How to fix Protector error code

Question

I need someone smarter then me to deal with the E_FVE_SECURE_BOOT_CHANGED code, and before you ask, i have tried my bitlocker recovery key a dozen times, it just takes me to the troubleshoot options of:

Startup repair (doesn't work)

Uefi Firmware Settings

Command Prompt

System Restore ( doesn't work )

Uninstall Updates ( doesn't work )

System image recovery ( doesn't work )

I am trying not to go to a pc repair shop yet, as i don't have the money to do that yet, and i was hoping someone would know how to steer me in the right direction?

Answer 1

Hi Mikey,

Thanks for the quick update and you're doing great hanging in there.

If your USB is no longer showing up in Notepad via Command Prompt, it might be due to:

1. USB port issue – Try switching the USB to a different port, preferably a USB 2.0 one if available.
2. UEFI/BIOS boot mode – Double-check that the system is still booting in UEFI mode and recognizes the USB drive.
3. Drive letter not assigned – In Command Prompt, type: diskpart list volume Check if the USB shows up in the list. If it does, note the volume number and assign a letter: select volume # assign letter=Z exit Then check if you can see it via Notepad > File > Open > This PC > Z:\

Let me know what shows up in list volume, and I’ll guide you step-by-step from there.

Warm regards,

Cherrelyn

Answer 2

Hi Mikey,

Thanks for the update. The message means your disk is using MBR, but your system needs GPT for installation in UEFI mode.

If you don’t need to keep your files, you can:

1. Boot from the USB.
2. Go to Repair > Command Prompt, then type:

diskpart

list disk

select disk 0

clean

convert gpt

exit

Then go back and install Windows it should now work.

If you need to save files first, don’t do this yet. Let me know, and I’ll help you recover your data first.

Warm regards,

Cherrelyn

Answer 3

Hi there,

Hi Mikey,

Thank you for the update, and good job preparing the USB—you're doing all the right steps.

Since diskpart list volume shows no volumes and BitLocker doesn’t detect the drive, it’s possible the drive’s partition is damaged or the disk isn't mounting properly due to a Secure Boot or hardware-level issue.

Use USB to Repair:

1. Boot from the USB: Insert the USB drive > Turn on the PC > Immediately press the boot menu key (often F12, F9, or ESC depending on the brand) > Choose the USB drive.
2. Choose “Repair your computer” (bottom left of the installer screen).
3. Go to Advanced options > Command Prompt, and try: diskpart list disk select disk 0 list volume See if the drive or partitions show up here. If they do, we may be able to recover it.

If the drive still doesn’t show up at all, the issue may be with the physical disk or mainboard, and recovery options could be limited unless data recovery tools or services are used.

Let me know what appears when you run those steps from USB and I’m staying with you until we figure this out.

Warm regards,

Cherrelyn

Answer 4

Hi Mikey,

Thanks for the update. Since BitLocker says no drives are detected and Reset isn’t available, your drive might not be mounting correctly.

Please try these quick steps:

1. Enter BIOS and set Secure Boot back to its original setting (usually “Enabled” or “Windows UEFI Mode”). Save and exit.
2. Check the drive: In Command Prompt, type diskpart list volume This shows if your drive is still recognized. If the drive appears, try unlocking it again using your BitLocker key.

If it still doesn’t work and you have access to another PC, we can create a bootable Windows USB to repair from there.

Let me know what you find, I’m right here with you.

Warm regards, Cherrelyn

Answer 5

Hi there,

I'm Cherrelyn and I'm here to help you.

The error E_FVE_SECURE_BOOT_CHANGED usually means Secure Boot settings were modified, which BitLocker sees as a security risk.

Please try these suggestion:

1. Check Secure Boot Setting in BIOS
   • Power off your PC completely.
   • Power on and immediately press the key to enter BIOS (usually F2, DEL, or ESC).
   • Look for Secure Boot and make sure it’s enabled (or set back to its original state if you changed it).
2. Save and Exit BIOS, then see if BitLocker accepts the key afterward.
3. Try Command Prompt From the advanced options, open Command Prompt and run: manage-bde -status This checks BitLocker status. If the drive is locked, try: manage-bde -unlock C: -RecoveryPassword YOUR-RECOVERY-KEY Replace YOUR-RECOVERY-KEY with the actual 48-digit key.
4. System Reset (Last Resort Without Data Loss) If all else fails and you're okay keeping files but losing apps:
   • From Troubleshoot menu > Reset this PC > Choose Keep my files.

I know you're trying to avoid repairs, and I’ll do my best to guide you step-by-step if needed. Just let me know what happened after trying these steps.

Warm regards,

Cherrelyn