Windows 8 Boot Configuration Data file Error code: 0xc000000d on Lenovo Ideapad U510

Question

I purchased my IdeaPad u510 less than 6 months ago with Windows 8 pre-installed.  

After shutting down normally, the next day when I started the computer I am immediately brought to a blue screen which reads:

Recovery

Your PC needs to be repaired

The Boot Configuration Date file is missing some required information.

File:\BCD

Error Code: 0zc000000d

You'll need to use the recovery tools on your installation media.  If you don't have and installation media, contact your system admin or PC manufacturer.

So, I called Lenovo and the first thing they ask is if I was downloading anything (which I wasn't) and implied that maybe I had a virus.  Their solution was for me to restore the laptop to factory settings which I do not want to do.  I told them I would look into it and call them back.

So, I did some research as the problem appears to be with booting and not with my computer.   I can get to the BIOS screen so obviously have access to my hard drive.  The error message also states that I'm missing SOME required data.  In another topic on this forum someone has a similar problem and was directed to a solution using the Microsoft Windows 8 CD.  It appears that this is a known Windows issue and that there is a workaround so that the system doesn't have to be restored to factory settings.   So why can't I get this disk and do the repair?  Once I had the disk I would go into Repair Your Computer and fix the MBR.

So, I called Lenovo-- told Hardware what I found and was told, "You're absolutely right."  Seriously?  Two days ago you guys told me I had to erase my hard drive to fix this and now you're admitting that all I need is the disk?  So, they transferred me to Software. Now, software says they can fix it but that I need to pay $89 for a one time fix!  Really?

I would think that since this is a known Windows OS issue either Lenovo or MS would offer to repair it.  I mean, seriously, all I need is the disk.  Wy can't I have it?  I bought the computer.

Answer 1

Hi,

There is a fairly easy way to usually fix this, but you need a Repair Disk, or Installation Disk to try it...

Do you get any kind of offer to do a Repair when this message shows up?

Do you have a friend that you can borrow a Repair or Installation Disk from?

A Win 7 installation disk might even work... you just need to get to a windows .CMD prompt...

1. Put the Windows installation disc in the disc drive, and then start the computer.
2. Press a key when the message indicating "Press any key to boot from CD or DVD …". appears.
3. Select a language, a time, a currency, and a keyboard or another input method, and then click Next.
4. Click Repair your computer.
5. Click the operating system that you want to repair, and then click Next.
6. In the System Recovery Options dialog box, click Command Prompt.
7. Type BOOTREC /FIXMBR, and then press ENTER.
8. Type BOOTREC /FIXBOOT, and then press ENTER.
9. Type BOOTREC /REBUILDBCD, and then press ENTER.

Answer 2

Hi,

You might try creating a bootable USB Flash drive, either by downloading a Win 8 image, or by using the Win 7 USB-DVD Tool...

You may have trouble finding a Win 8 download. Most everything is now 8.1.

A Win 8.1 image should do the Boot Repair without a problem though, and you won't need the tool...

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

You could also create an image of your Win 8 DVD, and then use that with the tool to make a bootable flash drive. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/windows-usb-dvd-download-tool

You could look for a program like imgburn or similar, if you don't have anything else to do it with...

Answer 3

Hi,

You sometimes need to select the Flash Drive as the boot device... it may not boot otherwise. This is a step that varies widely by machine...

Also... are you sure the flash was created properly and is actually bootable ?

Answer 4

Hi,

That I can't say for sure... that is somewhat dependent on your machines ability to boot from USB CD\DVD drives....

You should have a key like F12, ESC, or similar, to select a boot device when you first power on or restart your machine....

Answer 5

I have the same problem. The above solution is helpful except that my PC (a Dell XPS 18 All-in-One) doesn't have an optical drive. I have a Windows 8 installation disc, and I have a external USB drive - will I be able to access the drive and follwo these steps? Thanks