Error 0xc00000e9 encountered in Windows 8.1. Windows won't start.

Hello,

I'm stuck with a very similar problem. Have you fixed yours? And if yes, how?

Your help would be greatly appreciated.

Hi,

Have you made any recent hardware or software changes to the computer prior to the issue?

This error message: An unexpected I/O error has occurred. Status: (0Xc00000e9) is a hardware error pertaining to your system’s BIOS. Basically it is telling you that the computer is not able to reliably communicate with the hard drive. We can try a few steps and check if it works:

First, I would suggest you to disconnect all the external devices other than mouse and keyboard and check.

I suggest you to run the Automatic repair and check if it helps.

If you don’t have a Windows 8 DVD, you can refer to the article mentioned below to know how to create a bootable USB for Windows 8.

How to create installation media for a PC refresh or reset

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media

I suggest you to change the first boot priority to DVD\USB if you are not able to get the boot menu when you insert a DVD\USB.

BIOS Disclaimer:

Modifying BIOS/ complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) settings incorrectly can cause serious problems that may prevent your computer from booting properly. Microsoft cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the configuring of BIOS/CMOS settings can be solved. Modifications of the settings are at your own risk. 

Method 1: Perform an Automatic repair using Windows 8 bootable DVD or USB drive and check if that helps.

Follow these steps to perform Automatic repair

a)      Insert the installation DVD or USB and boot Windows 8 from it.

b)      In the ‘Windows setup’ page select the ‘Language to install’, ‘Time and currency format’ and the ‘keyboard or input method’ and click on ‘next’.

c)       Click on ‘Repair your computer’ and select ‘Troubleshoot’.

d)      Click on ‘Advanced options’ and select ‘Automatic Repair’ and select the operating system.

Method 2: If the issue persists, I would suggest you to try booting the computer in Safe mode and check.

Follow these steps to boot the computer in safe mode.

Step 1: Safe Mode with DVD

Let’s boot from the Windows 8 DVD and login in Safe Mode.

a)      Boot from Windows 8 DVD.

b)      After you see a Choose an Option, click on ‘Troubleshoot’.

c)       Now click on ‘Advanced Options’ and then on ‘Windows Startup Settings’.

d)      Use your arrow keys to go to **‘Safe Mode’**and hit Enter.

If you are able to boot into safe mode, try performing a clean boot.

Step 2: Perform Clean Boot.

To help troubleshoot error messages and other issues, you can start Windows 8 by using a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This kind of startup is known as a "clean boot." A clean boot helps eliminate software conflicts.

**http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135**

Important: Reset the computer to start to normal startup.

Note: After you have finished troubleshooting, follow these steps to boot to normal startup.

a)      Press the ‘Windows + R’ key on the keyboard.

b)      In the ‘Run’ window type ’MSCONFIG’ and click ‘Ok’.

c)       On the ‘General’ tab, click the ‘Normal Startup’ option, and then click ‘OK’.

d)      When you are prompted to restart the computer, click ‘Restart’.

Hope this helps.

Please post back with the status of the issue and we will be glad to assist you further.

The only significant software change I have made recently is upgrading form Windows 8 to 8.1. Other than that I made no important hardware or software changes. I'm going to try Automatic Repair and post back with the results.

how do i check if there is a problem with my hard disk? Please respond.

I fixed this problem by changing my hard disk.

I found out my hard disk as the main culprit of the problem by re-installing windows 8 and still encountering the error. I even tried with windows 7.

I bought a new hard disk and used the old one as an external hard disk with casing to transfer all of my data into the new hard disk. I had to reinstall windows and everything. 

However, my old hard disk is working fine as an external drive. I don't completely understand the problem with my old hard disk when it was being used as a secondary storage with Windows in my laptop.

My laptop brand was Toshiba. Hard disk brand was Hitachi.