The “Inaccessible Boot Device” error, also known as Stop Code 0x0000000D or Stop Code 7B, is a frustrating Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error that occurs when Windows fails to access the boot device during the startup process. This error can prevent your computer from booting properly and can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from corrupted system files to hardware failures.
Causes of Inaccessible Boot Device Error
Several factors can lead to the “Inaccessible Boot Device” error, including:
Corrupted or misconfigured device drivers: Faulty, outdated, or incorrectly configured drivers for storage devices can prevent Windows from accessing the boot device.
Driver conflicts: Conflicts between hardware drivers or between drivers and the operating system can cause this error.
Corrupted Windows registry files: The Windows registry, which stores important system settings and configurations, can become corrupted, leading to boot device access issues.
Corrupted system data: Damaged or corrupted system files, such as those in the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) store, can prevent Windows from locating and accessing the boot device.
Problems in the BIOS: Incorrect BIOS settings, such as the boot order or AHCI mode, can cause the “Inaccessible Boot Device” error
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Damaged hardware: Faulty RAM, a failing hard disk, or loose or damaged data cables can prevent the boot device from being accessed properly.
Symptoms of Inaccessible Boot Device Error
The primary symptom of the “Inaccessible Boot Device” error is a BSOD that appears during the boot process, displaying the error message and a Stop Code of 0x0000000D or 7B. In some cases, the computer may continuously reboot or fail to boot altogether.
Solutions for Inaccessible Boot Device Error
To resolve the “Inaccessible Boot Device” error, you can try the following solutions:
Update or reinstall device drivers: Update the drivers for your storage devices or reinstall them using the manufacturer’s software or Windows Update.
Check BIOS settings: Enter the BIOS and ensure that the correct boot order is set and that AHCI mode is enabled if your system supports it
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Run the System File Checker (SFC) tool: Use the SFC tool to scan for and repair corrupted system files
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Use the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool: Run the DISM tool to repair the Windows image and fix any corrupted system files
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Perform a system restore: If the error occurred after a recent system change, such as a driver update or software installation, try restoring your system to a previous restore point.
Check and repair the hard disk: Use the chkdsk command to scan and repair any errors on your hard disk
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Perform a clean install of Windows: If all other solutions fail, you may need to perform a clean install of Windows to resolve the issue.
If you are unable to boot into Windows to try these solutions, you can use a Windows installation disc or USB drive to access the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) and run some of these tools from there.
The “Inaccessible Boot Device” error can be a frustrating problem, but with the right troubleshooting steps and a bit of patience, you should be able to resolve the issue and get your computer back up and running. If the problem persists or you are unsure about any of the steps, it is always best to consult with a professional or seek further assistance from Microsoft Support or the hardware manufacturer.