Boot Configuration Data Store Could Not Be Opened? Fix It Now!

Boot Configuration Data store could not be opened?

The Boot Configuration Data (BCD) store is an important component in Windows that stores boot options based on whether the computer uses BIOS or UEFI boot mode. It provides a firmware-independent interface for boot options, accessible through specific commands with administrator permissions.

However, you may encounter the error "Boot Configuration Data store could not be opened" when the Boot Configuration Data file is corrupted or hardware failures. Additionally, running the bcdedit command without sufficient permissions can also cause this error. Is it possible to fix the error "Boot Configuration Data store could not be opened"? Sure! Keep reading this post to learn several effective solutions.

How to fix the "BCD store could not be opened" error?

Although this frustrating issue can stem from various causes, it is not insurmountable to resolve. This section provides four ways to fix this BCD error. Feel free to choose the one that suits your needs.

Fix 1. Repair BCD Errors Using Professional Software

In most cases, boot problems can be caused by the corruption or loss of BCD files. Fortunately, the Boot Repair tool in AOMEI Partition Assistant can help you easily and effectively fix various system boot issues, even if your computer fails to start normally.

As a professional partition software and disk management tool, AOMEI Partition Assistant includes rich features to troubleshoot common issues during regular tasks, such as cloning disks, recovering partitions, and allocating free space, keeping your computer in optimal condition. Feel free to download and try the product from the following link.

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Follow these steps to fix BCD errors using AOMEI Partition Assistant:

Step 1. Download and install AOMEI Partition Assistant on a working PC and connect a USB drive to it

Step 2. Open this software and select the Boot Repair tool below the Recover section.

Step 3. Select the create a bootable disk option to create a WinPE Boot Repair USB drive.

Step 4. Plug the created drive into the computer that you want to repair, then start the system from the USB drive. It will automatically load the Boot Repair tool and perform a scan of boot entries.

If your computer can boot normally, directly click Next to start the system’s boot entry scan on the Boot Repair window.

Step 5. Once the process completes, select the repairable boot entries you want to repair and click the Repair button.

Step 6. Once the repair process completes, remove the drive and reboot the PC from its original system drive.

Fix 2. Rebuild BCD files

In addition to using third-party software, you can fix BCD errors by using the correct commands in Common Prompt. Follow these steps to open CMD and rebuild BCD files:

Step 1. If your computer can boot normally, open Common Prompt by typing cmd in the Windows search box.

Step 2. If you cannot boot into Windows, restart your computer by pressing and holding the power button for about several seconds. Repeat the process three times to enter the Windows Repair Environment screen.

Step 3. Click Troubleshoot > Advanced options.

Step 4. Select Common Prompt and allow it to load.

Step 5. Type the following commands and press Enter one by one:

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

Step 6. Quit CMD and restart your computer to check whether it has been repaired.

Fix 3. Run Command Prompt as Administrator

If you encounter the error "Boot Configuration Data store could not be opened" while running the bcdedit command, first ensure that you are executing it with administrative rights. The bcdedit utility requires elevated privileges to manage the BCD effectively. Here’s how to run Command Prompt as administrator:

Step 1: If you can access Windows, type cmd in the Windows search box and select Run as administrator.

Step 2: If you cannot boot into Windows, open Common Prompt using the methods in Fix 2.

Fix 4. Change the Boot Mode

Sometimes, the error "BCD store could not be opened" may be related to boot mode, especially if your system’s boot mode doesn’t align with how Windows was originally installed. In such a case, it is recommended to change the boot mode. Here are the detailed steps:

Step 1. Restart your computer and access BIOS/UEFI settings by pressing the F2 hotkey (depending on your computer’s manufacturer).

Step 2. Find the Boot or Boot Options section.

Step 3. Switch the boot mode to match your installation. If the partition table is set to MBR, you should select Legacy BIOS. If the partition is set to GPT, select the UEFI boot mode.

Step 4. Save the changes and exit BIOS/UEFI.

Step 5. Restart the system to see if it can boot correctly. If this method doesn’t resolve the issue, proceed to Fix 2 to rebuild the BCD file.

FAQs

Q1: What causes this error to occur?

The error "Boot Configuration Data store could not be opened" can stem from various reasons, including insufficient permissions, the corruption of BCD, improper hardware changes, or malware infections.

Q2: Is it safe to modify the BCD?

Modifying the BCD is generally safe if done correctly, but it’s crucial to back up the current BCD beforehand. If you are unsure how to modify it, consider using professional software for assistance.

Q3: Will reinstalling Windows fix this issue?

Sure! Reinstalling Windows can help resolve the issue, but it may result in the loss of installed programs and important settings. It's advisable to consider this option only if other methods fail.

Conclusion

Boot issues can be frustrating and disruptive, preventing your computer from starting up properly. This post explores four practical ways to fix the error "Boot Configuration Data store could not be opened." By following the detailed steps provided in this guide, you can fix BCD errors and restore your computer's boot functionality.