Windows Error Code: 0xc000000f

Have an HP Laptop here with bootup issues. This system was originally restored from a recovery partition that HP installs but failed to start upon completion.

Now, when I start it up, it goes to a "Recovery" screen with the error code: 0xc000000f. This is not my laptop so, I have no original discs and the owner states he never made a Repair Disc or anything. My understanding is that this was a Windows 7 OS originally but his daughters upgraded to Windows 10 and thats when everything went haywire.

On startup, windows tries to load but then goes to a blue screen that says,

Recovery

Your PC/Device needs to be repaired

A required device isn't connected or can't be accessed.

Error Code: 0xc000000F

You'll need to use recovery tools. If you don't have any installation media (like a disc or USB device), contact your PC admin or manufacturer.

Press Enter to try again
Press F8 for Startup Options

If I take the first option and hit Enter to try again, a second screen, like the first, tells me,

Windows failed to load because the system registry file is missing or corrupt.

File: \Windows\system32\config\system
Error Code: 0xc000000f

Then the same two options are given to me again.

As a side note, I have windows 7 on my desktop computer and I made a Repair Disc after the installation, maybe it could be used?

Anyway, it looks like I'm some issues and I'm not sure at this point which direction to go. It's not that expensive of a laptop and I've already acquired some personal info from it's hard drive so, replacing it with a new one is not that much of an issue. I just thought I could spend a little bit of time playing with it to see what can be done. What do you think MG's?

 

Try these options bin the link below.Report back.
https://whatsabyte.com/windows/fix-0xc000000f-windows-booting-error/

 

OK, I'm not sure if it matters but I used my old Windows 7 installation disc just to get this thing to load Startup Repair with success.

In the first method, I chose "Startup Repair" and received the message, "....cannot repair automatically."

Then, I tried the second method, "Manually Rebuild The BCD Data File" and it completed successfully. I rebooted and the Recovery screen came back with same error message...0xc000000f!

BTW, I work nights and am getting ready to go so, if there are any further instructions tonight, I will not be able to attempt them until tomorrow morning. Thanks

 

Let's go back into advance options and try a couple of things.


In the advance options Go to cmd or command prompt,Right click on the cmd icon if you can and select administrator rights.If you can't right click for admin rights than just click icon.A black box will show up.

Now while in command prompt type in the little black box "Type: chkdsk /f". with out quotations
Chkdsk /f will ask you a question Press Y for yes.And reboot system.
This operation can take up to 5 mins or 30 mins depending on how old your system is.

check disk scans for errors on your hard drive or ssd and trys to fix them.


After this step is done.Go to step two.


Now Step two.

Let's go back into cmd as administrator rights.

Than while in command prompt."Type SFC /scannow". with out quotations
This scan will check the integrity of the windows files.
This should take up to 10 mins to 30mins.

Type this in the command prompt to locate the CBS log file.findstr /c:"[SR]" %windir%\Logs\CBS\CBS.log >"%userprofile%\Desktop\sfclogs.txt"

Save it as a text and upload it here if there are any errors.

FYI edit save the text note pad as onto your desktop.This will be much easier to find.

Let's try these options next.

 

Alright, I didn't get to scanning for corrupt files because chkdsk balked. First of all, I can't get an elevated prompt, all I have is a link. But, once the command prompt is up and I enter the command chkdsk /f, it comes back with,

"The type of the file system is NTFS,
Cannot lock current drive.
Windows cannot run disk checking on this volume because it is write protected."

So, without the elevated prompt...no such luck!

 

Are you able to get into safe mode.

 

Tried tapping f8 on startup. Menu came up for Safe Mode but selecting it only takes me back to the blue Recovery Screen with the error 0xc000000f.

 

Sitting here playing around trying to find out what I can acually do and brought back up the command prompt. Noticed ti was an elevated prompt...Administrator: X:\windows\system32\cmd.exe!
Tried running chkdsk again, nothing. Typed in regedit.exe...it came up! Started looking through the directory structure from root all the way to public user. It appears I can at least get in the system somewhat.

Question, I'm assuming I'm at the root directory because I'm seeing folders like, "Program Files", "Sources", "Users" and "Windows". But, I'm also seeing a lonely file in here called setup.exe with 106,760 bytes. Out of curiosity...?

