How to Fix Dell Unbootable Boot Device Error | 5 Solutions

Updated by

Tracy King 

Written by

Linda 

Last updated on May 11, 2024

Encountering the Dell inaccessible boot device blue screen error is every user's nightmare, often leading to concerns about data loss and system stability. This error typically occurs when the operating system fails to access the storage device containing crucial boot files. In this guide from Tools, we'll explore five practical and effective solutions to fix the issue.

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Method 1: Change Your BIOS Settings

An incorrect BIOS configuration often leads to an inaccessible boot device error on Dell computers. If your Dell laptop won't turn on due to a misconfiguration in the BIOS, enabling the AHCI mode in the BIOS might fix the inaccessible boot device error.

Follow these steps to enable the system BIOS for optimal performance and to resolve boot issues:

Step 1: Restart your Dell laptop and press “F2,” “F8,” “F12,” “Esc,” or “DEL” to enter BIOS as the system starts.

Step 2. Go to the “Advanced Settings” menu, and look for a setting named “Configure SATA as.” Change this setting to “AHCI.” Press “F10” to save your changes and exit the BIOS.

Step 3. Restart the Dell notebook to see if the issue is resolved.

If this article was helpful in resolving the Dell inaccessible boot device error, feel free to share it with others.

Method 2: Using a Professional Boot Repair Tool

If the above methods fail to fix the Dell inaccessible boot device, you can turn to professional tools for an effective solution. Among them, tools like Professional Partition Master, equipped with dedicated boot repair features, aim to fix various boot errors and boot issues.

AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional is a powerful software renowned for its advanced disk management capabilities. Its sophisticated Bootable Repair feature is specifically designed to address boot-related issues, offering users a friendly and efficient method to rectify problems such as the "Dell cannot access boot device" error.

Follow the steps:

Step 1. Connect the external drive/USB to the computer, launch AOMEI Partition Assistant, and then choose "Bootable CD/DVD" and click "Create Bootable Media".

Create Bootable Disk with Partition Master

Step 2: Select an available USB drive or CD/DVD and click "Create." You can also burn the Windows ISO file to media.

Step 3. Connect the bootable drive to the new computer and press F2 or Del to enter BIOS. Set the WinPE bootable drive as the boot disk, then press F10 to exit.

Step 4. Restart your computer and enter the WinPE environment. Then open Partition Master, and click “Boot Repair” under “Toolbox”.

Step 5: Select the system you want to fix, and click on "Repair."

Click on the "Repair your computer" button.

Step 6: Wait for a moment, and you'll receive a notification that the repair was successful. Click "OK" to finish the startup repair process.

Download the Partition Master tool to explore its boot repair capabilities.

Method 3: Update the IDE ATA/SATA controller driver

A Dell inaccessible boot device error can also be caused by outdated or incompatible drivers. To ensure optimal performance, your system must have the latest and most compatible drivers.

Follow these steps to update the driver:

Step 1: Search for and open "Device Manager" from the taskbar.

(2) Under Device Manager, expand IDE ATA/ATAPI Controllers.

Step 3: Here, you will see the respective driver. Right-click on the “Standard SATA AHCI Controller,” and then hit the “Update Driver” option.

Step 4. In the new window, you'll see two options to update the driver. Choose your preference depending on your need; you can either select to update automatically or browse for the file manually from your local computer.

Sometimes, Device Manager might not find the right or the latest driver for you. So you can check out this page and give Driver Easy a try.

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How to Use Driver Easy | Is Driver Easy Safe to Use?

Driver Easy is a free tool designed to automatically identify and update your drivers. In this article, we'll provide you with a comprehensive guide on Driver Easy. Learn More >>

Method 4: Run DISM and SFC scans

Your Dell system relies on critical system files to function properly. Corruption or missing system files can also cause the "Access Denied Boot Device" error. To resolve such issues, you can try running the DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) and SFC (System File Checker) scan commands from the Command Prompt.

Run DISM by following these steps:

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as an administrator. Type "CMD" in the search bar, then select "Run as administrator."

Step 2: Type the following command, and then press Enter.

