How to Run Boot Configuration Data Store Repair Windows 8/7

Why Boot Configuration Data errors occur?

BCD, a vital database, enables the loading and running of an operating system. Its location varies based on the boot mode: in UEFI mode, you can find the BCD file at /EFI/Microsoft/Boot/BCD within the EFI system partition; in BIOS mode, it’s located at /boot/BCD on the active partition. If this file gets damaged, errors like 0xc0000034 or similar boot BCD issues in Windows 10, such as “The Boot Configuration Data for your PC is missing or contains errors” may arise.

Several factors can cause BCD file corruption, leading to the "Boot Configuration Data file is missing some required information" error:

◆ Corrupted BCD store: Unexpected power failures, disk issues, or failed updates can corrupt the BCD store, resulting in boot problems.

◆ Incorrect BCD configuration: Manually modifying the BCD store, especially with third-party tools or incorrect changes, can trigger this error.

◆ Hard Drive issues: Bad sectors or a failing hard drive can compromise the BCD store's integrity, causing boot failures.

◆ Malware or virus infection: Malicious software can damage system files, including the BCD, and disrupt the boot process.

How to run Boot Configuration Data store repair Windows 8/7

If you have a Windows installation CD or DVD, several methods are available to resolve the boot BCD error. Here’s one approach:

Way 1. Fix BCD error with Startup Repair

You can use the Startup Repair feature to automatically fix the issue. Follow these steps (using a Windows 10 installation media as an example):

Step 1. Insert the Windows 10 installation disc into your computer and boot from it.

Step 2. Once the Windows is loading files and Starting Windows screens complete, select your language, time, currency format, and keyboard/input method.

Step 3. Navigate to Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.

Step 4. Wait as the system works to repair your operating system.

Way 2. Fix BCD error with Command Prompt

If Startup Repair doesn't resolve the issue, you can attempt to fix the boot BCD error manually using Command Prompt. Follow these steps:

Step 1. Go to Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.

Step 2. To repair the Master Boot Record (MBR), run the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:

bootrec.exe /fixmbr

bootrec.exe /fixboot

bootrec.exe /scanos

bootrec.exe /rebuildbcd

Step 3. Alternatively, you can delete and rebuild the BCD with these commands, hitting Enter after each:

attrib –r –s –h c:\boot\bcd

del c:\boot\bcd

bcdboot c:\windows

Step 4. After completing the commands, restart your computer.

Way 3. Set Windows partition active

In some cases, the Windows partition may not be set as active, which can lead to the "The Boot Configuration Data file is missing some required information" error. Setting the Windows partition as active can resolve this issue.

To do so, follow these steps in Command Prompt:

Step 1. Open Command Prompt and type the following commands, pressing Enter after each one:

diskpart

list disk

select disk 0 (replace 0 with the number of your system disk)

list volume

select volume 3 (replace 3 with the number of your system volume)

active

Step 2. This will mark the correct partition as active, allowing Windows to boot normally.

Way 4. Resort to a professional third-party tool

If you don’t have Windows installation media or feel uncomfortable using the Command Line interface, don’t worry! You can fix BCD errors like "The Boot Configuration Data file is missing" using a graphical user interface (GUI) tool—AOMEI Partition Assistant. This versatile tool allows you to manage disks and partitions on Windows 11/10/8/7, XP, and Vista, offering features such as creating bootable media and rebuilding the Master Boot Record (MBR).

It provides an easy-to-use interface, making it a great solution for users who prefer not to work with command prompts.

Free Download
Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7

100% Secure

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

Step 2. Select Recover > Boot Repair from the main interface.

Step 3. Choose the create a bootable disk option to create a bootable 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. Once the boot entries scanning is complete, all boot entries will be displayed. Select the entries that you want to repair and click the Repair button.

Step 6. After successful repair, remove the bootable USB drive and reboot the PC from the original system drive.

Conclusion

This article offers simple and reliable methods to fix the "Boot Configuration Data file is missing" error in Windows 10, along with similar BCD-related issues. However, not all boot failures can be easily repaired. For this reason, it's strongly advised to create a system backup in advance to safeguard your data against potential issues.

As you can see, AOMEI Partition Assistant would be a good resort. It also has provided a Server version for Windows Server users.