How Can I Fix Windows Boot Error 0xc0000098? Full Guide

Can you fix Windows boot error 0xc0000098?

Absolutely, Yes. This error is usually related to corrupted Boot Configuration Data (BCD). While every computer is different, understanding the cause and using the appropriate repair methods can resolve the issue in most cases.

Below, I will briefly describe the causes and provide several practical repair methods.

Overview of the Windows Error Code 0xc0000098

The following is a brief introduction to what Windows boot error 0xc0000098 is, as well as its causes.

What Is The Windows Error Code 0xc0000098?

After cloning my operating system or upgrading to Windows 10/11, I encountered a Windows startup error 0xc0000098.

This error specifically indicates a serious startup failure caused by missing or corrupted Boot Configuration Data (BCD), preventing my operating system from loading.

The error message typically has the following formats:

• Your PC/Device needs to be repaired.
• The Windows Boot Configuration Data file does not contain a valid OS entry.
• File: BootBCD. Error code: 0xc0000098.

What Causes the 0xc0000098 Error Code?

Here are some common causes of Windows error code 0xc0000098.

• BCD file corruption: The BCD file storing the boot instructions is corrupted.
• Sudden power outage: An unexpected shutdown may corrupt boot data, leading to boot error 0xc0000098.
• Hard drive problems: Physical or logical errors on the hard drive prevent it from reading the boot files.
• Installing incompatible hard drive drivers: Installing incompatible hard drive drivers during system updates may cause Windows boot error 0xc0000098.

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How to Fix Windows Boot Error Code 0xc0000098

Here are several methods to fix boot error 0xc0000098. Try them one by one until you find the solution that works for your system.

Method 1: Run Startup Repair

If your BCD file is missing or corrupted, running Startup Repair is an effective way to detect system corruption or missing files.

This is an automatic diagnostic and repair tool for Windows that can also rebuild or recover corrupted BCD files.

Below are the specific steps to run it:

Step 1: Insert the Windows recovery disc/USB drive into your computer and restart it. After booting, follow the on-screen prompts to enter the firmware.

Step 2: Set the removable device as the preferred boot option. After saving the changes, your computer will boot from the disc/USB drive.

Step 3: Follow the on-screen prompts until the relevant interface appears, then click Repair your computer to enter the Windows recovery environment.

Step 4: In the recovery environment, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.

Method 2: Rebuild BCD via Command Prompt

Error 0xc0000098 essentially means that the computer cannot find or read the Windows Boot Configuration (BCD) during startup.

Executing the following commands (such as bootrec and bcdboot) repairs the boot entry point, rescans the system, and allows the computer to know where the system is and how to boot, thus restoring normal startup.

Step 1: Once you are in Recovery Environment, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.

Step 2: Enter the following command lines one by one and press Enter.

• bootrec /fixmbr
• bootrec /fixboot
• bootrec /rebuildbcd

Step 3: Once you’ve run the commands above, exit the Command Prompt and reboot your PC.

Your PC should now start normally, and the 0xc0000098 error should be resolved; if it isn’t, try the next solution below.

If you encounter any problems while executing the above commands, you can refer to the solutions in the following articles.

Quickly Fix: Bootrec /Fixboot Access Is Denied in Windows 10

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Method 3: Run CHKDSK via Command Prompt

A boot error 0xc0000098 could also be caused by bad sectors on the disk, which can be repaired by running a disk check.

Note that when executing the /r parameter, the scan process may take a long time (sometimes several hours).

It is not recommended to interrupt this process, as this may cause system problems.

Now, you can run the command by following these steps.

Step 1: Enter the Windows recovery environment again and go to the Command Prompt window.

Step 2: Enter the following command line: chkdsk *: /f /r (Replace * with the drive letter of the disk to be scanned). Then, errors will be automatically fixed if they are detected.

Method 4: Run System File Checker

If Windows startup error 0xc0000098 is caused by corrupted or missing system files, you can use the built-in SFC to repair it.

Step 1: Boot into WinRE, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.

Step 2: Once Command Prompt opens, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.

Allow the scan to complete, then restart your PC.

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Method 5: Perform System Restoration

Performing a system restore can effectively resolve the Windows boot error 0xc0000098. The full process is outlined below.

Before performing any of the following operations, it is recommended that you perform data recovery first, as subsequent methods may carry certain risks.

MiniTool Partition Wizard partitioning software can help you recover data. In addition, you can use this software to create/merge/format partitions, clone a hard drive, change cluster size, convert MBR to GPT, etc.

MiniTool Partition Wizard DemoClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

Refer to the following steps:

Step 1: Make a bootable disk of MiniTool Partition Wizard.

• Connect a USB flash drive to a normal running computer.
• Buy MiniTool Partition Wizard and launch it to get its main interface.
• Click Bootable Media on the toolbar.
• Click WinPE-based media with MiniTool plug-in.
• Choose the USB Flash Drive. Thus, the selected USB drive will be formatted and the iso file will be burnt into it directly to complete a bootable disk.

Step 2: Plug this bootable disk into your problematic computer and boot it from this bootable disk.

Step 3: Recover data.

• Wait a few seconds without any operations until MiniTool Partition Wizard opens automatically
• Click Data Recovery on the tool bar.
• Choose a logical drive and then click Scan.
• Find the files that you want to recover. Features like Show Lost File, Find, and Filter can help you find files faster. Then please preview files before they are saved.
• Check the files and then click Save button to place them into another disk or an external hard drive.

Now you can perform a system restore to fix Windows error 0xc0000098.

Once in the recovery environment, navigate to the Advanced option, click System Restore. Then, select the restore point to fix the issue within your PC. It will take some time for the system to be restored.

After restoring the system, verify whether the issue has been fixed or if it still persists.

If you’re unable to locate the system restore points you created earlier, refer to this article for the information you need.

Also read: Why Are Windows 11/Windows 10 Restore Points Missing & How to Fix.

Method 6: Reset This PC

Resetting the PC is another effective way to resolve the Windows error code 0xc0000098. To do so, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Enter WinRE, and Click Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.

Step 2: Select Keep my files or Remove everything according to your situation. Here you can choose Keep my files.

• Keep my files: It will remove apps and settings, but keep your personal files.
• Remove everything: It will remove all of your personal files, apps, and settings. After that, you can use your computer as a new one.

Step 3: Click Local reinstall, then follow the prompts. Finally, click Reset, and wait a few minutes until the preparation is fully finished.

Also read: Best Fixes for Reset This PC Not Working in Windows 10/11.

Method 7: Perform a Clean Install of Windows

If the methods above fail to resolve the Windows boot error 0xc0000098, you may need to perform a clean installation, which can fix this boot issue as well as other Windows errors.

How to fix error code 0xc0000098? This post provides you with 7 methods, including running Startup Repair, running CHKDSK via Command Prompt and more.Click to Tweet

Bottom Line

When Windows fails to start and displays error code 0xc0000098, it usually means that the startup configuration file is corrupted or missing. This post is 7 common and effective repair methods that you can try step by step in order.

If you have any questions or feedback about MiniTool Partition Wizard, feel free to contact our support team at [email protected] for additional help.