How to Fix Windows 10 Error Code 0xc00000e Without Losing Data

Encountering the "Error Code 0xc00000e" or Windows 11 not starting can be quite alarming for many, especially for tech enthusiasts, as it raises concerns about potential data loss and system crashes.

Error code 0xc000000e usually appears with a black or blue screen, displaying "File:\Windows\System32\winload.exe" or "Your PC needs to be repaired. The boot configuration data for your PC is missing or contains errors."

What causes error code 0xc00000e?

As the error message on the screen suggests, the 0xc000000e Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) issue indicates that a hardware device, an SSD, or an HDD wasn't detected during the booting of Windows 10. Besides, corrupted system files or a missing or incorrectly configured BCD (Boot Configuration Data) can also prevent Windows from starting up normally.

In this tutorial, we will show you how to fix the Windows 11/Windows 10 error code 0xc00000e without losing your data.

"Translating English to Chinese refers to the process of converting English text into Chinese text. If you have specific content that needs translation, please let me know, and I will do my best to assist you."

First Things First: Salvaging Data from a Dead Computer

To prevent any possible loss of data during the process of fixing error 0xc000000e, we highly recommend that you save and back up your data beforehand.

Data Recovery Wizard Pro is considered one of the best data recovery tools available, capable of retrieving data in any complex situation, including from a crashed or unbootable computer. This software allows you to recover deleted files or lost data from HDD, SSD, USB drives, flash drives, SD cards, external hard drives, and many other storage devices.

To get data from a PC or laptop that won't start and shows the error code 0xc00000e, you need to create a bootable device using the Data Recovery Wizard tool. This will allow you to boot your computer into the Data Recovery Wizard, enabling you to recover and export your important files.

Step 1: Create a Bootable Disk

Launch the Data Recovery Wizard, select “Crashed PC Recovery” and click “Go to Recover”.

Select an empty USB drive to create the bootable drive, then click “Create.”

Caution: The Easy Recovery Wizard will delete all data stored on the USB drive when creating a bootable disk. Back up important data in advance.

Create a bootable USB

Step 2: Boot your computer from the bootable USB drive

Plug the bootable disk into the non-booting computer, and change the computer's boot order in BIOS. For most users, restarting your computer and pressing F2 to enter BIOS will work.

Set your computer to boot from “Removable Devices” (your bootable USB drive) instead of the hard drive. Press “F10” to save and exit.

Restart from bootable USB

Step 3: Recover data from a crashed system/computer

After booting from the Data Recovery Wizard bootable disk, select the drive you wish to scan for all lost files. Preview and recover your desired files to a secure location.

After you've recovered your data, you can try the following methods to resolve the issue.

Solution 1: Check the hard drive connection

One of the main causes of error code 0xc00000e is the system's failure to detect essential hardware devices. Turn off your computer and inspect the physical drive connections. Make sure that every connection or component is securely in place. Check the following devices: SSD, HDD, USB drives, external hard drives, flash drives, CDs, or DVDs related to booting Windows.

If the device is connected properly, try the next solution.

Solution 2: Use the Windows 10 Automatic Repair tool

You can use the built-in Windows Automatic Repair tool to fix certain system errors in Windows, such as the 0xc00000e error code. Follow these steps to solve the problem using a bootable installation CD.

Step 1. Insert the Windows installation DVD, CD, or USB device into your computer. Restart your computer from the bootable device.

Step 2: When you see the "Install Now" screen, click on "Repair your computer."

Enable the "Automatic Repair" option to fix UEFI errors.

Step 3. On the Choose an option screen, click Troubleshoot.

Step 4: On the Advanced Options screen, click on Automatic Repair.

Use the "Automatic Repair" option to fix UEFI boot errors.

5. On the “Automatic Repair” screen, select an account to start the repair process. When it's done, restart your computer and see if you still get the 0xc000000e error.

Fix 3: Repair corrupted files using SFC or DISM utilities

Corrupted system files can cause the Windows 10 boot error code 0xc00000e. To fix corrupted system files, do the following.

Step 1. Boot your computer from the Windows installation disc, CD, DVD, or installation USB drive.

Step 2: On the "Install now" screen, click on "Repair your computer."

Step 3: Click Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.

Step 4: Type sfc /scannow in the Command Prompt window and press Enter.

The SFC can scan and check for corrupted or modified system protection files, and repair or replace them with intact ones.

If the SFC tool isn't able to fix the problem, you can use the more powerful DISM command instead. Type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth at the Command Prompt and press Enter. Wait for the tool to repair any corrupted files it finds.

