How to fix error code 0xc00000f in Windows 10

What is 0xc00000f

0xc00000f is quite an unpleasant error able to pop any time during your PC experience. It shuts down your system displaying the BSOD (Blue Screen of Death). As a result, Windows tries to gather some data and restart your PC back to normal usage. Unfortunately, this is hardly the case with 0xc00000f. This error often prevents users from booting the system and trying to address the causes straight from the desktop. Usually, being unable to boot due to the 0xc00000f error means there is something wrong with Boot Configuration Database as Windows fails to read it. In other words, Windows states that some Boot file is corrupted or missing. The reason for that could be a shortage of power, malware intervention, disk errors, and even problems with physical cables. It is impossible to define which one of them relates to your situation, thus, it is necessary to try all available solutions until you find the culprit. You can do it using our instructions with dedicated steps to each method below.

1. Check your Power Cord and Unplug External Devices

The first step to try is checking whether your cable is damaged or poorly connected. Make sure to shut down your PC before unplugging the cable and eyeing for the visible signs of damage. It is also recommended to detach all external devices (USB flash drive, microphone, webcam, adapters, printer, CD, etc.) that are connected from their ports before putting the system with the replugged cable again. If you did not spot any visible damage and think your cable is fine, but still receive the 0xc00000f error, move on to the next steps listed below.

2. Launch your system using Bootrec.exe

There is a special set of commands that can be executed to fix issues with Boot Configuration Data (BCD). They can be launched easily via Command Prompt upon the crash of your system. You can do it with or without the installation disk (USB drive or DVD media). Note that after inserting the installation disk, you will likely have to change the boot order in BIOS. Accessing BIOS is different on all laptops, but usually, it is necessary to press F10, F2, F12, F1, or other keys while your system is starting. Instructions for both methods are written below:

If you have an installation disk (USB or DVD):

1. Connect the installation disk.
2. Restart your PC.
3. Once the Press any key to boot message appears, press any button on your keyboard.
4. A purple window should pop with the Install button. Click on Repair your computer at the bottom.
5. Then, select Troubleshoot and open Command Prompt.
6. Copy-paste or type these commands into the console manually and press Enter after each.

bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /scanos
bootrec /rebuildbcd

7. After the process is done, type Exit and press Enter to close the console.
8. Finally, turn off your PC and remove the installation disk before booting again.

If there is no installation disc available:

1. Reboot your PC and press Shift + F8 buttons at the same time.
2. After that, you should be able to see the so-called Windows Recovery Environment on the blue background.
3. Navigate to Troubleshoot and open Command Prompt again.
4. Insert the same commands we did above and reboot your system to see if you finally can.

3. Use Startup Repair

You can also try to delegate the job of fixing the issue to Windows via Startup Repair. This is an option to use for a quick and easy solution to stop the 0xc00000f code. Likewise above, the method can be performed while having an installation disk or not. The process using installation disks is quite similar to what we already did above.

1. Replicate the above-mentioned steps from one of the methods (with or without installation disk) until you open the Troubleshoot option.
2. Select Startup Repair from the list and wait until Windows scans for the problems and summarizes the process.
3. After that, try to boot up again and check if something has changed.

4. Check your disk for damaged fragments

Another possible reason for dealing with the 0xc00000f error is problems with your hard drive disk. We recommend you run another command that will tell if there is an issue and fix it immediately. Do the following:

1. Access Windows Recovery Environment with or without an installation disk. Just like we did above.
2. Go to Troubleshoot and choose Command Prompt again.
3. Then, insert this command and press Enter afterwards.

chkdsk C: /f

4. Close the console and reboot your system again to see the difference.

We hope it finally helped you resolve the issue and boot to the desktop without a problem.

5. Scan your PC for malware

After successfully booting your system, it is worth running a scan of the PC. This is because Boot Configuration Data that we were trying to fix could be broken due to some virus. Malicious programs are known for seeding trouble in system configuration, which leads to various errors. You can scan your entire system using either in-built Windows Defender or some other advanced anti-malware software that will combat threats that Windows could miss. We recommend you to use an antivirus developed by Malwarebytes – a trusted and talented group of experts constantly updating their software to combat both minor and global threats. You can download it now using the link below and try a 14-day trial of the ultimate antimalware experience for free.

Malwarebytes main window

Malwarebytes settings

Malwarebytes scan results

6. Reset BIOS

BIOS is a motherboard chip that memorizes and stores all configuration settings set in your PC. Such things as Power supply, RAM, and CPU are parts of the system maintained correctly thanks to the BIOS settings. Therefore, there is a chance some of them broke by malware or other problems that popped on a PC. Resetting your BIOS to Factory Settings may be an option to try only if none of the easier steps helped. This means all settings will lose their previous values customed by users. Before doing any manipulations with BIOS, it is often advised to create a backup of data, if that is possible. However, because users are not allowed to boot due to the 0xc00000f error, it is less likely to do using traditional ways. Thus, the only option remaining is to reset BIOS without creating a backup. You can find a button meant to reset BIOS once accessing it.

Summary

Errors like 0xc00000f are by far no joy to receive if you are a Windows user. We hope it is no longer a glitch interrupting your work in the system. You can also share your experience while troubleshooting this error in the comments below – they are all welcome.