/Knowledgebase /0xc0000001: Fix for Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10
Get the fix to the 0xc0000001: A required device isn’t connected or can’t be accessedboot error message affecting Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 andWindows 10.
Contents
About the “0xc0000001” error
The following information on this error has been compiled by NeoSmart Technologies, based on the information gathered and reported by our global network of engineers, developers, and technicians or partner organizations.
Description and Symptoms
The error messages, alerts, warnings, and symptoms below are tied to this error.
Symptom 1: 0xc0000001 error screen on startup
The 0xc0000001 error can be caused by a wide variety of causes, with the most common one being system file corruption, or damaged memory. Alternatively, this error can also be caused by a missing or damaged SAM(Security Account Manager) system file.
Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be the cause. To fix the problem: 1. Insert your Windows installation disc and restart your computer. 2. Choose your language settings, and then click "Next." 3. Click "Repair your computer." If you do not have this disc, contact your system administrator or computer manufacturer for assistance. Status: 0xc0000001 Info: A required device isn't connected or can't be accessed.
On newer system, another error screen is displayed instead:
Windows Recovery EnvironmentYour PC couldn't start properlyA required device isn't connected or can't be accessed.Error code: 0xc0000001You'll need to use the recovery tool on your installation media. If you don't have any installation media like disc or USB devices, contact your system administrator or PC manufacturer.Press Enter to try againPress F8 for alternate boot options
Note that the exact error message may vary from case to case, but the error code for this error is always “0xc0000001”.
Alternatively, you may also see an error message right after Windows loads:
Security Accounts Manager initialization failed because of the following error: A device attached to the system is not functioning. Error Status: 0xc0000001. Please click OK to shut down this system and reboot into Safe Mode, check event log for more detailed information.
Causes of this Error
This error has been known to occur as a result of one or more of the following:
Cause 1: SAM file is damaged
The SAM(Security Accounts Manager) file stores the user credentials data and is essential to Windows booting process. If that file is missing or corrupt, then the boot process is halted.
Cause 2:System files aredamaged
Sometimes, this error may occur when the key boot-related system files become damaged because of disk write error, power outages or virus attacks.
Cause 3:File system integrity compromised
Alternatively, this error appears when the whole file system gets damaged on a grander scale for the same reasons.
Cause 4: RAMis damaged
In the worst case scenario, the PC’s memory could be permanently damaged.
Fixing “0xc000000e” on Windows
Windows Setup CD/DVD Required!
Some of the solutions below require the use of the Microsoft Windows setup CD or DVD. If your PC did not come with a Windows installation disc or if you no longer have your Windows setup media, you can use Easy Recovery Essentials for Windows instead. EasyRE will automatically find and fix many problems, and can also be used to solve this problem with the directions below.
Fix #1: UseEasy Recovery Essentials
Easy Recovery Essentials can fix many errors such as this automatically using its built-in Automated Repair option. EasyRE is currently available for Windows XP, Vista, 7 and 8 and can be downloaded and created on any PC.
- Download Easy Recovery Essentials. Make sure to note your Windows version (XP, Vista, 7 or 8) before you download EasyRE. This guide can help you identify what version of Windows you have installed.
- Burn the image. Follow these instructions on how to burn the bootable ISO imagevery carefully, as making a bootable CD can be tricky! Alternatively, these instructions explain how to create a bootable EasyRE recovery USB stick/drive.
- Boot up your PC from the Easy Recovery Essentials CD or USB you created.
- Once EasyRE is running, choose the “Automated Repair” option and click Continue.
Choose “Automated Repair” in Easy Recovery Essentials
- After EasyRE scans your computer’s drives, identify and select the drive letter for your Windows installationfrom the list, and then click on the Automated Repair button to begin.
Choose the drive associated with the Windows installation you’re trying to repair.
- Easy Recovery Essentials will start analyzing the selected drive for problems. EasyRE will test for and attempt to automatically correct errors with the disk, partition, bootsector, filesystem, bootloader, and registry. No intervention is required, as EasyRE’s repair is fully automated:
Easy Recovery Essentials searches for errors and makes corrections to the selected Windows installation.
- Once the process is complete, EasyRE will report its findings. Click on the Restart button to reboot your PC and test the changes.
