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Get the fix to "<strong>0xc000000f: error attempting to read the boot configuration data</strong>" boot error for<strong> Windows 10, 11, XP, Vista, 7, or 8 </strong>operating systems.
<h2>About the "<strong>0xc000000f</strong>" error</h2>
[kbintro]
<h3>Description and Symptoms</h3>
The error messages, alerts, warnings, and symptoms below are tied to this error.
<h4>Symptom 1: 0xc000000f error screen on startup</h4>
As a part of <a href="http://neosmart.net/wiki/mbr-boot-process/">the system startup procedure</a>, the BOOTMGR bootloader first introduced in Windows Vista and used in all later versions of Windows, including Windows 7, Windows 8(.1), and Windows 10, uses a database of entries and configuration options known as the BCD (<strong>B</strong>oot <strong>C</strong>onfiguration <strong>D</strong>atabase), which acts as a global store for all boot-related options and settings on newer Windows PCs. However, if the BCD file is not found, then a "0xc000000f" error appears and the boot process is halted.

The following is a screenshot of this error as it appears during the Windows Vista and Windows 7 startup:

<a href="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2013/08/Win7-0xc000000f-startup-error.png"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-4407" src="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2013/08/Win7-0xc000000f-startup-error-1024x768.png" alt="Win7 0xc000000f startup error" width="980" height="735" /></a>
<pre>Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be the cause. To fix the problem:

1. Insert your Windows installation disc and restart your computer.
2. Choose your language settings, and then click "Next."
3. Click "Repair your computer."

If you do not have this disc, contact your system administrator or computer manufacturer for assistance.

File: \Boot\BCD

Status: 0xc000000f

Info: An error occurred while attempting to read the boot configuration data.</pre>
And here is what this error looks like on Windows 8, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10:

<a href="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2013/08/Win8-0xc000000f-startup-error.png"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-4408" src="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2013/08/Win8-0xc000000f-startup-error-1024x768.png" alt="Win8 0xc000000f startup error" width="980" height="735" /></a>
<pre>Recovery

Your PC needs to be repaired

The Boot Configuration Data for your PC is missing or contains errors.

File: \Boot\BCD
Error code: 0xc000000f

You'll need to use the recovery tools on your installation media. If you don't have any installation media(like a disc or USB device), contact your system administrator or PC manufacturer.</pre>
<h3>Causes of this Error</h3>
This error has been known to occur as a result of one or more of the following:
<h4>Cause 1: BCD is missing or corrupt</h4>
One of the most common causes of this error is the BCD that became missing or corrupt. That could happen because of disk write errors, power outages, boot sector viruses, or errors made while configuring the BCD manually.
<h4>Cause 2: File system integrity compromised</h4>
For the same reasons, the file system itself may become corrupt or damaged. That happens even more often if one turns off a PC while it is in the middle of writing crucial data to the boot sector.
<h4>Cause 3: HDD data cable is faulty</h4>
Like all components of our PC's, hard drive data cables tend to deteriorate as the time passes. If the same cable is used for several years(or even across several different computers), then it might be the cause of periodic read/write errors that can affect the loading process.
<h2>Fixing "0xc000000f" on Windows</h2>
[setupcd]
<h3>Fix #1: Rebuild BCD via Easy Recovery Essentials</h3>
Easy Recovery Essentials' one-click automated system repair feature incorporates full repair and reconstruction of the BCD to resolve the "0xc000000f" error, even in cases where Windows won't boot as a result of the error.

The automated boot repair component of EasyRE will address all BCD-related issues, fixing the BCD or recreating it from scratch using the correct encoding and path for the partition that is refusing to load properly.

[easyre error="0xc000000f" bootscreen="vista-7-8-10" guaranteed="true"]
<h3>Fix #2: Make sure no additional devices are plugged in</h3>
Before jumping into the command line or Startup Repair, it’s best to try another restart with the fewest number of devices and external drives plugged into the computer. This will make sure that nothing that was recently added to the computer isn’t causing this issue. It would be best to unplug any recent USB drives, CDs, DVDs etc. This includes a memory card reader too. Make sure that all external drives and USB keys or USB jump drives have been disconnected, then try again.
<h3>Fix #3: <span id="Fix_4_Use_Startup_Repair_to_attempt_HAL_replacement">Use Startup Repair to repair BOOTMGR</span></h3>
On Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10 or 11, Startup Repair can be used to scan the system for damaged or missing system files to replace the BCD file if it is corrupt or missing.

[setupcd]

[partial name="partial_startup_repair"]

Here is an example of what the PC’s startup repair should look like once the BCD file is properly restored:

[caption id="attachment_4409" align="alignnone" width="800"]<a href="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2013/08/Win7-0xc000000f-startup-repair.png"><img class="wp-image-4409 size-full" src="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2013/08/Win7-0xc000000f-startup-repair.png" alt="Missing BCD file restored by Startup Repair" width="800" height="600" /></a> Missing BCD file restored by Startup Repair[/caption]
<h3>Fix #4: Rebuild the BCD manually</h3>
Since the boot error is often caused by a missing BCD, rebuilding it is often a good solution.

