Fix Windows Boot Error 0xc000000f: Black Screen
How to Fix Windows Boot Error 0xc000000f (Black Screen)
The 0xc000000f error is a critical Windows boot error that typically appears as a black screen with a message stating that a required device isn’t connected or can’t be accessed. This issue almost always points to a corrupted or missing Boot Configuration Data (BCD) file, which is essential for Windows to find and load the operating system.
This guide will provide a series of solutions to help you resolve this error and get your computer to boot correctly. You’ll need a Windows installation media (USB drive or DVD) to perform these steps.
Understanding the Error 0xc000000f
This error message is a clear sign that the system’s boot process has failed. The BCD file acts like a map, telling Windows where to find the operating system files on the hard drive. When this file is missing or corrupted, the system cannot find the boot information, resulting in the error.
Common causes include:
Corrupted System Files: Power outages or improper shutdowns can corrupt critical boot files.
Malware Infections: Viruses or other malicious software can damage boot sector files.
Hardware Failures: A failing hard drive or faulty data cables can prevent the system from reading boot files.
Step-by-Step Solutions
Before you begin, ensure you have a Windows installation media. Boot your computer from this media and click “Repair your computer” on the initial setup screen to access the troubleshooting options.
Solution 1: Use Startup Repair
This is the simplest and most automated solution. The built-in Startup Repair tool can often fix BCD errors automatically.
After booting from your installation media, select your language and click Next.
Click “Repair your computer” in the bottom-left corner.
Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.
Select your operating system and wait for the tool to complete the repair process.
If successful, restart your computer.
Solution 2: Rebuild the Boot Configuration Data (BCD)
If Startup Repair fails, you will need to manually rebuild the BCD file using the Command Prompt.
Follow the steps in Solution 1 to get to the Advanced options screen.
Click Command Prompt.
Type the following commands in order, pressing Enter after each one:
bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /rebuildbcd
When prompted with “Add installation to boot list? Yes/No/All,” type Y for Yes and press Enter.
Close the Command Prompt and restart your computer.
Solution 3: Run the System File Checker (SFC)
If the boot files are corrupted, the SFC tool can help.
Open Command Prompt (see Solution 2).
Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
Wait for the scan to complete. It will attempt to repair any corrupted files it finds.
Restart your computer after the process is finished.
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Q: I don’t have a Windows installation media. What do I do?
A: You can create one from a working computer. Download the Windows Media Creation Tool from the Microsoft website and follow the instructions to create a bootable USB drive or DVD.
Q: I get the error even after using the bootrec commands. What’s the problem?
A: This could indicate a deeper hardware issue, such as a failing hard drive. Check your SATA cables and consider running a hard drive diagnostic tool.
Q: Can I fix this without losing my files?
A: Yes, all the solutions in this guide are designed to repair system files without affecting your personal data. However, it is always a good practice to back up your data regularly.
Çözüm
The 0xc000000f boot error can be a worrying issue, but it’s often a fixable problem with the BCD file. By using the Windows installation media to run Startup Repair or manually rebuild the BCD using the bootrec commands, you can usually get your system to boot correctly again. If these solutions fail, consider checking for hardware issues, especially with your hard drive, as it may be the root cause of the problem.