- The “0xc0000001” error should now be fixed as your PC begins to load:
Windows, booting up successfully.
You can download Easy Recovery Essentials from here.
Fix #2: Copy the SAM File from the Repair Folder
If you’re able to login into Windows, copy the SAM file from C:\WINDOWS\repair to C:\WINDOWS\system32\config
. To do that,boot from a Windows Install CD, open a command prompt, and enter:
copy C:\Windows\Repair\Sam C:\Windows\System32\Config
If asked whether you want to overwrite the original file, reply “Y”(Yes).
This will remove all login credentials your Windows copy has, including username and password and revert back to the original username that was added when you installed Windows.
SAM file restored from a backup
Fix #3: Run chkdsk
If the hard drive has its file integrity compromised, it is possible to use built-in Windows CHKDSK utility to scan the disk and fix the file system errors.
Here are the steps to run CHKDSK:
- Boot from your Windows install disc
- Click on Repair your computerafter selecting proper language, time and keyboard input.
- Select the Windows installation drive, which is usually
C:\
, and click Next - Choose Command Prompt when the System Recovery Options box appears
- Write the following command and press Enter afterwards:
chkdsk C: /f
Replace C: with the letter of the driver where Windows is installed.
Here is an example of what the PC’s console output should look like once the chkdsk.exe is complete:
Chkdsk utility results screen
Fix #4: Check RAM
Check if you recently added any new RAM modules. Users have reported that a new RAM module was the actual cause for this boot error. Replace the RAM modules to see if they are causing this error to appear.
Fix #5: Run sfc /scannow
On Windows Vista and Windows 7, it is possible to use the built-in Windows SFC(system file checker) tool to automatically scan a computer’s system files and repair them if necessary.
Here are the steps to run SFC:
- Boot from your Windows install disc
- Click on Repair your computerafter selecting proper language, time and keyboard input.
- Select the Windows installation drive, which is usually
C:\
, and click Next - Choose Command Prompt when the System Recovery Options box appears
- Write the following command and press Enter afterwards:
sfc /scannow /offbootdir=D:\ /offwindir=D:\Windows\
Replace D: with the letter of the driver where Windows is installed, and D:\Windows with the Windows folder location.
Here is an example of what the PC’s console output should look like once the sfc.exe scan is complete and missing files are successfully restored:
System filesrestored by the SFC utility
Fix #6: Checkthe HDD
If the error is caused by damaged hard disk cables, try any of the following tips to fix the error:
- Try a different port for the SATA/IDE cables
- If you have more than 1 HDD, leave only the HDD with Windows installed and test multiple SATA/IDE ports and cables
The “A disk read error occurred” error can appear if:
- The SATA/IDE cables are damaged
- The SATA/IDE ports of your hard disks are damaged
If the HDD cables and ports are not damaged, the issue can also be from the hard disk itself.
To test if your hard disk is failing or it’s already failed, use Easy Recovery Essentials’ Automated Repair. Automated Repair process will report any issues found with your hard disk or RAM memory:
- Download Easy Recovery Essentials
- Burn the ISO Image. Follow our instructions on how to burn a bootable ISO image. If you’d like to have a recovery USB instead, follow our instructions on how to make a recovery USB.
- Boot into Easy Recovery Essentials
- Select Automated Repair
- Click Continue and wait for the Automated Repair process to finish. Automated Repair process will report any issues found with your hard disk or RAM memory:
To download Easy Recovery Essentials, click here.
Fix #7: Use Windows Startup Settings
- Restart your computer
- Press SHIFT + F8 when booting to open the Recovery screen
- Select the Advanced repair options
- Go to Troubleshoot and then Advanced Options
- Select Windows Startup Settings
- Click Restart
Startup Settings screen
More Information
Linked Entries
- sfc
- chkdsk
- Advanced Boot Options menu on Windows 8
Support Links
- Easy Recovery Essentials for Windows – our repair and recovery disk.
It’s an easy-to-use and automated diagnostics disk. It’s available for Windows 8, Windows 7 and Windows Vista. It’s also available for Windows XP and Windows Server.
Read more at Windows Recovery Disks.
- The NeoSmart Support Forums, member-to-member technical support and troubleshooting.
- Get a discounted price on replacement setup and installation discs: Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10.