Here are the steps to rebuild the BCD:
<ol>
 	<li>Boot from the Windows install disc</li>
 	<li>Click on <strong>Repair your computer</strong> after selecting proper language, time and keyboard input.</li>
 	<li>Select the Windows installation drive, which is usually <code>C:\</code>, and click <strong>Next</strong></li>
 	<li>Choose Command Prompt when the System Recovery Options box appears</li>
 	<li>Write the following command and press <kbd>Enter</kbd> afterwards:
<pre>bootrec /rebuildbcd</pre>
</li>
 	<li>If the program finds a Windows installation and asks whether it should add it to the boot list, press <kbd>Y</kbd></li>
</ol>
Here is an example screenshot of what the PC's console output should look like once Bootrec is done rebuilding the BCD.

[caption id="attachment_3693" align="alignnone" width="800"]<a href="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2016/04/VirtualBox_Win7_clean_21_04_2016_03_58_48.png"><img class="wp-image-3693 size-full" src="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2016/04/bootrec.png" alt="Bootrec utility results screen" width="800" height="600" /></a> Bootrec utility results screen[/caption]
<h3>Fix #5: Check your data cables, BIOS and drivers</h3>
Unplug all HDD data cables, and then plug them again. Revert to the previous drivers and BIOS settings if they were changed, or use "Restore factory settings" option in the BIOS. Make sure to write down all current BIOS settings that were previously selected, just in case it is required to switch back. If the error is caused by a change of the SATA disk controller’s mode in the BIOS or firmware, the fix can be as simple as entering the BIOS and toggling the SATA controller’s “mode” setting. The exact instructions differ from one manufacturer to the other, but the options will resemble what is shown in the screenshots below.

To check the boot order, follow these steps:
<ol>
 	<li>Restart the computer</li>
 	<li>Press the necessary key to open BIOS menu. This key depends on the computer manufacturer and computer model. This is usually listed on the first screen that appears on the monitor. It can be any of the following: <kbd>Esc</kbd>, <kbd>Del</kbd>, <kbd>F2</kbd>, <kbd>F8</kbd>, <kbd>F10</kbd> or <kbd>F12</kbd>.</li>
 	<li>If the screen shows multiple keys, find the key to open “BIOS”, “setup” or “BIOS menu”</li>
 	<li>Attempt to toggle between all three (or more) modes until a combination that results in Windows booting successfully once more is found.</li>
</ol>

[caption id="attachment_3711" align="alignnone" width="450"]<a href="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2016/04/Dell-POST.jpg"><img class="wp-image-3711 size-full" src="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2016/04/Dell-POST.jpg" alt="BIOS loading screen" width="450" height="337" /></a> Notice the key guide in the top-right corner[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3712" align="alignnone" width="550"]<a href="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2016/04/sata-configuration.jpg"><img class="wp-image-3712 size-full" src="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2016/04/sata-configuration.jpg" alt="BIOS configuration screen" width="550" height="349" /></a> BIOS configuration screen[/caption]
<h3>Fix #6: Check your disk with CHKDSK utility</h3>
If the hard drive has its file integrity compromised, it is possible to use built-in Windows CHKDSK utility to scan the disk and fix the file system errors.

Here are the steps to run CHKDSK:
<ol>
 	<li>Boot from your Windows install disc</li>
 	<li>Click on <strong>Repair your co</strong><strong>mputer</strong> after selecting proper language, time and keyboard input.</li>
 	<li>Select the Windows installation drive, which is usually <code>C:\</code>, and click <strong>Next</strong></li>
 	<li>Choose Command Prompt when the System Recovery Options box appears</li>
 	<li>Write the following command and press <kbd>Enter</kbd> afterwards:
<pre>chkdsk C: /f</pre>
Replace C: with the letter of the driver where Windows is installed.</li>
</ol>
Here is an example of what the PC's console output should look like once the chkdsk.exe is complete:

[caption id="attachment_3697" align="alignnone" width="800"]<a href="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2016/04/VirtualBox_Win7_clean_21_04_2016_03_58_48.png"><img class="wp-image-3697 size-full" src="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2016/04/VirtualBox_Win7_clean_21_04_2016_03_58_48.png" alt="Chkdsk utility results screen" width="800" height="600" /></a> Chkdsk utility results screen[/caption]
<h2>More Information</h2>
<h3>Linked Entries</h3>
<ul>
 	<li><a href="https://neosmart.net/wiki/bootrec/">bootrec</a></li>
 	<li><a href="https://neosmart.net/wiki/fix-mbr/">Fix MBR</a></li>
</ul>
[partial name="partial_moreinfo" versions="xp,vista,7,8,10,11"]