Error 0xc000000e when trying to start Windows means that the startup configuration data is corrupted. Boot Configuration Data is a global repository for all boot-related options and settings on the latest Windows PCs.
You will get this error when you try to start the device and you will be presented with a black screen telling you how to repair your computer using an installation disc or a recovery drive. Unfortunately, having that recovery drive is the only way to solve this problem, so you must get one before you start. If you don't have it, it's pretty easy to create one using Rufus' Windows Media Creation Tool or from any other PC or laptop.
You will also have to boot into your BIOS to change the boot order and make your PC boot from the recovery drive instead of your hard drive. To do this, follow the steps below:
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Enter BIOS or UEFI settings by pressing the key designated by the motherboard manufacturer before Windows boots. This key is usually Esc, Get rid of, F2, F8, F10, F12 or Backspace, according to the manufacturer. You can do an online search on how to enter BIOS, followed by your computer model.
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Once inside, navigate to Start. Use the instructions found in the BIOS to change the boot order and configure the CD-ROM or USB port to be the first device, depending on whether your recovery drive is a CD or a flash drive.
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Save your settings and exit.
Method 1: rebuild boot configuration data
To do this, you will need to start your computer from the recovery drive. If you have configured your BIOS with the steps above, you can do it by pressing any key once the message appears on your screen. After the computer boots from the recovery drive, follow these steps to rebuild the BCD:
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In the Windows Settings dialog, set everything with proper values, select your language and click
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In the lower left corner, click Repair your computer and choose Troubleshoot from the Choose an option screen.
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On the Troubleshooting screen, click Advanced Options and then Command Prompt.
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When command prompt opens, type the following commands and hit Enter on the keyboard after each of them:
bootrec / scanos bootrec / fixmbr bootrec / fixboot bootrec / rebuildbcd
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Restart your computer, and it should boot perfectly, without having to face the problem again.
Method 2: repair your operating system with the recovery drive
This method will also repair your operating system with the recovery drive operating system prompt, and you should be able to start Windows without having to face the problem again. Boot from the recovery drive and follow the instructions below.
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Follow the steps 1 a 3 from the above method to access the recovery drive command prompt.
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Once inside the command prompt, type the following commands, followed by Enter on your keyboard to run them. The StartRep.exe utility fixes the boot environment settings and should fix the BCD error. Note that you may need to repeat this step several times in case it fails.
cd x:N-font recovery StartRep.exe
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If the previous Windows repair step did not help, type bcdedit at the command prompt to see the Windows Boot Manager settings.
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Make a note of the Device values. If they are unknown, type the following commands, each followed by Enter to execute them. Note that you must replace C: with the partition where your operating system is installed, if required.
bcdedit /set {DEFAULT.EN_US} device partition = c:
bcdedit /set {DEFAULT.EN_US} device partition osdevice = c:
bcdedit /set {BOOTMGR.EN_US} device partition = c:
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When the command prompt completes, close it, remove the recovery drive and reboot your system. You should have no problem rebooting now.
The only downside to these solutions is that they require a recovery boost, patience and strong nerves. However, if you follow them as described, you should correct the error you have been getting and continue using your device as before.
