How to Fix “Boot Configuration Data for Your PC is Missing” in Windows 7, 10 and 11

How to Fix “Boot Configuration Data for Your PC is Missing” in Windows 10 & 11. Step-by-step guide to troubleshoot and repair BCD errors (0xc000000f).

If you’re encountering the dreaded “Boot Configuration Data for your PC is missing or contains errors” message on startup, you’re not alone. This error is common across Windows 7, Windows 10, and Windows 11, and typically prevents your operating system from booting properly. In most cases, it is associated with the error code 0xc000000f, but you might also see 0xc000014c or similar messages indicating that critical boot files are corrupted or missing.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through what the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) is, the reasons why this error occurs, and how to fix it using various troubleshooting methods including Command Prompt, Startup Repair, and even solutions that don’t require a USB drive.

What Is the Boot Configuration Data (BCD)?

The Boot Configuration Data (BCD) is a crucial firmware-independent database that stores boot-time configuration data. It tells the Windows Boot Manager how to start the operating system and what files and options to load.

When the BCD is missing, corrupted, or misconfigured, your PC may fail to boot. Common error messages include:

“The Boot Configuration Data for your PC is missing or contains errors.”
“The Boot Configuration Data file doesn’t contain valid information.”
“Your PC needs to be repaired.”

Each of these errors generally points to a breakdown in the system’s ability to locate and load the Windows OS.

What Causes the “Boot Configuration Data for Your PC Is Missing” Error?

Several issues can lead to missing or corrupted BCD data:

1. Power Failures or Improper Shutdowns

Sudden shutdowns or power interruptions during updates can corrupt boot files.

2. File System Corruption

Disk write errors or file system damage due to malware, aging drives, or bad sectors can lead to boot configuration corruption.

3. Failed Windows Updates

Sometimes, a faulty update may overwrite or misconfigure BCD data.

4. Dual-Boot or Partition Changes

Installing another OS (like Linux) or using tools like Ventoy can alter partitions and BCD records, especially in systems using UEFI.

5. Disk Cloning or Migration

If you recently cloned your drive or transferred to an SSD, the BCD file might not transfer correctly, especially when not using disk-imaging tools that support boot sector migration.

Symptoms You Might Experience

Here are some messages you may encounter:

Windows 10 or 11 Error 0xc000000f: This generally means the BCD is missing or inaccessible.
“Press ESC to Enter UEFI”: This message typically appears when the system can’t find the bootable drive.
Windows Boot Manager Is Missing: Often seen when the bootmgr or BCD file is deleted or corrupted.
On Virtual Machines (e.g., VMware): Misconfigured VM settings can cause this error if the virtual disk doesn’t have valid BCD data.

Preliminary Step: Boot Using Windows Installation Media

If you can’t access Windows, you’ll need to boot into recovery mode using installation media:

Create a Windows Bootable USB:

Download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft.
Use it to create a bootable USB with Windows 10 or 11.
Insert the USB into the affected computer and restart it.
Enter the BIOS (typically by pressing F2, F12, DEL, or ESC depending on your manufacturer).
Set the USB as the primary boot device.

Once booted from the USB, click on your language and keyboard settings, then choose “Repair your computer” instead of “Install now.”

Resolve Windows Boot Configuration Data Missing

Method 1: Fix BCD Using Command Prompt (Works for Windows 7, 10, 11)

This method uses bootrec and other recovery commands to rebuild your BCD:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Boot from the installation USB.
Click on Repair your computer.
Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.
Choose your administrator account and enter the password.
Type the following commands one at a time:

bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /scanos
bootrec /rebuildbcd

If prompted to add the installation to the boot list, type Y and press Enter.

Rename the Corrupted BCD File (if needed):

bcdedit /export C:\BCD_Backup
attrib C:\boot\bcd -h -r -s
ren C:\boot\bcd bcd.old
bootrec /rebuildbcd

This completely removes the old BCD and creates a fresh one from scratch.

Method 2: Perform a Startup Repair

If Command Prompt feels intimidating or didn’t work, try Startup Repair:

Boot into recovery mode using the Windows USB.
Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Repair.
Select your operating system.
Let Windows automatically detect and fix issues related to boot configuration.

Startup Repair can fix missing or misconfigured BCD data and recover Windows Boot Manager.

Method 3: Set the Correct Active Partition

Sometimes the issue arises because the wrong partition is marked as active.

Open Command Prompt from the installation media.
Type the following:

diskpart
list disk
select disk 0
list partition
select partition X  (replace X with the system-reserved or boot partition)
active
exit

Then close the Command Prompt and restart your PC.

