Windows 8.1 reset error file: \windows\system32\boot\winload.efi error code: 0xc0000001

Question

I am trying to reset my mothers Dell Inspiron 3521 windows 8.1 laptop. I'm not sure if we received the laptop with windows 8 or 8.1 originally and I'm not able to find out because her laptop wont boot past the dell logo. I created a recovery drive from my Acer Aspire V5-431 that's also running Windows 8.1 but all I'm getting on my mothers laptop is the recovery page with the error code (picture added) I tried pressing Enter and F8 a it stated but nothing happens I don't want to mess around with the third option and make matters worse. I even tried pressing SHIFT + F8 at start up but it does not do anything. Please help we are out of warranty and Dell won't help unless we pay them.

Answer 1

Hi Nesa,

From your issue description I understand that, you are unable to install windows 8, receiving error: file:\windows\system32\boot\winload.exe Error code: 0xc0000001. 

I can imagine the inconvenience you have experienced. Don’t worry; we will certainly help you.

This issue occurred be due to system registry file is missing or corrupted, I would suggest you to try performing automatic repair using Windows 8 disc from Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) and check if it helps.****

Method 1: Perform the Automatic repair:

a) When your computer starts, wait for the manufacturer logo to check the option for boot menu, it will usually be F12.

b) The boot menu key might differ with each manufacturer. If you are unable to find the boot menu key, you may refer the user manual.

c) Restart the computer, when the manufacturer's logo is displayed, keep pressing the Boot menu option key to enter the boot menu and change the boot option to CD\DVD ROM.

d) After you boot your computer using Windows 8 DVD or System Repair Disc, a black screen appears with gray text "Press any key to boot from CD or DVD". Press any key.

e) Select the correct time and Keyboard type.

f) Click Repair your computer in the lower left corner

g) Click on Troubleshooting, advanced option and then click Automatic repair.

Refer to the following link, this will helps you to create installation media for Windows 8.1

How to create installation media for a PC refresh or reset:

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

Go to the next step repair fails.

Method 2: Repair boot sector

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. (If Any other than Win 8)
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.
10. Type Exit, and press Enter.

Hope this helps. Please reply with the results. We will be glad to help you further.