Troubleshooting "No Bootable Medium Found" Error in VirtualBox
Here you will find out:
- what is the “VirtualBox: no bootable medium found” issue
- methods how to repair VHD
- when DiskInternals can help you to recover virtual machine on VMware
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Encountering the "No Bootable Medium Found" error in VirtualBox can be a frustrating experience, especially when you're eager to get your virtual machine up and running. This common issue typically indicates that VirtualBox is unable to locate a bootable operating system within the virtual machine. Whether you're a seasoned IT professional or a novice user, understanding and resolving this error is crucial for maintaining an efficient virtualized environment.
In this article, we will delve into the potential causes of the "No Bootable Medium Found" error and provide a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot and fix this problem. By the end of this guide, you'll be equipped with the knowledge to ensure your virtual machines boot successfully, allowing you to focus on your tasks without unnecessary interruptions.
What Causes the "No Bootable Medium Found" Error?
The "No Bootable Medium Found" error in VirtualBox can be triggered by several underlying issues, which generally fall into the following categories:
Incorrect Boot Order: The virtual machine's boot order may not be correctly configured, causing it to skip the drive containing the bootable medium.
Missing or Corrupt Bootable Image: The virtual machine might be configured to use an ISO file or a virtual hard disk (VHD) that is either missing, corrupt, or improperly attached.
Improper Disk Settings: The storage settings in VirtualBox might not be correctly pointing to the bootable medium, such as a hard disk or optical drive.
Empty Virtual Drive: The virtual drive may not contain any operating system or bootable files, leading to the inability to find a bootable medium.
Invalid or Removed Storage Device: The virtual machine could be referencing a storage device that no longer exists or has been moved, resulting in a failure to locate the bootable medium.
Virtual Machine Configuration Issues: Misconfigurations in the virtual machine settings, such as network boot being prioritized over the actual boot drive, can also cause this error.
File Permissions: Insufficient permissions to access the bootable medium or the virtual machine files can prevent VirtualBox from loading the operating system.
How to Fix the "No Bootable Medium Found" Error
Fix 1: Check the Bootable Media for Your VM
To resolve the "No Bootable Medium Found" error, the first step is to ensure that the virtual machine is linked to a valid bootable medium. Here’s how to do it:
- Verify the Bootable Medium: Check if the ISO file, VHD, or physical CD/DVD you are using is indeed bootable. If it's an ISO file, make sure it contains an operating system installation image.
- Attach the Bootable Medium: Go to the VirtualBox Manager, select your virtual machine, click on "Settings," and navigate to the "Storage" tab. Ensure that the correct ISO file is attached to the virtual CD/DVD drive or that the virtual hard disk is properly configured.
Fix 2: Select the Live CD/DVD Checkbox
When using a bootable CD/DVD or an ISO file, you need to make sure VirtualBox treats it as a live boot source:
- Open VM Settings: In the VirtualBox Manager, select the virtual machine and click on "Settings."
- Navigate to Storage: Go to the "Storage" tab, select the optical drive where your ISO file or physical disc is attached.
- Select Live CD/DVD: Ensure the "Live CD/DVD" checkbox is checked. This forces the VM to boot from the CD/DVD or ISO file on each start.
Fix 3: Change the Boot Order in VM Settings
Changing the boot order can help ensure the VM boots from the correct medium:
- Access System Settings: Open the VM settings, and navigate to the "System" tab.
- Adjust Boot Order: Under the "Motherboard" tab, you will see the boot order list. Make sure the optical drive or hard disk where the bootable medium is attached is at the top of the list.
- Save Changes: Click "OK" to save your changes and try booting the VM again.
Fix 4: Add an IDE Controller
If your bootable medium requires an IDE controller, ensure it is properly configured:
- Open Storage Settings: In the VM settings, go to the "Storage" tab.
- Add IDE Controller: If there isn’t an IDE controller, add one by clicking the “Add Controller” button (a small disk icon with a green plus sign).
- Attach the Medium: Attach the bootable medium to the IDE controller by selecting it from the dropdown menu or adding it if it’s not listed.
Fix 5: Clean Your CD/DVD Disc
Physical discs can accumulate dust or scratches, which can interfere with the VM’s ability to read them:
- Inspect the Disc: Check the surface of the CD/DVD for dirt or scratches.
- Clean the Disc: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently clean the disc from the center outward.
- Retry Booting: Reinsert the disc into your drive and try booting the VM again.
Fix 6: Burn Another Bootable CD/DVD Disc
If the current disc is damaged or if you suspect it wasn’t properly created:
- Get a New Blank Disc: Obtain a new blank CD/DVD.
- Create a Bootable Disc: Use reliable disc burning software to create a new bootable disc from your ISO file. Ensure the process completes without errors.
- Insert the New Disc: Insert the new disc into your drive and attempt to boot the VM.
Fix 7: Create a New Bootable ISO Disk Image
If the ISO file is suspected to be corrupt or improperly created:
- Download a New ISO: Obtain a new ISO file from a reliable source, ensuring it’s a bootable image.
- Verify the ISO: Check the file integrity by comparing checksums (if provided by the source).
- Attach the New ISO: In the VM settings, go to the "Storage" tab and attach the new ISO file to the virtual optical drive.
- Boot the VM: Try booting the VM again with the new ISO file.
Conclusion
Encountering the "No Bootable Medium Found" error in VirtualBox can be a roadblock, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can quickly resolve the issue and get your virtual machine up and running. By systematically checking and adjusting your bootable media, verifying VM settings, and ensuring the integrity of your boot sources, you can overcome this error and ensure a smooth boot process.
Remember to check the boot order, verify the live CD/DVD settings, and ensure that all virtual storage controllers are properly configured. If you're using physical media, maintaining the disc's condition is crucial. Creating new bootable media, whether physical or virtual, can often resolve issues related to corruption or improper setup.
By following these detailed fixes, you can troubleshoot and resolve the "No Bootable Medium Found" error effectively, ensuring your virtual environment remains robust and efficient. With a properly booting VM, you can focus on your tasks without unnecessary interruptions and maintain productivity in your virtualized workspace.
Tip: how to fix VMDK?
FAQ
How to insert a bootable medium and reboot in VirtualBox?
Open VirtualBox and select your virtual machine. Navigate to "Machine" and click on "Settings." In the settings window, choose the "System" option from the left-hand menu and go to the "Motherboard" tab. In the "Boot Order" section, select an entry like "Hard Disk" and adjust the boot order using the up and down arrow keys.
Could not read from the boot medium VirtualBox?
What causes the "Could not read from the boot medium" error? This issue typically arises for two main reasons: VirtualBox is not pointing to a bootable operating system, either through a mounted ISO or a virtual hard disk. When you create a virtual machine for the first time, you need to mount a bootable ISO, such as Ubuntu, to proceed with the installation.
What is the bootable medium?
Bootable media can include CDs, DVDs, USB flash drives, external hard drives, or other removable devices that allow users to run the agent without needing an active operating system on their computer.
Why is there no bootable device found?
A "boot device not found" error can occur due to a faulty hard drive or SSD. To troubleshoot this, enter the BIOS by repeatedly pressing the F2 key (if F2 doesn't work, search online for the correct key for your specific laptop model).