Windows 10 0xc000 000f - A required device isn't connected or can't be installed

Question

Folks

I am not sure if there is a solution - but  I am getting the following error (0xc000 000f - A required device isn't connected or can't be installed) when I boot my machine which a windows surface book with 512GB ssd and 16 GB ram.  The image below shows up on powerup.

When you press the windows key the next image shows up.  When I exit, it asks me restart and the loop goes on...

Help please

***Post moved by the moderator to the appropriate forum category.***

Answer 1

Hi Rungun,  

Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community.

I understand the inconvenience you are facing currently. Let me help you in resolving the issue.

Let's perform a “Startup Repair” using Windows 10 bootable DVD or USB drive and check if that helps. Initiating repair from CD/DVD may have different results than earlier since the source of boot is different now. So, I would suggest to perform the repair again and check if it helps.

If you don’t have the bootable DVD or USB drive, please refer to the steps in the article given below to create one and then follow the steps given below.

Create installation media for Windows 10

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

Once you have made the bootable USB or DVD drive, please follow the steps.

1. Insert the installation DVD or USBand boot Windows 10 from it.
2. In the ‘Windows setup’page, select the‘language to install’, ‘Time and currency format’ and the ‘keyboard or input method’ and click on ‘next’.
3. Click on ‘Repair your computer’ and select ‘Troubleshoot’.
4. Click on ‘Advanced options’ and select ‘Automatic Repair’ and select the operating system.

You might also require to change the boot priority in BIOS in order to allow the computer to boot from CD/DVD.

Important: While scanning the hard drive if any bad sectors are found, the scanner tries to repair that sector, any data available on that might be lost.

Note: 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.

Hope the information helps. Keep us posted on Windows related queries and we will be happy to assist you further.

Answer 2

Thanks Nachappa for the quick and prompt reply.  I am glad Microsoft has engineers replying to customers directly.  Just a note - I actually used the UEFI, I did not see the traditional BIOS I was used to in all the previous versions of windows.

Well I finally figured out how to get out of the loop.  I changed the boot order and used the recovery disk we had created and tried automatic repair to no avail.  Currently I am in the process of downloading a newer version from "https://www.microsoft.com/surface/en-us/support/warranty-service-and-recovery/downloadablerecoveryimage "  which needs my surface serial number.  After this I will be creating a bootable USB with recovery image and see if it will help.  (I am not sure why this will work, when the original recovery image created on dvd did not work)

Anyway I am willing to give it a shot.  It is a brand new computer with just our company group policies and licensed software installed. 

PS : I wonder why my images are not showing up in my posting

Answer 3

UPDATE:

I had to download a new version of windows 10, create a new bootable USB drive.  Then did part of what Nachappa suggested

1. Inserted USB drive, plugged in and boot using volume-down and power button.  Release when you see surface logo.  Wait for sometime
2. Select Language - English
3. Select Keyboard - US
4. Select Trouble shoot
5. Click Reset your PC
6. Click operating system  (my case windows 10)
7. Click yes to repartition drive
8. Click just remove my files (since I am still keeping this new computer)
9. Click Reset

10 -Surface restarts, Surface logo shows up and you have a new installation. 

All previously installed stuff is lost, but your computer now boots up.

Lesson: keep back from day one because you may run into this problem any day, any time...

Answer 4

Hi,

Please get back to us with an outcome in case of any issues, we will guide you accordingly.

Thank You.

Answer 5

Another UPDATE

I have now been using the machine regularly and do like it (I guess there are more things that need to be changed for me to LOVE it)

The machine has crashed on me (BSOD - Ble Screen Of Death) a few times.

The weirdest things that happens - sometimes the keyboard loses connection and the only way to get it back is to reboot.

I would also like to get in touch with the design team for surface book to discuss possible education use - anyone listening at microsoft?