 

OK, so, when I boot this up using MY windows 7 installation disk, I do that just to get to the System Recovery Options. During this process and before I get to the System Recovery Options, and after I hit "repair your computer", I get a screen with two options (radio buttons) giving me the choice to restore or recover. It tells me to select an operating system to repair and shows a list with 3 column headers, Operating System, Partition Size and Location. The thing is, the operating system listed is Windows 10 on (D: Local Disk.

So now, when I click next, I get the recovery options that has the Command Prompt listed. When I select Command Prompt and type in "bootrec.exe" as requested, it gives me a list of commands that are supported...ie: /FixMbr, /FixBoot, /ScanOs and /RebuildBcd.

These are all great but there descriptions all mention compatibility with Windows 7! I'm assuming this is because this utility is being run from MY installation disk. Will this even work on a windows 10 OS? I'm not so sure it will even run in that the instructions stated that the utility will run automatically after I hit enter. All I got was the list of supported commands and then dropped back to the command line.

 

But, since this was an upgrade from windows 7, there are no windows 10 installation disks, or any windows 7 installation disks for that matter. I know when people activate their computers, Microsoft does keep the machine information for future purposes, ie: new hard drives!
So, is there a way to do a clean install without any disks or a product key? And, if there is, doesn't the hard drive need to be re-formatted first...and wiped clean?

 

Been busy dealing with windows issues my self.Been knocked offline for the last few hours.

Did we figure out the issue.

 

Sorry I'm taking so long to respond, I'm at work right now and the laptop is at my home. I work nights so I don't get a lot of time to work on this. I did read about downloading the ISO and from what I see, it is much easier to do with a Linux computer. Fortunately, I have two desktops at home and one is Linux!

 

I was going to suggest the reformat the drive and install windows but you beat me to it.

But this does sound like a windows refresher is needed.When problems like this come up.If you don't have any thing too important.And most of your stuff backed up.The easy route seems to be re-installing windows is the norm any more.

 

So will the process of installing a new ISO image also provide options for reformatting and partitioning?


I had this laptop in the malware threads recently and I went back to check the log files to verify OS version. I found the file, "sysinfo.txt" in the ZIPPED MGlogs.zip folder that had this entry:

OS Name Microsoft Windows 10 Home
Version 10.0.10586 Build 10586

Drive C:
Description Local Fixed Disk
Compressed No
File System NTFS
Size 575.73 GB (618,189,025,280 bytes)
Free Space 381.97 GB (410,132,611,072 bytes)
Volume Name
Volume Serial Number 8A8AA1D1

Drive D:
Description Local Fixed Disk
Compressed No
File System NTFS
Size 20.14 GB (21,626,875,904 bytes)
Free Space 2.17 GB (2,329,358,336 bytes)
Volume Name Recovery
Volume Serial Number 5CB7DA6F

So, I'm assuming from this information, I am looking for ISO Windows 10 HE? Also, did HP place a "Recovery" partition on drive D:? And, if installing a new ISO will reformat and partition, will it wipe out HP's stuff?

After going through all this, I can see why a fresh install would be the way to go. Doesn't seem worth the time anymore to beat your head against the wall trying to fix when you can just start over!

Anyway, I need to get to the store this weekend to pick up a larger thumb drive for the ISO download. I'll write back towards the end of the weekend to summarize the download and a possible install process.

 

So you where infected by a bunch of stuff.PUP.Optional.Legacy seems to be a nasty unwanted program.

Have you been able to get into windows,I gather than.We shall start to clean up after this massive infected computer.

And if you had AVG on it seems it did not help you at all.

Me personally i don't even run anti virus software any more.Most of them are bloated with junk ware and hardly help at all.I normally stick with malwarebytes and use the majorgeeks removle guide be cause it works.

 

I was given this laptop by a friend of mine at work to look at. It was running real slow and had issues with redirects in the browsers. I ran it through the "Read & Run Me" in the malware thread. Yes, I was able to get things cleaned up and yes, I was able to run windows 10 for a few days afterwards. Then just before I decided to give it back, I couldn't get windows to start. And it's been downhill since then. I did manage to backup some images that were on there during the cleaning process and I still have those burned to disk.

AVG?, I personally only use MB alternating with SAS for weekend scans. I run CCleaner on each startup to clean out temp files but I can't convince others to do the same. Oh, and I also run MSE at startup, seems to keep things clean for me. Right now, I just need to work out all the particulars on a clean install with windows 10 via thumb drive. Seems it's not as simple as in the past!

 

Clean install is probably the easy way to go.

 

linuxpowers...have you secured the key. Read the thread but didn't see if you had located the key at this point. It will be necessary to complete a reinstall. I have an HP from around 2012, and the key is in the battery case underneath the battery.

 

Well now AtlBo, I never thought the key would be attached to the laptop but your right, the key is on a sticker located under the battery! Thanks for that tip.

So, How do I go about doing this? I'm kinda old school where all I did was find a third party program to format/wipe the entire hard drive. Then, I would install from my original install disk. I don't think it's that simple now-a-days, especially without the original install disks.

I looked into downloading the ISO image file and I'm told I need to make the media bootable...for windows 10! Huh? If the hard drive is fresh and clean, what does it matter if the media is bootable for windows 10 or windows 7 or whatever, I just need it to boot up from the media, right? And what about formating? I want to wipe the HD clean, do I still look for a third party application to do that?

All I need to end up with here is one hard drive with one partition with windows 10 installed back on it.

 

Hang on, upon further inspection of the sticker under the battery, that sticker indicates the original operating system installed BEFORE the windows 10 upgrade, which is Windows 7 Home Prem OA! So does that make things easier or more complicated?

 

OK, makes things simpler. Actually, however, I'm not sure, because you may not be able to download the media creation tool from MS. The download might or might not work but to find out go here on one of your working PCs. Enter the product key to sse if MS will let you download the key. Supposely it only will download for retail keys, but it's worth a try. Don't think you have to say if it's home or pro, because MS knows from the key:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

Click the button and enter the key to see if MS will let you download the iso. At any rate, I believe hunting down an iso for you to download should be possible even if this fails, but try the download first.

More or less the truth is that all you need is the bootable disk as you say, but you will have to make it. Tip for Windows 7 (not sure whether this is necessary in 10). Start->Default Programs->Set your default programs->click on "Windows Disc Image Burner->Set this program as default. Now whenever you hover the mouse cursor over an .iso file (or music, video, other normal files), you will have the option to burn the file to disk from the right click context menu of Windows. It's actually built into Windows Vista and beyond.

So first see if you can download the media creation tool. If so it will guide you through the process of downloading the .iso. Then you can burn the .iso using Windows. It will automatically be bootable and will install Windows 10 just as you are accostomed. Before you install, make sure to post back. There are some little things like formatting the drive, which is an option during installation. You have a rescue partition with Windows 7 there. You won't be needing that, so you will have a couple of considerations with formatting. You will need to delete the rescue and OS partitions and then format the resulting single block of unallocated space. It's not as hard as it sounds, and all the options are in the installer.

BTW, you do possibly need to know the bittage of the OS 32 or 64 bit. If you can give me the model number of the PC, I will see if I can track down that detail for you on the HP site. I have 5 HP PCs lol, so I know my way around.

 

I believe it is 64 bit according to the log files I generated earlier here! If that's what your looking for...let me know. In the meanwhile, I'm looking at that download.

 

Well, it's downloading the ISO but, I've never been asked for the key! It brought up a recommended version of windows 10 and started downloading. Is that right?

 

Most machines since 2012 are 64 bit, so that's probably the case. Strange I don't know how it could know which version without asking for the key. Well, it's Home 64, so wait for the iso to download and check the name of the file. If you can't tell from the name, you can run the tool again and see if it gives you a way to choose a version. Haven't use the media creation tool for anything but W7 but this was a while ago. Sounds like the rules have changed a little bit.

I think with W10 if you get the OS installed you should be OK whatever is on the disk.

 

But...windows 7 was the first OS installed! Windows 10 was an upgrade.

 

That's fine. You want the W10 iso, so you can burn the installation disk and install W10. The W7 key will work when installing directly from a W10 installation disk as long as the upgrade was applied previously.

You are getting the W10 iso correct? If so, you are going down the right path.

 

Well, I assume I'm getting a windows 10 ISO. The Media creator is now telling me to burn to DVD. The only blank DVD's I have around here are DVD+R, 4.7gb! Seems as though it wanted at least 8gb for a flash drive! I'll pop in a DVD to see what happens.