Applicable Systems
This Windows-related knowledgebase article applies to the following operating systems:
- Windows XP (all editions)
- Windows Vista (all editions)
- Windows 7 (all editions)
- Windows 8 (all editions)
- Windows 8.1 (all editions)
- Windows 10 (all editions)
Propose an edit
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FAQs
How do I clear error code 0xc0000001? ›
- Perform Startup Repair.
- Uninstall Problematic Software in Safe Mode.
- Use Command Prompt.
- Run System Restore.
- Reset your PC.
- Reinstall Windows 10.
The error code “0xc0000001” is an emerging issue among Windows users and it indicates that the Operating System is unable to load due to a missing file, hardware problems, damaged sectors, and corrupted files and applications.
What is 0xc0000001 chkdsk? ›- Boot from your installation disk.
- Move to Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.
- Type chkdsk c: /f and press Enter.
- Wait until it completes.
The error code 0xc0000001 indicates system files are corrupted. Possibly this can be fixed by entering windows SAFE mode and running the system file checker. Post back if F8 does not work or you cannot get into safe mode.
How do I run startup repair? ›Press the Windows + I keyboard shortcut. Go to Update & Security. Select the Recovery tab. Under Advanced Startup, click Restart Now.
How do I boot into safe mode from BIOS? ›F8 or Shift-F8 during boot (BIOS and HDDs only)
If (and only IF) your Windows computer uses a legacy BIOS and a spinning-platter-based hard drive, you may be able to invoke Safe Mode in Windows 10 using the familiar F8 or Shift-F8 keyboard shortcut during the computer's boot process.
- Removing Peripherals.
- Creating An Installation of Media.
- Running Startup Repair.
- Using System Restore Utility.
- Running Disk Check And System File Check Scans.
- Rebuilding The BCD/Boot Sector.
- Setting Correct Partition As Active.
- Reset Your System.
- Run the Startup Repair Tool. ...
- Boot into Safe Mode. ...
- Perform a System Restore. ...
- Check for Missing or Corrupt System Files. ...
- Repair the Boot Configuration Data. ...
- Repair the Master Boot Record. ...
- Update Windows or Delete Recent Updates. ...
- Reset Your PC.
- Navigate to the Windows 10 Advanced Startup Options menu. ...
- Once your computer has booted, select Troubleshoot.
- And then you'll need to click Advanced options.
- Click Startup Repair.
- Complete step 1 from the previous method to get to Windows 10's Advanced Startup Options menu.
- Click System Restore.
Click on “Start” > type “cmd” > “Run as administrator”. Type a CHKDSK command in the command prompt and press “Enter”. Include parameters like “/f”, “/r”, and “/x” to scan and repair any errors. Note: If you opt to only scan your PC for drive errors, type “chkdsk” and press “Enter”.
Will chkdsk fix boot problems? ›
After disabling Startup Repair in the Advanced boot options, you can continue to fix Windows Startup Repair using Command Prompt CHKDSK or Bootrec. The CHKDSK helps scan the integrity of the file system errors or bad sectors and fix it finds. The Bootrec helps to fix master boot records, boot sectors, and rebuild BCD.
How do I fix error code 0xc0000001 in Windows 11? ›- The error 0xc0000001 can be caused by: ...
- Press the “Windows” key and “I” key together to open Settings. ...
- Find the Apps you need to get rid of and click “Uninstall” to continue.
- After that, you can reboot your computer to check whether the error code 0xc0000001 is solved.
For fixing this error code 0xc000025 without CD, you can download 0xc0000225 repair tool-AOMEI Partition Assistant Standard Edition to create a bootable USB stick for booting up this computer successfully and trying to repair the boot issue in Windows PE mode.
What is error code 0xc000000f on HP computer? ›A damaged or corrupted hard disk might also result in the error code 0xc000000f. You can use the CHKDSK command to repair drive corruption by performing the following procedures: Boot your computer using the installation media, then launch Command Prompt. Type the command chkdsk f: /f and press the Enter key.
What is laptop recovery error code 0xc0000225? ›- Method 1: Perform Startup Repair.
- Method 2: Run SFC Scan.
- Method 3: Run CHKDSK Scan.
- Method 4: Rebuild the BCD.
