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Error Code 0xc00000e: What It Is and How to Fix It

What to do when you get this Windows error

By Daniel Anglin Seitz Daniel Anglin Seitz Writer University of Vermont, Emerson College Dan Seitz is a tech writer with 10 years of experience writing about apps, gaming, and more. His work has appeared on Uproxx.com and other outlets. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on June 18, 2020 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Windows The Ultimate Laptop Buying Guide Error code 0xc00000e is a Windows error caused by either corruption of the file structure or, more rarely, a physical disconnection of a component in a computer. It's a common error code in all forms of Windows from Windows Vista onwards, although how it's presented and the language used to describe the error varies slightly. Information in this article applies to computers with Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, or Windows Vista.

How Does Error Code 0xc00000e Appear

Error code 0xc00000e appears when booting a computer. It takes one of two forms: A black screen with "Windows Boot Manager" across the top in a grey banner. It states, "The selected entry could not be loaded because the application is missing or corrupt."A blue screen with the headline "Your PC Needs To Be Repaired" with the text "A required device isn't connected or can't be accessed."

What Causes Error Code 0xc00000e

The language of the error on some devices serves as a source of confusion, leading some people to believe a printer or other accessory caused the problem. However, the error is usually caused by a problem in the Boot Configuration Database. Think of the BCD as a to-do list that a computer follows to start and have Windows available for use. These files can be corrupted or misconfigured. Without a correct list—and all the items mentioned in that list—the computer stalls. This is why you continue to see the error no matter how often you restart the computer. Johanna Parkin / Getty Images

How to Fix Error Code 0xc00000e

The most effective tool for preventing this error is to correctly shut down your computer every time you're done with it. However, if you experience the error, there are several fixes available to help you with it. Advanced Startup Options in Windows 10 and Windows 8 replaced the System Recovery Options menu in Windows 7 and Windows Vista. Check for loose connections. Turn off the computer and check each connection or part to make sure it isn't loose, particularly if you recently performed repairs on it. While unlikely, it's worth ruling out this cause first. Use a recovery tool. You may need to change the boot order on the PC to run the recovery tool from a USB device. Use System Restore. System Restore allows you to turn back your computer to a previous set of settings. You may lose some data in doing so and need to redownload and reinstall any programs or updates you previously put on the machine. Use the command prompt. To run BCD repairs, select Command Prompt in the Advanced Options menu (Windows 10 and Windows 8) or System Recovery Options menu (Windows 7 and Windows Vista) and enter this code: bootrec/rebuildbcd

Choose Y when prompted. Run the checkdisk command. To repair files from the Command Prompt, enter: CHKDSK C: /r /f

Then, press Enter. This repairs corrupted files on the computer. Restore the boot files to default. From the Command Prompt, enter: DISM /Online/Cleanup-Image/RestoreHealth sfc/scannow

Then, run the commands. Perform a fresh install of Windows. Boot the recovery tool or installation media and choose Install Now. This operation completely wipes the PC and removes all data, so only perform it if you have no other options.

Errors Similar to Error Code 0xc00000e

Errors you may encounter with similar solutions include: 0xc0000467: Described as "The file is temporarily unavailable." 0xc000000f: Described as "File not found." 0xc0000001: Presented as "The requested operation was unsuccessful." Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire Error Code 0xc00000e9: What It Means and How to Fix It Recovery Console: What It Is & a List of Commands How to Use Bootsect /nt60 to Update the VBC to BOOTMGR How to Use the Format Command to Write Zeros to a Hard Drive Error Code 0xc0000185: What It Is and How to Fix It How to use a System Repair Disc to Format the C Drive How to Fix the 'There Was a Problem Resetting Your PC' Error How to Fix Secur32.dll Not Found or Missing Errors How to Fix Libmysql.dll Not Found or Missing Errors How to Fix Error Code 0x80004005 How to Fix a Computer That Won't Start in Safe Mode How to Fix Mfc80u.dll Not Found or Missing Errors How to Fix User32.dll Not Found or Missing Errors How to Fix Msvcp90.dll is Missing or Not Found Errors Scan and Fix Your Hard Drive: Windows System Files How to Fix Gdi32.dll Is Missing or Not Found Errors Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies