Quick Summary
The error code 0xE0000225 in Windows indicates that the operating system cannot find the boot configuration data (BCD). This often prevents Windows from starting correctly, resulting in a boot error.
Common Causes of Error 0xE0000225
- Corrupted or Missing BCD: The Boot Configuration Data (BCD) file, which contains startup configuration parameters, is corrupted or missing. This can happen due to disk write errors, power outages, or malware infections.
- Damaged System Files: Critical system files required for booting, such as the Windows bootloader, have been damaged or deleted. This can result from failed updates, disk errors, or operating system corruption.
- Hardware Issues: Hardware problems, such as a failing hard drive or incorrect BIOS settings, can also trigger this error. A faulty storage device can prevent Windows from accessing the necessary boot files.
- Boot Sector Problems: The boot sector, which is a small section of the hard drive containing code that starts the boot process, may be damaged or overwritten, leading to boot failures.
Step-by-Step Fixes
Method 1: Method 1: Run Startup Repair Show Steps ›
Step 1: Boot from Windows installation media (USB or DVD). If you don't have one, create one using the Media Creation Tool on another working computer.
Step 2: After booting from the installation media, select your language preferences and click "Next".
Step 3: On the next screen, click "Repair your computer" instead of "Install now".
Step 4: Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.
Step 5: Select the operating system you want to repair and wait for the process to complete.
Step 6: Restart your computer after the repair is finished.
Method 2: Method 2: Rebuild BCD using Bootrec Show Steps ›
Step 1: Boot from Windows installation media (USB or DVD).
Step 2: Select your language preferences and click "Next".
Step 3: Click on "Repair your computer".
Step 4: Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
Step 5: Type the following commands, pressing Enter after each:
- bootrec /fixmbr
- bootrec /fixboot
- bootrec /scanos
- bootrec /rebuildbcd
Step 6: If bootrec /rebuildbcd finds a Windows installation, type 'Y' to add it to the boot list.
Step 7: Exit the Command Prompt and restart your computer.
Method 3: Method 3: Check Disk for Errors Show Steps ›
Step 1: Boot from Windows installation media (USB or DVD).
Step 2: Select your language preferences and click "Next".
Step 3: Click on "Repair your computer".
Step 4: Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
Step 5: Type the following command and press Enter: chkdsk /f /r C: (Replace C: with the drive letter where Windows is installed if needed)
Step 6: The system will prompt you to schedule the disk check on the next restart. Type 'Y' and press Enter.
Step 7: Exit the Command Prompt and restart your computer. The disk check will run before Windows starts.
Method 4: Method 4: Restore Windows Registry from Backup Show Steps ›
Warning: This method involves advanced steps and incorrect modifications can cause further system instability. Proceed with caution.
Step 1: Boot from Windows installation media (USB or DVD).
Step 2: Select your language preferences and click "Next".
Step 3: Click on "Repair your computer".
Step 4: Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
Step 5: Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
Step 6: In the Registry Editor, select the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE key.
Step 7: Go to File > Load Hive.
Step 8: Navigate to the Windows installation drive (usually C:) and then to Windows\System32\config.
Step 9: Select the SYSTEM file and click Open.
Step 10: Enter a temporary key name (e.g., TEMP).
Step 11: Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\TEMP\ControlSet001\Control\Session Manager\Configuration Manager\Backup Registry.
Step 12: Export the 'Backup Registry' key to a file.
Step 13: Delete the TEMP Key from HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
Step 14: restart your computer.