- Method 5: Set the Active Partition.
- Method 6: Perform System Restore.
- Method 7: Reinstall Windows.
- Troubleshoot the Issue in Safe Mode. There might be an active background process interfering with the system's operation, which may explain why you're facing the problem. ...
- Rebuild BCD and Run CHKDSK. ...
- Restore the Registry Editor. ...
- Reset Your PC.
- Launch Startup Repair.
- Scan Windows for errors.
- Run BootRec commands.
- Run System Restore.
- Reset This PC.
- Run System Image Recovery.
- Reinstall Windows 10.
Can I stop Windows Startup Repair? Yes, you can disable it by typing bcdedit /set {default} recoveryenabled No in "Command Prompt", press "Enter" and restart your PC.
What is the shortcut key for Safe Mode? ›The computer restarts and enters the Startup Settings menu. Select 4 or F4 to start the computer in Safe Mode. If you must use the Internet, select 5 or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking.
Is Safe Mode F5 or F8? ›After the computer restarts, a list of options appears. Select 4 or F4 to start the computer in Safe Mode. If you must use the Internet, select 5 or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking.
Why can't I boot into Safe Mode? ›
Windows Won't Boot into Safe Mode FAQ
Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Restart now. Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart. Press the F4 key to enter Safe Mode.
- Force Restart Your Windows. ...
- Check the BIOS. ...
- Reset the BIOS. ...
- Fix the Boot Records. ...
- Enable or Disable UEFI Secure Boot. ...
- Activate the Windows Partition. ...
- Use Easy Recovery Essentials. ...
- Reinstall Windows.
#2: Access command prompt from the recovery environment.
In Windows 10/11, click Start > Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Advanced startup and then Restart now to boot into recovery environment. And then, click Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt or directly press Shift + F10 to summon it.
- Entering the CMD windows.
- Type in sfc /scannow, and press the Enter key. ...
- If the SFC command doesn't work. ...
- Type in DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth to scan the corruptions of Windows images.
- Type in DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:repairSource\install.
Run CHKDSK from Command Prompt
Type cmd (or command prompt) in the search box in your taskbar. Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator. Type chkdsk and hit Enter. This command will make the CHKDSK utility scan for problems without making changes.
The CHKDSK command is used to scan through your entire hard drive to find and fix any errors. For example, when your computer freezes, you cannot access a certain disk due to a corrupted file system, then you can use the CHKDSK commands to check and fix the drive errors.
How to fix a corrupted external hard drive without formatting? ›- Method 1: Scan Your Computer for Viruses.
- Method2: Use CHKDSK to Fix File System Errors.
- Method 3: Replace Corrupted Files with SFC.
If you use chkdsk /f* on a very large disk or a disk with a very large number of files (for example, millions of files), chkdsk /f might take a long time to complete. Use the /r parameter to find physical disk errors in the file system and attempt to recover data from any affected disk sectors.
How do I know if my hard drive is corrupted? ›This tool is called Check Disk (chkdsk). To run Check Disk on a drive: Open My Computer (Start, My Computer) then right click on the drive you want to scan and select Properties. Select the Tools tab, then click on the Check Now button.
How do I know if my boot drive is corrupted? ›- Invalid Partition Table. One of the most common causes of this error message appearing is a damaged or corrupted MBR. ...
- No Bootable Devices Found. This is another common sign that the Master Boot Record is damaged. ...
- Error Loading Operating System. ...
- A Black Screen With No Prompt Message.
What is error code 0xc0000011? ›
This issue occurs because of a file version mismatch between the binary file that's indicated in the error message and the file that the system expects to find.
What does initialize library failed mean? ›The BlInitializeLibrary failed 0xc00000bb error is usually related to your computer's motherboard BIOS. This likely occurs if the motherboard reset to its default values. Modifying BIOS/CMOS incorrectly might cause serious issues on your computer.
How to install Windows 11 on non compliant PC? ›- Open Microsoft Support website.
- Under the “Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO)” section, select the Windows 11 option.
- Click the Download button.
- Select the installation language.
- Click the Confirm button.
CD is also not needed for the Windows 10 repair. This can be done by visiting your system's Settings > Update & Security > Recovery. From here, you can click on the "Get Started" button under the "Reset this PC" section. This will allow you to erase everything from your computer or keep the files intact.
