How to Fix BCD 0xc00098 Windows 11/10/8/7
Have you encountered the blue screen error code 0xc0000098 when starting your computer? If you do, this comprehensive article offers valuable information and solutions to help you resolve the Windows BCD 0xc0000098 Windows 11 issue.
Causes of the Windows boot error 0xc0000098
The Windows boot error 0xc0000098 typically indicates that the system has encountered a problem with the boot configuration data (BCD), which is essential for the operating system to start properly. This error may occur due to various reasons. Here are some common causes:
1. Corrupted Boot Configuration Data (BCD)
The corrupted or missing BCD files may occur due to improper shutdowns, hardware failures, or malware infections. This corruption prevents Windows from loading correctly.
2. Missing or damaged system files
Essential system files required for booting might be missing or damaged. This can occur due to software conflicts, failed updates, or hard drive issues.
3. Hardware failures
Problems with hardware components, such as a failing hard drive or faulty RAM, can lead to boot errors. A hard drive that is physically damaged may result in data corruption, including the BCD.
4. Changes in BIOS Settings
Incorrect BIOS configurations, such as boot order changes or enabled legacy support when not needed, can interfere with the boot process.
5. File system corruption
Issues within the file system, potentially caused by sudden power loss or improper shutdowns, can lead to an inability to access crucial files required for booting.
7 methods to fix BCD 0xc00098 Windows 11/10/8/7
Here are seven effective solutions to help you quickly resolve Windows Boot Error 0xc0000098. It's essential to follow each method's steps closely for optimal results.
Method 1. Run Startup Repair
If you're encountering the Windows Boot Error 0xc0000098, using the Startup Repair tool can help rectify the problem. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1. Boot into the Windows Recovery Environment. Select “Troubleshoot”, then navigate to “Advanced options”.
Step 2. In the Advanced Options menu, click on the “Startup Repair” option.
Step 3. The Startup Repair process will commence. It will analyze your PC and attempt to fix any issues found within the system files.
Step 4. Once this process is complete, check to see if the problem persists.
Method 2. Rebuild BCD via third-party Software
Rebuilding the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) can swiftly fix the Windows Boot Error 0xc0000098. One of the most effective ways to do this is by using a trusted third-party software. We recommend AOMEI Partition Assistant.
This advanced tool features a robust Boot Repair function. Its sophisticated algorithms can identify various startup problems and boot error codes, providing rapid resolutions. Follow the steps below to carry out the Boot Repair process effectively.
Step 1. Download and install AOMEI Partition Assistant on a working PC and connect a USB drive to it.
Step 2. Launch the software and select Recover > Boot Repair from the top bar.
Step 3. Click the create a bootable disk option to create a WinPE boot USB drive.
Step 4. Connect the newly created drive to the faulty computer and set the USB drive as the primary boot device. This will enable your computer to boot and automatically load the Boot Repair tool to detect all boot issues.
Step 5. Select the repairable boot entries you want to repair and click the Repair button.
Step 6. Once the repair is complete, remove the bootable disk and restart the computer from the original system drive.
Method 3. Run CHKDSK in Command Prompt
The Boot Error 0xc0000098 often arises from bad sectors on the hard drive, but it can be easily repaired by running a disk check. CHKDSK (Check Disk) is a built-in utility in Windows that scans hard drives for file system errors. By executing the CHKDSK command, you can identify and resolve these issues in just a few minutes. Here’s how to run the command:
Step 1. Boot into the Windows Recovery Environment. Select “Troubleshoot”, then choose “Advanced options”. From there, open “Command Prompt” to access the command line interface.
Step 2. Enter the following command: chkdsk C:/f /r. The scanning process may take a little while, and it will automatically fix any detected errors.
After the process is complete, check to see if the issue has been resolved.
Method 4. Run SFC offline in Command Prompt
The Windows Boot Error 0xc0000098 can occur due to missing or corrupted system files. In such instances, running an SFC scan can effectively address the problem. The SFC (System File Checker) scan checks all protected system files and replaces any corrupted or missing files with cached copies located in the %WinDir%\System32\dllcache directory.
Here’s how to perform this process:
Step 1. Open the Command Prompt as described in Method 3.
Step 2. Enter the command SFC /scannow and press the "Enter" key.
Once the scan is complete, check to see if the issue has been resolved.
Method 5. Perform system restoration
Performing a system restoration is an effective method to fix the Windows Boot Error 0xc0000098. Follow the steps outlined below for the complete process:
Step 1. Turn on your PC, and as soon as the Windows logo appears, press the power button to interrupt the boot sequence. Repeat this process several times until the system boots into the Windows Recovery Mode.
Step 2. The system will automatically initiate a repair process. If it fails, you will see a message indicating that automatic repair could not fix your PC, along with options to access Advanced options or shut down.
Step 3. Select "Advanced options", then click on "Troubleshoot". In the Troubleshoot menu, choose "Advanced options" again.
Step 4. In the Advanced Options, locate and select "System Restore". Follow the prompts to choose a restore point that will help resolve the issue. The restoration process may take some time to complete.
After the system restoration is finished, verify whether the issue persists or has been resolved.
Method 6. Reset this PC
Resetting your PC can be a highly effective way to resolve the Windows Boot Error 0xc0000098. Follow the steps below to complete this process:
Step 1. Start your PC, and as soon as the Windows logo appears, press the power button to interrupt the boot sequence. Repeat this several times until the system boots into Windows Recovery Mode.
Step 2. On the Choose an Option screen, select "Troubleshoot".
Step 3. You will see two options; choose "Reset this PC". You will then have the choice between "Keep my files" or "Remove everything". Select "Keep my files" here.
Step 4. Click the "Reset" button on the Ready to Reset this PC screen. The resetting process will begin, which may take a few minutes, and your PC will restart afterward.
Once the reset is complete, check to see if the issue has been resolved or if it still exists.
Method 7. Run a clean install
If the previous methods have not resolved the issue and your PC still won't boot, a clean install from the Windows Recovery Environment may be necessary. Follow these steps to complete the process effectively:
Step 1. Power on your PC, then immediately press the power button again to turn it off. Repeat this process until you access the Windows Recovery Environment.
Step 2. Click on "Advanced options", then select "Troubleshoot". Next, click on the "Reset this PC" option.
Step 3. You will see two choices: "Keep my files" and "Remove everything". Choose "Remove everything".
Step 4. You will then have two options: "Cloud download" (which downloads a fresh installation image from Microsoft servers) or "Local reinstall" (which uses the image available on your device). Select "Cloud download".
Step 5. Choose between "Only the drive where Windows is installed" or "All drives". Opt for the first choice.
Step 6. Depending on your preference, select either "Just remove my files" or "Fully clean the drive", then click the "Reset" button.
Step 7. Choose the hard drive where you want to install Windows 11. Click "Next" and follow the prompts to install and set up Windows 11.
Conclusion
In this article, we have explored seven methods to resolve the Windows Boot Error 0xc0000098. We encourage you to try each of these solutions to determine which one works best for your situation. If you’re not particularly tech-savvy, we recommend focusing on Method 2 and utilizing the reliable AOMEI Partition Assistant to fix the error effectively.