This article explains what the syslog message "PXE-E61: Media test failure, check cable" means on MX Series routers and what must be done to recover the device following this message.
The following syslog message may be seen on MX Series routers while the Routing Engine (RE) is booting up. After this message is seen, the RE may also get stuck in a boot loop.
PXE-E61: Media test failure, check cable.
PXE-E61 errors are related to the Preboot eXecution Environment (PXE). PXE is a special boot mode that enables the computer to search for and load a bootable operating system over the network instead of a local hard drive.
The above error indicates that the Primary media is bad or somehow has dropped out of boot order; that BIOS PXE boot has been enabled; that there is no cable connected to reach the PXE server to pull the image.
The standard Boot sequence for Junos OS is:
SSD (Solid State drive)
USB
PXE
To resolve the issue, perform the following:
Physically inspect the RE to determine whether the SSD is installed or not.
If the SSD cards are in place on the RE and the error is still seen, reboot the RE to see if the errors stop appearing. The RE should boot from the Primary media.
If a reboot of the RE does not fix the problem, contact Support to investigate the issue further.
2022-06-02: Version 1