Quick Summary
The error code 0xc0000098 on Windows typically occurs when the system encounters an issue with the boot process, often due to a corrupted system file or a problem with the boot configuration. This error can prevent Windows from loading properly, resulting in a blue screen of death (BSOD) or an endless loop of restarts. Don't worry if you're not familiar with these steps. We're here to guide you through it.
Common Causes
- Corrupted System Files: Corrupted system files, especially those involved in the boot process, can lead to this error. Issues such as corrupted boot sector, MBR (Master Boot Record), or system files like winload.exe can all contribute to this problem.
- Incorrect Boot Order or Settings: If the boot order in the BIOS is not set correctly, or if there are issues with the UEFI firmware settings, Windows may not be able to load properly, leading to the 0xc0000098 error.
- Hardware Issues: In some cases, hardware problems such as a failing hard drive or SSD, incorrect RAM configuration, or issues with other critical system components can trigger this error.
Step-by-Step Fixes
Method 1: Running Startup Repair Show Steps ↓
Boot from Windows installation media or a recovery drive and navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair. This tool automatically diagnoses and attempts to fix common boot problems.
Method 2: Running a System File Checker (SFC) and Checking Disk for Errors Show Steps ↓
First, if you're able to access Windows, open Command Prompt as an administrator (right-click on the Start menu and select 'Command Prompt (Admin)'). Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. This command scans all protected system files and replaces incorrect versions with correct Microsoft versions. Note: You might need your Windows installation media if the component store is badly corrupted.
Next, type chkdsk C: /f (replace C: with the drive letter where Windows is installed) and press Enter. This command checks the disk for errors and fixes them. You may need to schedule the disk check to run at next startup if the drive is in use.
If you cannot access Windows, you may need to boot from a Windows installation media or recovery drive and access the Command Prompt from the Troubleshoot > Advanced options menu.
Method 3: Checking and Adjusting Boot Order in BIOS Show Steps ↓
Restart your computer and enter the BIOS settings (usually by pressing F2, F12, or Del during boot-up). Locate the boot order settings and ensure that the correct device (usually the hard drive or SSD where Windows is installed) is set as the first boot device.
Save the changes and exit the BIOS settings. Your computer will restart and attempt to boot from the specified device.
Method 4: Running a BootRec Scan Show Steps ↓
To fix issues with the master boot record (MBR), boot sector, or Boot Configuration Data (BCD) store, you may need to run a BootRec scan. Access the Command Prompt from a Windows installation media or recovery drive as described above.
- Type bootrec /scanos and press Enter to scan all operating systems.
- Type bootrec /fixmbr and press Enter to fix the MBR.
- Type bootrec /fixboot and press Enter to fix the boot sector.
- Type bootrec /rebuildbcd and press Enter to rebuild the BCD. If rebuildbcd finds your OS, you might need to confirm adding it to the boot list.
Method 5: Testing RAM with Memtest86 Show Steps ↓
Download and create a bootable USB drive with Memtest86 (or a similar RAM testing tool). Boot from the USB drive and run the memory test. This can help identify faulty RAM modules that might be causing boot errors.
Method 6: Reset This PC Show Steps ↓
Boot from Windows installation media or recovery drive then navigate to Troubleshoot > Reset This PC. This will allow you to reinstall a new copy of Windows with or without user data.