How to restore Windows 10 without recovery disk? ›Open Start > Settings > Update & security > Recovery.
Under Advanced startup, click Restart now. Windows will reboot into the recovery environment. Then click Troubleshoot. Click Reset this PC, then repeat the same steps as described in Option 2.
- Start the computer.
- Press and hold down "F8".
- Then the Advanced Boot Options screen will pop up. Select Repair Your Computer to run Startup Repair.
Boot up your computer via the Windows installation drive. ▶ Windows 7: Go Repair your computer > Next > System Recovery Options > Command Prompt. ▶ Windows 10: Go Repair your computer > Advanced options > Command Prompt. Alternatively, you can choose Start-up Repair at this step and let it repair automatically.
What does Windows failed to start 0xc00000f boot BCD? ›This issue occurs when one of following conditions is true: The Boot Configuration Data (BCD) is corrupted. The reference to DEVICE and OSDEVICE on the boot configuration data is missing or unknown. The binary displayed on the screenshot (other than winload.exe or \boot\BCD) is missing from the operating system disk.
How do I clear boot device not found on HP? ›Turn off the computer and wait five seconds. Press the power button to start the computer and repeatedly press the f10 key to enter the BIOS setup menu. On the BIOS Setup screen, press f9 to select and load the BIOS Setup Default settings. Press f10 to Save and Exit.
What is recovery code 0xc0000001? ›If you encounter this Windows error code 0xc0000001, it means that you can't boot your computer normally. In general, you will see the following message when you encounter the error code 0xc0000001. The application or operating system couldn't be loaded because a required file is missing or contains error.
What is error 0xc0000001? ›
The error code “0xc0000001” is an emerging issue among Windows users and it indicates that the Operating System is unable to load due to a missing file, hardware problems, damaged sectors, and corrupted files and applications.
How do I fix error code 0xc0000001 Windows 11? ›Restart the device 3-5 times until I reach Windows recovery mode, wherein you have an option to select Continue, Troubleshoot, or Exit. Then on Windows Recovery: Do system Restore: Click Troubleshoot> Advanced options> System restore - Follow the prompt and choose the date where it was working fine.
What is error code 0xc0000001 RAM? ›The 0xc0000001 error can be caused by a wide variety of causes, with the most common one being system file corruption, or damaged memory. Alternatively, this error can also be caused by a missing or damaged SAM(Security Account Manager) system file.
How do I fix Windows 10 couldn't start properly? ›- Run the Startup Repair Tool. ...
- Boot into Safe Mode. ...
- Perform a System Restore. ...
- Check for Missing or Corrupt System Files. ...
- Repair the Boot Configuration Data. ...
- Repair the Master Boot Record. ...
- Update Windows or Delete Recent Updates. ...
- Reset Your PC.
Error code 0xc0000017 means not enough memory available to create a ramdisk device. Therefore, you can fix the error code 0xc0000017 in Windows 10 by cleaning up bad memory entries. Step 1. Because the computer is unbootable, you need the help of a Windows 10 recovery drive or Windows 10 installation disk.
What is recovery error code 0xc0000017? ›The error code 0x0000017 on Windows 10 indicates that there is not enough space on your computer's hard drive. The issue becomes concerning when you get this error message but still have enough unused space on your RAM.
How do I force Windows startup repair? ›- Start the system to the installation media for the installed version of Windows. ...
- On the Install Windows screen, select Next > Repair your computer.
- On the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot.
- On the Advanced options screen, select Startup Repair.
To disable Windows 10 automatic repair tool, follow these steps: Open the Windows boot troubleshooting menu. Select See advanced repair options > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt. Check the values for identifier and recoveryenabled.
How do I make Windows auto repair? ›Press the Windows + I keyboard shortcut. Go to Update & Security. Select the Recovery tab. Under Advanced Startup, click Restart Now.
How do I reset a failed boot loop in Windows 10? ›If any problem is detected, Startup Repair will attempt to fix Windows 10 reboot loop. If Startup Repair doesn't fix the issue, you can go to "Command Prompt" under "Advanced options" and run the following command: Type "Bootrec /RebuildBcd" (without quotes) and then press Enter.