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[ The PC Guide | Troubleshooting and Repair Guide | The Troubleshooting Expert | Troubleshooting The System Overall | Troubleshooting Boot-Time Error Messages ]

Invalid media type

Explanation: The system tried to use a disk or other media that is of the incorrect type.

Diagnosis: This is one of those poorly-phrased messages; what it almost always means is that you tried to use a hard disk volume after partitioning it but before formatting it. For example, if you are setting up a new system and you partition the hard disk, then boot from a floppy and type "DIR C:", you will usually get this message. The system looks for the media type descriptor on the hard disk and doesn't find what it expects, and produces this message.

Recommendation:

  • Assuming that this is a new hard disk you are setting up, just format the disk and you are all set.
  • If an existing disk produces this error, then it means that something has seriously corrupted the disk. Troubleshoot this here.

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