The error code 0xc00000e9 is a rather strange Windows error that Microsoft itself does not give any explanation. You can spend hours just looking for a suitable solution on a long list without knowing if it really works or not. To save you more time, we have put together some effective ways that you can try. Let’s scroll down and find out how to fix the error code 0xc00000e9.
Table of Contents
Signs Of Windows Error Code 0xc00000e9
Usually, you can notice the 0xc00000e9 error as soon as you start the PC. Your device cannot boot even though you have tried many ways. You may come across a blank screen indicating that Windows cannot launch. Then the screen gradually turns blue, as shown below.
I/O error (input/output) means the conflict in communication between some components in the computer. Another scenario is that the UEFI/BIOS configuration settings may not be correct. Besides, Windows Installation/Installation Media can also lead to this error. We will cover it in more detail in the next section.
Why Does Your Computer Suffer From The Windows Error 0xc00000e9?
Here are some of the popular causes of error code 0xc000000e9:
- Corrupt system files or some missing files/drivers affect the integrity of the whole process.
- The disk drive or motherboard has a damaged or bad connection.
- Storage devices and computers suddenly lose connection. For example, you suddenly get a message that Windows 10 system cannot link to any installation media during the installation process. media.
- Registry files are corrupted.
- The disk drive or driver controller is damaged.
- The installation media (USB flash drive or DVD) is invalid. For instance, file integrity does not reach the appropriate state (busted, corrupt, lost), or its drive suffers from particular problems.
- Your devices have experienced viruses.
- Windows Installation has unauthorized ISO.
Identifying the source of the fault saves a lot of time in repair. If you already know the cause, move on to some useful remedies section below.
However, the list above does not provide the most detailed view. As with some other bad cases, you cannot apply one of them to the specific situation your device is facing. At this time, it would help if you ask for some professional advice.
How To Fix The Error Code 0xc00000e9
Work With The Hardware
If you suspect a hardware conflict, just turn off the computer and remove as many parts as you can except the primary hard drive or SSD with Windows installation (optical drives included).
Also, it is very important to remove all drives (both internal and external), USB sticks, and extension cords. This action is to determine if they lead to error code 0xc00000e9 Windows 10 or not. You can also try connecting these drives to another device for more reliable results.
As stated earlier, incorrect SATA alignment of SSDs or HDDs can cause 0xc00000e9 Windows 10. That’s why we highly recommend double-checking this connection. It is more necessary if you have recently performed a cleaning or some internal accessories adjustment for your device.
Carefully check the location of all cables and make sure they are all in place. Stay calm as the process does not take too much time and effort. Here are the steps:
- Locate the correct SATA
- Disconnect first, then plug it back in. If you hear a fixing click, there is no problem with your cables. It would be best to make sure that the SATA is connected to their own sockets.
- If you discover cracks or wrinkled, bent cables or broken insulation, detach and then replace them with a new one. It is also the cause of the Windows boot manager error 0xc00000e9 on your computer.
Last but not least, the problem can come from old worn drives. Usually, they do not work properly and can affect some other parts. More interestingly, corrupted storage also comes with the same flaw. Sometimes, it would help to check your main drive. You can also use storage health checkers for more information.
If your hardware does not have any problems, try the below solutions to check for errors with the software.
Checkup The Safe Mode
Every computer and motherboard has different key combinations to get to Safe Mode. The most common way is to press the F8 key. If you cannot use this method, refer to the user manual. In case you cannot detect any errors, you may have to reinstall Windows.
Test Drives And Windows Installation
The best state for checking Windows drives and files is right after launching Safe Mode. As Administrator log-in, start Command Prompt by typing chckdsk /f /r.
Command Prompt
Immediately, your device starts scanning the drivers and providing an analysis report. It also fixes some minor bugs that can result in 0xc00000e9.
Do not worry if this routine does not have good consequences. Another solution is to enter this code:
sfc /scannow /offbootdir=X:\ /offwindir=X:\windows
Replace the letter X with the name of the drive to be checked. For example:
sfc /scannow /offbootdir=C:\ /offwindir=C:\windows
Change The Operating Mode Of The BIOS/ UEFI Configuration
IDE mode has become obsolete for any modern computer’s hard drive. Go to BIOS/ UEFI configuration to review its status (UEFI or Legacy) and the drive’s mode (IDE or AHCI). Do the switch back to the previous state if you notice a change in the settings.
A useful tip for non-experts is to return the BIOS configuration to its default state. Arrange the drives in the correct order, including giving preference to the primary drive with Windows installed as the first priority.
However, re-installation must be carried out immediately after that. Windows do not accept any drive-related changes without this compulsory process.
Use System Restore Point
You are lucky if you have previously used the System Restore Point built into the device to back up the system. It helps to quickly convert current system settings to the former status as you wish.
Go to system recovery mode and access to Advanced Recovery Option. Make a right-click on System Restore and search for some usable restore points. Choose one of them (if so) and select Next. Perform the next on-screen instructions sequentially to finish the process.
System Restore tab
Conduct The Virus Detection
In some cases, the fault does not mean that your antivirus software is missing or outdated and stops performing its function. It could simply be that malware in your device has attacked the computer’s file system, leading to a corrupt operating system.
Some malicious files running in the background can destroy the device’s boot file. If you cannot start the computer anymore, use any Windows drive instead and run an antivirus application. Test the drive again once it is done. If this method does not work, try the remaining methods below.
Fix Error Code 0xc00000e9 During Windows Installation
A rather rare situation is that your computer experiences a code 0xc00000e9 error while installing Windows. Overall, we think this is a much easier case to deal with since you already know the cause of the problem. You just need to carefully consider the notes below.
During Windows installation, immediately check the hardware and installation media for any errors. Remove the installation drive and use the authoritative tool released by Microsoft to create the Installation Media. It is best when downloaded from the official website of the vendor, including Windows IOS. Products from third parties cannot guarantee quality and safety.
In case your older device uses an optical drive to install Windows, copying with a moderate tempo becomes a wise strategy to ensure the correct archiving process. However, it would be best to use a 16 GB thumbstick. It ends up optimizing your time and eliminating harmful hazards.
Fix Windows BCD
One final reason for error 0xc000000e9 is a damaged BCD. Building BCD contributes to solving this problem. Here is how to do it:
- Start the computer in recovery mode.
- Access to Command Prompt
- Enter the following command:
Bootrec.exe / fixmbr
bootrec / Fixboot
bootrec / scanos
bootrec / RebuildBcd
In the end, the worst scenario is that all of the above does not work as well as you need. Maybe it is time to reinstall Windows. However, your device will lose all data on the system drive. If this problem cannot be completely resolved, replace the old driver with a new one.
In conclusion
This article has just shown you how to fix the error code 0xc00000e9. We hope that one of the remedies mentioned above can help your particular case. However, do not worry too much if you cannot find one that works. You can take your device to professional repair service centers. Although this is a puzzling system error that Microsoft has not yet come up with a complete solution, professional engineers can find the cause of the problem and fix it.
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