boot - PXE-E61: Media test failure, check cable and PXE-MOF: Exiting PXE ROM

Yesterday, my friend's laptop fell down on the floor. Because it is quite robust we though that it won't leave a mark. But we were wrong. Upon boot strange noises began to come out of the inside of the laptop. Then, the boot logo appeared as normal. But continuing onward, we were met with this message:

Intel UNDI, PXE-2.1 (build 083)
Copyright (C) 1997-2000  Intel Corporation
This product is covered by one or more of the following patents:
US6,570,884, US6,115,776 and US6,327,625
Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller Series v2.57 (08/27/13)
PXE-E61: Media test failure, check cable
PXE-MOF: Exiting PXE ROM

Then, the BIOS error audio began bleeping like crazy and wouldn't stop until we turned the laptop off.

I think it is safe to conclude from the scratching noises that some hardware was damaged and that a technical support will be needed. I am only a bystander, but even so, I am curious what are the possible reasons for this error. Please, satiate my thirst for knowledge.

And just a little bonus for my friend: I am convinced that we cannot restore the computer by ourselves, but if anyone does have a solution, which doesn't include taking the laptop to repair (I doubt), please tell us. We are very grateful for your help.

Answer

I am curious what are the possible reasons for this error.

This happens when you have "Boot to Network" enabled and you shouldn't see it normally if your hard disk is working.

You could try checking the BIOS to see if it can find your hard disk but I suspect your hard disk is damaged beyond repair.

The error PXE-E61 Media Test Failure can occur at boot if all the
following are true:

• Boot to Network (or Boot to LAN) is enabled in BIOS Setup.


• A network cable/connection is not present.


• Network Boot is listed in the boot order above any other boot device.

To resolve this error, change the boot drive order in BIOS Setup:

• Press F2 during boot to enter BIOS Setup.


• Go to the Boot menu.


• Set LAN or Network Boot to be the last boot option.


• Press F10 to save and exit the BIOS Setup.

Source PXE-E61 Media Test Failure Error