Fix 4: Repair the BCD file to resolve the Windows 10 error 0xc00000e

The Boot Configuration Data (BCD) file is a system file that helps Windows boot the operating system. If this file becomes corrupted, it can cause the 0xc00000e error in Windows 10. To rebuild your damaged BCD file, you can start Windows using a Windows installation disc or a bootable USB drive.

Step 1. Connect the Windows installation media/CD to your computer and boot from it.

Step 2: In the Startup screen, select Repair your computer.

Step 4: Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.

Step 5. Enter the following commands in order at the command prompt. Press the Enter key after each command.

• bootrec /fixboot
• bootrec /scanos
• bootrec /fixmbr
• bootrec /rebuildbcd
• exit
These are commands used in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) Command Prompt to troubleshoot and fix boot-related issues. Here's a brief explanation of each command: 1. **bootrec /fixboot**: This command writes a new boot sector to the system partition, which can help if the current boot sector is damaged or missing. 2. **bootrec /scanos**: Scans all volumes for installed Windows operating systems and lists them. It can be useful if you're having trouble finding a missing OS entry. 3. **bootrec /fixmbr**: Fixes the Master Boot Record (MBR) by replacing it with a standard Windows MBR. Use this if the MBR is corrupted or has been overwritten. 4. **bootrec /rebuildbcd**: Scans for all Windows installations and recreates the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) store. This can help when the BCD store becomes corrupted or has incorrect entries. 5. **exit**: Exits the Command Prompt and returns you to the main WinRE menu.

Here are some common command-line instructions and their translations in Chinese, with the encoding format utf-8: 1. `cd`: 切换目录 (Change Directory) 2. `ls`: 列出目录内容 (List Directory) 3. `mkdir`: 创建目录 (Make Directory) 4. `rm`: 删除文件或目录 (Remove) 5. `cp`: 复制文件或目录 (Copy) 6. `mv`: 移动或重命名文件或目录 (Move/Rename) 7. `touch`: 创建新文件 (Create a new file) 8. `cat`: 查看或合并文件内容 (Concatenate) 9. `more`: 分页查看文件内容 (View file content page by page) 10. `less`: 分页查看文件内容 (View file content page by page, with more functionality) 11. `grep`: 在文件中搜索特定文本 (Search for patterns in files) 12. `find`: 在文件系统中查找文件 (Find files based on different criteria) 13. `sudo`: 以管理员权限运行命令 (Run a command with superuser privileges) 14. `apt` 或 `yum`: 包管理器，用于安装和更新软件 (Package manager for installing and updating software) 15. `ping`: 测试网络连接 (Test network connectivity) 16. `curl`: 从URL获取数据 (Retrieve data from a URL) 17. `wget`: 下载文件或网页 (Download files or web pages) 18. `history`: 显示之前输入的命令历史 (Display the history of previously entered commands) 19. `clear`: 清除屏幕 (Clear the terminal screen) 20. `exit`: 退出当前会话 (Exit the current session) Please note that different operating systems (such as Linux, macOS, and Windows) may have specific or slightly different commands.

• The bootrec or bootrec.exe tool is used in the Windows Recovery Environment to troubleshoot and fix boot issues.
• bootrec /fixmbr repairs damage to the Master Boot Record.
• bootrec /fixboot writes a new boot sector to the system partition.
• bootrec /scanos scans all hard disks for Windows installations.
• bootrec /rebuildbcd scans compatible disks for Windows operating system installations.

After the command finishes running, restart your computer and check if error 0xc00000e is resolved. If not, proceed to the next solution.

Fix 5: Reset BIOS/UEFI settings

Error 0xc00000e can also be caused by incorrect BIOS configuration. You can resolve the issue by accessing the BIOS menu and resetting the BIOS settings.

Step 1: Restart your computer and press F2, Del, F8, F10, F12, or Esc repeatedly while it's booting up to enter BIOS.

Step 2. Use the arrow keys on your keyboard to browse through the BIOS settings options.

Step 3. Select Load Default Values and press the Enter key to reset the BIOS configuration.

Step 4: Press F10 to save the changes and exit the BIOS. Your computer will restart automatically.

Solution 6: Reinstall Windows OS to Fix Error Code 0xc00000e

If all else fails, you can try to quickly reinstall Windows to fix the 0xc00000e error in Windows 10.

Step 1: Boot the computer from the Windows installation CD/DVD or bootable USB drive

Step 2. Click Install Now. Follow the on-screen instructions to select the version of the operating system that you need to install.

Conclusion

The Windows operating system, including both Windows 10 and the newer Windows 11, can occasionally encounter startup issues. Hopefully, one of the methods mentioned above will resolve the error code 0xc00000e for you.

But remember, no matter which method you choose, it's important to keep your data safe. Professional data recovery software can be utilized to retrieve your data when your disk fails or the operating system crashes.