Error message 'An operating system can't be found...'

Question

I have dell Optiplex 3020 running windows 10 build 10.17663 and a maxtol external hard drive permanently connected by USB

When I switch the PC on getting the error message. Disconnecting the drive and using contl - aly -delete combination does start the PC and when drive is plugged in after starting PC the Maxtolo drive works OK.

Wonder why now getting this message and what can be done?

All suggestions welcomed

JOcean · Answer

Just a hunch. Access the BIOS (F2 at the Dell splash screen) and look at the boot order in the menu. I suspect that somewhere along the line the external drive was placed first instead of Windows Boot Manager.

Tekaham · Answer

Thanks JOcean - that appears to work! Could you kindly tell me if I should have Legacy or UEFI selected in Bios setup - thanks

Optiplex Desktops

Error message "An operating system can't be found..."

Was this post helpful?