The error code 0xc00000e is recognizable by its blue screen, synonymous with one or more problems when starting Windows; repair is then necessary. Recently connected external devices, faulty system files, or missing startup files: all can cause this error. Here, two solutions are possible: a simple repair of Windows or, in the worst case, a format.
When does Windows error code 0xc00000e appear?¶
Error code 0xc00000e can appear for various reasons. We therefore advise you not to panic, even if you find yourself facing the dreaded Windows blue screen. The Windows instructions that accompany the error code may also vary: “An unexpected error has occurred”, “The selected entry could not be loaded because the application is missing or corrupt” , etc.
From one situation to another, it can sometimes be a device error, incorrect drive configuration, corrupted system files or even a problem connecting external devices. If, at first glance, you cannot clearly identify the source of the problem, such as error codes 0x80073701, 0xc0000225 or 0x80240fff, do not hesitate to proceed by elimination.
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Solutions to Fix Error 0xc00000e¶
To fix error code 0xc00000e, you can try the following solutions:
Check external physical devices¶
If the standards BIOS or UEFI in Windows are based on settings to give priority to external devices connected to hard drives, the error can also come from there. So check the correct connection of your external physical devices. These can take the following forms:
- External hard drives
- USB storage devices
- Data carriers such as CDs and DVDs
- USB flash drives
Recreate Boot Configuration Data (BCD)¶
If your problem is not caused by physical devices, it may be caused by Boot Configuration Data (BCD) (“boot configuration data” in French), sometimes also called “boot manager”. These are files containing the startup parameters linked to your operating system, and which aim to ensure its proper startup. If the BCDs are missing or damaged, they may be causing an error. Do you want to repair or recreate the corresponding files? Simply follow the steps below:
- Since your computer is not booting properly, start by creating bootable media by making a bootable USB drive.
- Plug in this bootable media, restart your computer and click “Next” when the first menu appears.
- In the “Install now” menu, make sure not to click on the corresponding button, but on “Repair your computer”.
- So follow the path below: “Troubleshooting” > “Advanced Options” > “Command Prompt”.
- Select the Windows account the device depends on. If necessary, enter your password.
- In the command prompt, enter the following command: “bootrec /rebuildbcd”.
- Once the Windows installation is detected, use the key [J] to recreate the BCDs.
- Enter the “bootrec /fixmbr” command and validate your entry using the key [Entrée].
- Then, enter the “bootrec /fixboot” command and also validate your entry using the key [Entrée].
- Now restart your computer without bootable media, and make sure the error does not persist.
Use Windows Startup Help¶
The operation of theWindows startup help looks like the troubleshooter. This tool allows you to diagnose problems during startup, check registry settings and different startup configurations, but also, where possible, correct any errors. Here are the steps to follow to use it:
- Restart Windows using bootable media, and access your computer's repair options again.
- Follow the path “Troubleshooting” > “Advanced Options” > “Getting Started”.
- Windows automatically scans your system, looks for possible problems and diagnoses potential error sources.
- Once the scan is complete, Windows will restart. If the error no longer appears, this means that the startup assistance has eliminated the source.
Format hard drive¶
If no solution works and in the worst case, the error may be due to serious defects in system files or Windows partitions. In this case, we advise you to seriously consider formatting your hard drive. Below you will find the steps to follow for this:
- Once your device is formatted, you will lose all previously saved data and settings; you must therefore start by backing up all the important data contained on your hard drive or SSD. We advise you to use a “live” environment or data recovery software for this purpose. Likewise, don't forget to use bootable media to create a backup of your data.
- Typically, software services dedicated to data recovery offer built-in tools that allow you to format the hard drive. You also have the option to start Windows from your bootable media, and click on the “Install now” button.
- Follow the steps recommended by the installation and formatting wizard to correctly reinstall Windows.
- Finally, transfer all of your backed up files to your newly installed version of Windows.
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