 

OK, the DVD is complete! Now should I just load it in the laptop and make sure it boots from the DVD?

 

So much for the worries . Yes, just go ahead and boot into the disk. Hopefully it will go right in.

 

Well, so far so good!

 

Now it's asking for the prod key...cross your fingers!

 

OK, I've read this before and it's mentioning it now..it says, "If your reinstalling Windows, select I don't have a product key. Your copy will be automatically activated later."

It starts out by saying, "If this is the first time you're installing Windows on this PC, or a different edition....enter valid product key"

From what I've read, and in my case, I just want to say "I don't have a key"! Don't you think? My understanding is that MS already knows this computer and that it will just re-activate!

 

Yes, that is the standard way to go. Not sure of the age of the PC, since it came with W7, but newer computers I believe can store the key for MS to verify things. Nonetheless, even if activation doesn't work automatically, you can manually submit the key from inside Windows no problem. I would just choose the "I don't have a key" option as you mentioned.

 

Well now it's asking for the type of installation...Upgrade or Custom.

The Upgrade says, "Install Windows and keep files, settings and applications. - Option only available when supported version already running on computer."
The Custom says, "Install Windows only. - If you want to make changes to the drives and partitions, start the computer with the install disc."

I believe the custom type assumes the user has the original install disc and that is what the description is referring to, so I'm inclined to choose Upgrade type! Any thoughts?

 

But, since I was having so much problems with loading the current version of windows, I would like to erase everything and do a fresh install. I just don't think it will let me do that!

 

But, maybe not -> https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us...-windows/38adfa8c-32f8-4354-8c53-13b5f2cf7e44

 

Custom is what you want. Let me know if you run into the formatting issues...deleting the restore and main partitions. Don't do anything at that point, just let me know. Need to know what partitions you have on the drive. Here is the screen you will be looking at:

https://filestore.community.support.microsoft.com/api/images/976b8189-cd89-4f13-89c4-04f9f8f2b622

 

OK, it came up with where to load windows: 4 different partitions available. I don't think I need Recovery or HP Tools, not sure about the other 2

 

Partition 1, 3, and 4 all say that Windows can't be installed on. The details of 1 says it's too small, and to make it bigger or choose another. #3 says theres not enough free space and #4 says it's not formatted as NTFS!

 

OK, sorry I see your post. Delete partitions 2 and 3 and let me know what you see at that point.

 

Your referring to the "Recovery" partition?

OS Partition, 1 or 2? Partition 1 says it is a System partition and partition 2 is a Primary partition. Also, this window defaults to highlighting partition 2 as the only partition where windows can be installed.

I clicked on delete with the Recovery partition and it says, "This partition might contain important files or applications the computer manufacturer. If you delete this partition, any data stored will be lost"

BTW, I'm not sure what your referring to about listing them by size, but this Setup Window listed them in the order they are in, I have no control of that.

 

I see them in the picture no worries.

Just leave the System partition. The large (575 GB) partition, second in the list, you can delete and yes the recovery partition. Don't worry about the data being overwritten/"lost" with either of the partitions, assuming you have all the files you care to get from the Windows drive (the second in the list (moving down).

There is a very simple option if you would rather just leave the partitions intact. That is to just select the 575 GB partition for the installation and DO NOT delete or format the partition. You will get a message that Windows will create a Windows.old folder, which will contain all of the files that were on the computer before the issues. The Windows.old folder will be on the C:\ root and files can be easily retrieved from the user accounts there. Once they are retrieved, the folder can then be safely deleted.

This option may be the safest for you. The recovery partition is useless, but then too, it should be possible to delete the Windows 7 data on the partition and then restore the partition but with a Windows 10 recovery in its place. I believe this is possible, and I saw reference to this concept. All in all having the recovery partition there doesn't hurt anything. It just isn't useful, since it's Windows 7.

 

Here's the result:

 

So now, with the Unallocated Space, the only icon that's not greyed out is the New icon. Is this an option to create a new partition?

 

Great. Select the unallocated space and then "New". Leave everything at defaults and finish out creation of the new partition. Once done select the new partition and proceed with the installation. The installer will take over from there.

 

Installing Windows!