Windows 8 cannot boot up - system driver cng.sys missing error

Question

Hello,

I have windows 8 running on a laptop but for as long as i can remember it always fail to do windows update - it will go through the whole windows update motion only to fail at the end and says windows update cannot be completed. 

Yesterday I got the blue screen of death trying to boot up, and automatic repair doesn't work and just loops forever. I went online and tried to play around with command prompt - nothing really worked, but I did manage to disable the automatic repair, so now when I boot up, I get the blue screen saying: 

Recovery

Your PC needs to be repaired

The operating system couldn't be loaded because a critical system driver is missing or contains errors.

File:\Windows\System32\Drivers\cng.sys

Error code: 0xc000007b

None of the options that follow these lines work merely loops again for no resolution. 

Please advise how I can fix this - since I can't even start up and I don't know command prompt well I'm not sure what to do.

Secondly, once this is fixed, how can i get windows update to work properly - my guess is that this issue is caused by the lack of windows update / patches.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi,

The issue may occur due to corrupted system files. In order for us to assist you, we suggest to check this thread: Windows 8 x64 error (0xc000007b). Look for Mohammad_Imran answer. It contains step by step guide pertaining to the issue.

Also, you can check this article about Windows update: Fix Windows Update issues. It contains troubleshooting steps if you are having issues updating your software.

We look forward to your response.

Answer 2

Hello,

If you already completed the steps provided in this article and the issue still persists, we suggest that you run SFC and DISM. You can follow the steps provided by ZigZag3143 (MS -MVP)") in this forum article.

Let us know if you need further assistance. We'll be happy to assist.

Answer 3

HI Phillip,

Thanks for your reply - unfortunately I can't even get to the window that allows me to perform any clean boot action or to fix windows update issues - the window itself does not load. 

I can load up the command line prompt window via the Troubleshoot > Advanced options > command prompt route. Anything I should try there? Nothing else leads anywhere - they just loop to no end. 

Thanks!