The Windows boot error 0xc000000f can be a frustrating experience, preventing you from accessing your computer. This error typically occurs when the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) is missing or corrupted, or when critical system files are damaged or missing. Fortunately, there are several effective solutions to fix this error and get your Windows system back up and running.
1. Unplug All External Devices
One of the simplest solutions to the 0xc000000f error is to unplug all external devices from your computer, including USB drives, external hard drives, and printers. These devices can sometimes interfere with the boot process and cause errors like 0xc000000f. After unplugging all external devices, try booting your computer again to see if the error persists.
2. Check Your Data Cables
Damaged or loose data cables can also cause the 0xc000000f error. Check the cables connecting your hard drive, motherboard, and other components to ensure they are securely connected and not damaged. If you suspect a cable is faulty, replace it with a new one and try booting your computer again.
3. Revert to Previous BIOS Settings
If you recently changed your BIOS settings, it’s possible that these changes are causing the 0xc000000f error. To fix this, you’ll need to revert to your previous BIOS settings. Before making any changes, make sure to write down your current BIOS settings in case you need to swap back. Once you’ve reverted to your previous settings, try booting your computer again.
4. Repair BOOTMGR Using a Bootable USB Drive
If the BOOTMGR file is missing or corrupted, you can use a bootable USB drive to repair it. Here’s how:
1. Create a bootable USB drive using the Windows installation media or a tool like Easy Recovery Essentials.
2. Boot your computer from the USB drive.
3. Select “Repair your computer” from the options menu.
4. Choose “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “Command Prompt”.
5. Run the following commands:
bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /rebuildbcd
6. Restart your computer and see if the error is resolved.
5. Rebuild the BCD Data File
If the BCD data file is missing or corrupted, you can try rebuilding it using the following steps:
1. Boot your computer from a Windows installation disc or USB drive.
2. Select your language preferences and click “Next”.
3. Click “Repair your computer”.
4. Select “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “Command Prompt”.
5. Run the following commands:
bootrec /rebuildbcd
6. Follow the prompts to rebuild the BCD data file.
7. Restart your computer and see if the error is resolved.
6. Run Automatic Repair
Windows includes an Automatic Repair tool that can help fix common boot issues, including the 0xc000000f error. Here’s how to use it:
1. Boot your computer from a Windows installation disc or USB drive.
2. Select “Repair your computer”.
3. Choose “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “Automatic Repair”.
4. Follow the prompts to run the Automatic Repair tool.
5. Restart your computer and see if the error is resolved.
7. Perform a System Restore
If you recently made changes to your system that may be causing the 0xc000000f error, you can try performing a System Restore to revert to a previous working state. Here’s how:
1. Boot your computer from a Windows installation disc or USB drive.
2. Select “Repair your computer”.
3. Choose “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “System Restore”.
4. Follow the prompts to select a restore point and restore your system.
5. Restart your computer and see if the error is resolved.
8. Disable Secure Boot in BIOS
In some cases, the 0xc000000f error can be caused by Secure Boot, a BIOS feature that helps prevent unauthorized software from loading during the boot process. To fix this, you can try disabling Secure Boot in your BIOS settings.
9. Reinstall or Update Windows
If none of the above solutions work, you may need to reinstall or update your Windows operating system. This will replace any missing or corrupted system files and should resolve the 0xc000000f error. Keep in mind that reinstalling Windows will erase all data on your computer, so make sure to back up any important files first.
10. Use Data Recovery Software
If the 0xc000000f error has caused you to lose important data, you can use data recovery software like Recoverit to recover your files. Recoverit is a powerful tool that can recover lost or deleted files from your hard drive, even in cases where Windows won’t boot.
In conclusion, the Windows boot error 0xc000000f can be a frustrating problem, but there are several effective solutions to fix it. By unplugging external devices, checking cables, reverting BIOS settings, repairing BOOTMGR, rebuilding the BCD data file, running Automatic Repair, performing a System Restore, disabling Secure Boot, reinstalling Windows, or using data recovery software, you can get your computer back up and running in no time.