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Method 5: Reset Your Computer

When all else fails, a factory reset on your Dell can be an all-encompassing solution to fix persistent issues like a Dell not accessing a boot device. This method involves restoring your system to its original state while keeping your files.

Follow these steps to start the reset process, which might resolve startup issues:

Step 1: Restart your Dell computer and hold down the "Shift" key while clicking "Restart."

Step 2. On the Advanced Startup menu, select Troubleshoot. Then, navigate to Reset this PC. You will be presented with two options:

• Keep my files: This option resets your Windows settings and removes installed apps, but keeps your personal files. • Remove everything: This option deletes everything, including your personal files and apps. Choose this only if you have backed up your data elsewhere.

Step 3: Follow the on-screen instructions. The reset process may take some time.

After resetting the Dell computer, the system should be accessible.

Possible reasons why Dell cannot access the boot device

Identifying the potential causes of a Dell "Access Denied" boot device error is crucial for effectively resolving the issue. Here are some general factors that may contribute to this problem:

I hope this article has been helpful to you. If you come across someone with the same issue, please share it with them; it might be beneficial to them.

Conclusions

Addressing the Dell "Inaccessible Boot Device" error requires a strategic and systematic approach. This tutorial presents five comprehensive solutions, ranging from fixing BIOS configuration issues, using professional boot repair tools, to updating drivers, running DISM and SFC scans, and ultimately resetting your computer.

While each method is tailored to a specific scenario, it's essential to acknowledge that the solution might vary depending on individual system configurations. If you find the manual process challenging, "Partition Master Professional" is a tool with a user-friendly interface and advanced features like boot repair. Its efficiency in resolving the Dell inaccessible boot device error makes it a recommended option.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dell inaccessible boot device issues

Still need help? Check out the FAQs below – you might find your answer there.

1. How do I fix the "No Bootable Device Found" error on my Dell computer? When you encounter the "No Bootable Device Found" error on your Dell computer, try the following steps for resolution: 1. **Check Connections**: Ensure that all storage devices (like hard disk drives, SSDs, or USB boot drives) are correctly connected to the computer. If using an external device to boot, make sure it's securely inserted. 2. **BIOS Setup**: Restart your computer and press F2 (or the key indicated on the screen) during startup to enter BIOS settings. In the "Boot" or "Startup" options, verify that your boot device is set as the first boot priority. If you have newly installed hardware, you may need to manually add it to the boot order. 3. **Hard Drive Test**: Within the BIOS settings, run a Hard Disk Drive Self-Test (HDD Self-Test) to check for hardware issues. 4. **Restore BIOS Defaults**: If the settings are correct, try resetting the BIOS to its default settings. This can usually be done by selecting "Load Setup Defaults" or a similar option. 5. **Reinstall the Operating System**: If the above steps don't work, you might need to reinstall the operating system. Use a Dell recovery disc or USB drive, and follow on-screen instructions. 6. **Contact Dell Support**: If the issue persists, reach out to Dell customer support for professional assistance. You might require further hardware diagnosis or repair. Select the appropriate solution based on your situation and proceed carefully to avoid data loss.

If your Dell computer displays "No Boot Device Found" on startup, check the BIOS settings to ensure the correct boot device is selected. If the issue persists, consider troubleshooting with the detailed methods and steps provided in this guide.

How do I restore the Dell Startup Device Menu?

Here are some ways to recover the Dell Boot Device Menu:

• Advanced Startup:  Restart your Dell computer and hold down the Shift key while clicking "Restart." This will boot your Dell into the Windows Recovery Environment, where you can access advanced options.
• Boot Options:  In the Recovery Environment, select "Boot Options" and then click "Restart." This will allow you to enable various boot options, such as Safe Mode.
• System Repair:  The Recovery Environment also offers a "System Repair" option. This feature can automatically diagnose and fix issues related to starting up your computer.

3. What is the Dell Recovery BIOS key?

The Dell BIOS recovery key may differ, but it's usually "F2," "F12," "F8," "DEL," or "ESC." You'll see the correct key to press as your computer boots up. Press the designated key to enter the BIOS or UEFI settings. From there, you can explore recovery options, or check and modify boot settings to resolve the Dell boot device not found error.