
Remove the memory/communications cover from the bottom of the PC.

Step 4 -
Remove the mini-PCI communitions card from its slot.

Step 5 -
Look for the RTC (Real Time Clock) battery. It has a two-wire plug. One white. One red.

Step 6 -
Unplug the RTC battery for a minute or two to clear the system's NVRAM. (NVRAM = Non Volatile RAM maintains the PC's current hardware, time, and date configuration.)

Step 7 -
Plug the RTC battery in again.

Step 8 -
Replace the mini-PCI communications card to its slot.

Step 9 -
Replace the memory/communications cover.

Step 10 -
Replace the battery.

Step 11 -
Replace the AC adaptor.

Step 12 -
Turn the PC on.
Enter BIOS.
Set the time and date.
Set boot order for ATAPI CD as first boot device.
Insert Windows CD into CD drive.
Save changes and exit. System should now boot to CD drive to begin Windows reinstallation.

This worked for me. Hopefully, it will help you, too.