How to fix Protector error code

Mikey Alfieri 5

I need someone smarter then me to deal with the E_FVE_SECURE_BOOT_CHANGED code, and before you ask, i have tried my bitlocker recovery key a dozen times, it just takes me to the troubleshoot options of:

Startup repair (doesn't work)

Uefi Firmware Settings

Command Prompt

System Restore ( doesn't work )

Uninstall Updates ( doesn't work )

System image recovery ( doesn't work )

I am trying not to go to a pc repair shop yet, as i don't have the money to do that yet, and i was hoping someone would know how to steer me in the right direction?

Mikey Alfieri 5 Reputation points

2025-07-17T20:32:50.4966667+00:00

I don't know what happened, but Cherrelyn stopped helping me, may someone help continue to help me fix my laptop?

21 answers

Chen1018 13,870 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-07-20T00:37:53.34+00:00
Hi Mikey,

Thank you for the update you’ve really pushed through every step with resilience, and I admire that so much.

The 0xc00000f error usually points to a missing or corrupted boot configuration, which might’ve happened when the USB lost its GPT format or if the boot files didn’t transfer correctly.

Please try this:
1. Reformat the USB to GPT again using diskpart, just like before:
  
  diskpart
  
  list disk
  
  select disk X (your USB)
  
  clean
  
  convert gpt
  
  exit
2. Once GPT is restored, re-copy the recovery files from your friend’s PC using RecoveryDrive.exe again.
3. After creating the recovery drive successfully, boot from the USB and choose:
  
  Troubleshoot
  
  Then either Reset this PC or go into Advanced Options > Startup Repair or Command Prompt (depending on what appears).
If you hit a wall again, we can try using bootrec commands or rebuild the BCD manually — but let’s see how far this next attempt gets us.

Warm regards,

Cherrelyn
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Mikey Alfieri 5 Reputation points

2025-07-20T01:54:20.46+00:00

Immediately ran into the disk is not MBR formatted at Comvert Gpt

Mikey Alfieri 5 Reputation points

2025-07-20T02:31:52.77+00:00

aaand it went back to unallocated, gonna go ahead and fix that

Mikey Alfieri 5 Reputation points

2025-07-20T03:00:36.6+00:00

Nothing is working right at this point, I am officially at my wits end sadly, I think I'll wait till the professional looks at it. I really do thank you for the time, I learned plenty, more then I was expecting in all honesty.
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Chen1018 13,870 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-07-19T15:24:19.37+00:00

Hi Mikey,

Thank you so much for your kind words and it truly means a lot. I know this has been a long, tiring journey, but your patience, curiosity, and determination have been incredible.

I’m really glad you were able to learn throughout the process, and I’m hopeful this final step with RecoveryDrive.exe will finally get things sorted.

Warm regards,

Cherrelyn
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Mikey Alfieri 5 Reputation points

2025-07-19T18:27:01.8433333+00:00

to give you an update, i'm approximately 75% of the download from Recovery Drive, so far so good

Mikey Alfieri 5 Reputation points

2025-07-19T19:32:11.2633333+00:00

it downloaded, i was given the option to Recover from Drive, which unfortunately filled me with hope! only for it to say it had an error, i am gonna try to make it a GPT again, and put the files back in, since apparently, that disappeared from the USB.. again ... LUCKILY since it is all in file form, i can just put it on the friends laptop, and do the process of putting it back to GPT again

Mikey Alfieri 5 Reputation points

2025-07-19T20:20:41.2566667+00:00

i hit 0xc00000f error ... i'll wait for new instructions, i don't want to stop today just yet, not until I fall asleep
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Chen1018 13,870 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-07-19T15:10:53.1133333+00:00

Hi Mikey,

That’s a promising lead RecoveryDrive.exe can definitely help if you're trying to create a bootable recovery USB directly from your friend's working Windows system. Please try on your friend’s laptop, search for and run RecoveryDrive.exe. Make sure to check “Back up system files to the recovery drive”. Insert your USB (at least 16GB) and complete the process. Once done, try booting your laptop from that USB and choose "Troubleshoot" > "Reset this PC" or access Command Prompt if needed.

Warm regards,

Cherrelyn
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Mikey Alfieri 5 Reputation points

2025-07-19T15:21:50.0633333+00:00

As the Recover Drive is being created, i would like to thank you very much for trying your best as well to try to help me fix my laptop, despite it being a decently exhausting adventure, i enjoyed learning what i could.
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Chen1018 13,870 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-07-19T14:21:03.2833333+00:00

Hi Mikey,

I truly admire how much effort you’ve put into this and it’s completely okay to feel worn out.

If the Media Creation Tool still won’t work and Rufus keeps failing, it may be best to try creating the USB on another PC if possible. That usually bypasses the ISO errors.

But if that’s not an option, letting a trusted expert take over is a smart and valid choice. You’ve done more than enough.

Whatever you decide, I’m still here if you need help.

Warm regards,

Cherrelyn
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Mikey Alfieri 5 Reputation points

2025-07-19T15:04:08.9766667+00:00

I only have my friends laptop, which i have been using to do everything that could set up my USB... i also tried to put Windows 10 on my laptop, ran into the same problem

Mikey Alfieri 5 Reputation points

2025-07-19T15:07:53.6666667+00:00

I may or may not have found a possible solution, using Recoverydrive.exe
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Chen1018 13,870 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-07-19T08:10:25.3566667+00:00

Hi Mikey,

I completely understand and you’ve been giving this your all, and hitting the same wall again can really drain your energy. Taking a break is more than fair right now.

That Media Creation Tool might just do the trick ’s more stable and doesn’t rely on Rufus or browser settings to fetch the ISO. Fingers crossed it works smoothly for you.

Warm regards,

Cherrelyn
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Mikey Alfieri 5 Reputation points

2025-07-19T14:17:11.2233333+00:00

I hit the wall again last night, the ISO required a CD burner to put on, and both laptops definitely does not have a CD tray, so upon reading that, i kinda just packed up and zonked out without any energy left, i just woke up now..

So far: the media tool has been the only thing that came the closest to.working but that port error has kept me from doing anything after setting up the USB.

Rufus on the other hand is strangely saying odd things it really shouldnt, as well as the website of Microsoft, as well as it didn't even try to download the file ISO completely, only stopping strangely at 99%.

So the question becomes now, do i let an expert handle this? Or is there another alternative i can do?
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How to fix Protector error code

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