The Error Message "Loading PBR for Descriptor" Appears When the Computer Starts
Summary: Explanation of this error and how to resolve this on your Dell computer
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Symptoms
Article Summary: This article describes the Loading PBR for Descriptor error and provides possible solutions
When the computer starts, the computer stops responding (hangs) and an error message appears. The error message reads Loading PBR for Descriptor x ... Done (where x represents a number 1,2 or 4).
This error message means that the computer cannot find a certain partition on the hard drive. Hard drives often have multiple sections or partitions. Dell computers have three or more partitions including: A hidden Dell utility partition, the main operating system partition, and a hidden Dell restore partition.
This problem can be resolved in one of three ways listed below and will walk you through reconfiguring your BIOS ad could potentially lead to restoring your hard drive to its original factory condition. It is helpful if you print this article out so that you can refer to these instructions as you restart your computer. If these adjustments are not effective or you do not feel comfortable doing this on your own, please call our contact center with your service tag, journal ID and article ID (located in the top right hand corner of this article)handy to speed further assistance.
To configure the computer so that it cannot start from a USB device, follow these steps:
If the operating system desktop does not appear or if the error continues, the connected USB devices do not cause the problem and you may need to restore the original operating system.
If you continue to have this error message, you will need to restore your operating system Launch the Microsoft Windows Reinstallation Guide
Table of Contents:
- What is the Loading PBR for Descriptor Error?
- Change the USB Controller Setting to No Boot in the Computer BIOS
- Disconnect All USB Devices, and Start the Computer
- Restore your operating system
What is the Loading PBR for Descriptor Error?
When the computer starts, the computer stops responding (hangs) and an error message appears. The error message reads Loading PBR for Descriptor x ... Done (where x represents a number 1,2 or 4).
This error message means that the computer cannot find a certain partition on the hard drive. Hard drives often have multiple sections or partitions. Dell computers have three or more partitions including: A hidden Dell utility partition, the main operating system partition, and a hidden Dell restore partition.
This problem can be resolved in one of three ways listed below and will walk you through reconfiguring your BIOS ad could potentially lead to restoring your hard drive to its original factory condition. It is helpful if you print this article out so that you can refer to these instructions as you restart your computer. If these adjustments are not effective or you do not feel comfortable doing this on your own, please call our contact center with your service tag, journal ID and article ID (located in the top right hand corner of this article)handy to speed further assistance.
Change the USB Controller Setting to No Boot in the Computer BIOS
To configure the computer so that it cannot start from a USB device, follow these steps:
- Restart the computer. Turn computer off and turn it back on again.
- During the startup process, press F2 to open the "System Setup" (BIOS) screen.
- Press the down arrow key until "Onboard Devices", and then press Enter.
- When the "Onboard Devices" menu appears, press the down arrow key until the "USB Controller" is selected.
- When the USB Controller menu appears, press the right arrow key to highlight "No Boot", and then press Enter. The No Boot option is selected (Figure 1).
- Figure 1: The No Boot option in System Setup
- Press Esc.
- Press the right arrow key repeatedly to highlight Save/Exit, and then press Enter. The settings are saved to the BIOS, and the computer restarts.
Disconnect All USB Devices, and Start the Computer
- Turn off the computer.
- Unplug all external USB devices except for the keyboard and the mouse.
- Start the computer.
- When the operating system desktop appears, reconnect the USB devices.
If the operating system desktop does not appear or if the error continues, the connected USB devices do not cause the problem and you may need to restore the original operating system.
Restore your operating system
If you continue to have this error message, you will need to restore your operating system Launch the Microsoft Windows Reinstallation Guide
Affected Products
Desktops & All-in-Ones, LaptopsArticle Properties
Article Number: 000147807
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 21 Feb 2021
Version: 4
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