AOMEI Partition Assistant 
Solved: The Boot Configuration Data File Doesn’t Contain Valid Information
In this guide, you can learn how to fix the error “the boot configuration data file doesn't contain valid information” on your Windows 10/11 computer.
By Lucas / Updated on October 30, 2024
Overview of the error “The boot configuration data file doesn't contain valid information”
The error "The Boot Configuration Data file doesn't contain valid information" typically occurs when the Windows operating system fails to locate the necessary files for booting. This can prevent the system from starting properly.
Boot Configuration Data (BCD) is a critical component that contains boot-time configuration parameters for Windows. When the BCD is missing, corrupted, or improperly configured, the operating system cannot load, leading to this error.
Possible reasons for the error:
1. Corrupted BCD: The BCD doesn't contain valid entries, or the BCD can become corrupted due to improper shutdowns, power outages, or hardware failures, making it unreadable by the boot loader.
2. Incompatible driver: Usually, incompatible drivers results from you installing an incompatible new service pack or update an unsuitable version of the system, which causes the problematic error.
3. Disk Errors: Issues with the hard drive, such as bad sectors or file system corruption, can impact the BCD and prevent it from being accessed correctly.
4. Hardware Changes: Upgrading or replacing hardware components, like the motherboard or hard drive, without correctly updating the BCD can cause conflicts.
Fix the error “The Boot Configuration Data File Doesn't Contain Valid Information”
In this part, we’ll show you several solutions to fix the error “the boot configuration data file doesn't contain valid information”.
Way 1. Perform Startup Repair
Running Startup Repair in the Windows Recovery Environment is the most usually used fix for a boot problem like this. It can automatically find and fix some system files that can be making Windows unbootable.
Step 1. Power your computer on and off repeatedly thrice while the logo appears. You will access Automatic Repair.
Step 2. Click "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "Startup Repair."
Now, you can wait for the program to repair the error automatically.
Way 2. Rebuild the BCD
Usually, rebuilding a corrupted or empty BCD file will help to cure most problems caused by it.
Step 1. Use the same way to access CMD in Automatic Repair window.
Step 2. Click on "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > “CommandPrompt”.
Step 3. Type the following command and press Enter:
bootrec /rebuildbcd
Way 3. Active correct partition
An inactive partition also runs the risk of having your Boot Configuration Data file on your hard disk contain no legitimate OS information. You must thus guarantee the correct active partitioning.
Step 1. Follow the same steps of the above ways to enter CMD.
Step 2. Type commands and hit "Enter" each time.
- diskpart
- list disk
- select disk 0 (replace 0 with the Windows system drive number)
- list volume
- select volume 3 (replace 3 with the number of the partition where the system files are)
- active
- exit
Way 4. Use SFC and CHKDSK Scan
Scanning and fixing system files helps the CHKDSK command line and System file checks also be able to fix the problem. Running Command Prompt from the Windows Recovery Environment will help you perform the SFC and CHKDSK commands and fix the corrupted file system.
Step 1. In the CMD, type: sfc /scannow /offbootdir=C:\ /offwindir=C:\Windows\ and hit "Enter".
Step 2. When the SFC scan is complete, type chkdsk /r /f c: and hit "Enter" to run the command.
Note: Don't forget to replace C with the Windows drive if your OS is installed on another drive.
Way 5. Use Windows boot repair tool
Knowing Windows' built-in tools, particularly CMD, you can rapidly complete all procedures to resolve Windows boot repair issues. However, for many people, when their PC won't boot due to a boot fault, using CMD to resolve the issue may be too difficult.
AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional includes a Boot Repair feature, which focuses on correcting damaged or missing BCD files. When Windows 10 does not boot normally, you may easily make a bootable drive with this application and swiftly restore your PC. There is no need to input any commands; all of the ways stated above can be accomplished with a few clicks.
100% SecureStep 1. Install AOMEI Partition Assistant on a working PC and connect a USB drive (at least 16 GB of free space) to it.
Step 2. Open the software to choose the Boot Repair option below the Recover section.
Step 3. Click the create a bootable disk option to create a WinPE Boot Repair drive for recovery.
Step 4. Connect the created drive to the faulty computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI setup to set the USB drive as the primary boot device. Then your computer can 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 process completes, remove the bootable disk and start the computer from the original system drive.
Conclusion
"The Boot Configuration Data file lacks valid information" is a common Windows error message. This issue is usually due to a corrupt BCD or incompatible drivers. If the problem continues, it's advisable to check your hard disk's health, as it might need an upgrade. It could also be caused by a faulty RAM stick.
Fortunately, you can use AOMEI Partition Assistant, which offers a range of advanced features, to easily and safely resolve the error and restore your PC to normal functionality.