Method 4: Use System Restore (If Enabled)

If the boot configuration was recently altered by an update or software change:

Boot into Advanced Options.
Choose System Restore.
Pick a restore point before the error began.
Let Windows restore your system files and boot configuration.

This works best if System Restore was previously enabled on your machine.

Method 5: Rebuild BCD Without USB (For Advanced Users)

In some cases, you can access Command Prompt via the automatic repair screen even without a USB:

Power on your PC and interrupt boot 3 times (force shut down at Windows logo).
Windows should enter Recovery Mode automatically.
Navigate to Advanced Options > Command Prompt.
Follow the same bootrec and BCD rebuild steps mentioned earlier.

Note: This may not work on all systems depending on BIOS settings or severity of corruption.

Additional Tips for Fixing Boot Configuration Data for Your PC is Missing Error on Different Devices

On HP or Dell Laptops:

Make sure Secure Boot is disabled in BIOS.
Try resetting BIOS to default settings.

On VMware or VirtualBox:

Ensure the correct boot drive is selected in VM settings.
Try booting into recovery using a Windows ISO connected to the VM.

Using Ventoy or Other Multi-Boot Tools:

Some Ventoy-created drives may not support Secure Boot or UEFI properly.
Manually fixing the BCD on your main drive is often required.

Conclusion: What to Do if Boot Configuration Data for Your PC is Missing and Nothing Works?

If all else fails, your last resort may be a clean installation of Windows. Back up your data using another PC or a Linux live USB if you still have access to your files.

Still stuck? Here’s a summary of what you can do:

Use a Windows USB to enter recovery mode.
Try Command Prompt and bootrec tools.
Run Startup Repair.
Rebuild or export/import BCD manually.
Perform System Restore if enabled.
Mark the correct partition as active.

These fixes cover almost every situation where the boot configuration data for your PC is missing or contains errors, no matter the Windows version—Windows 7, 10, 11, or virtual environments.

FAQ: Boot Configuration Data for Your PC is Missing

What does it mean when Windows says “The Boot Configuration Data for your PC is missing or contains errors”?

This error means that Windows cannot find or properly read the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) file that contains critical information required to start the operating system. The file may be corrupted, missing, or misconfigured due to disk errors, power outages, partition issues, or malware.

What is error code 0xc000000f in Windows?

Error code 0xc000000f is a common Windows boot error that typically appears alongside the message that the BCD is missing or corrupted. It often occurs when boot records are damaged or the system partition cannot be accessed due to disk or file system issues.

How do I fix the boot configuration data without using a USB?

You can try entering recovery mode without a USB by forcefully restarting your PC three times during the boot process. This usually triggers Windows Automatic Repair. From there, you can access Command Prompt and run bootrec commands to rebuild the BCD. This method works only if Windows recovery files are intact on your hard drive.

Can I fix BCD errors using CMD in Windows 10?

Yes. Open Command Prompt from recovery options and run these commands:

bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /scanos
bootrec /rebuildbcd

These commands help repair or rebuild corrupted BCD files. You may also need to set the correct partition as active using diskpart.

What causes boot configuration data to go missing?

Common causes include:

Power interruptions or hard shutdowns
Corrupted system files
Malware infection
Failed Windows updates
Improper disk cloning
Misconfigured dual-boot environments
USB tools like Ventoy incorrectly writing boot sectors

How do I rebuild BCD in Windows 11?

Use the Windows 11 installation media or recovery mode to launch Command Prompt. Then use the same bootrec commands as in Windows 10. The process is identical across both versions.

What should I do if Startup Repair doesn’t fix the BCD error?

If Startup Repair fails:

Use Command Prompt to manually rebuild the BCD.
Verify that the system partition is set to active.
Disable Secure Boot in BIOS.
Try restoring your system using System Restore.
Consider using disk checking tools like chkdsk.

If all else fails, you may need to perform a clean Windows installation.

Can Ventoy cause boot configuration data issues?

Yes. Tools like Ventoy, which create multi-boot USB drives, may modify or overwrite boot sectors. This can lead to BCD errors if used improperly. If you used Ventoy and later experienced boot issues, rebuild your BCD using the recovery method explained in the guide.

What does “BCD error” mean in VMware or VirtualBox environments?

In virtual environments, BCD errors may occur if:

The virtual disk is not bootable
The boot order is misconfigured
The virtual disk was cloned improperly

Mount the Windows ISO and follow the same recovery steps using Command Prompt to repair the virtual BCD.

Is there a way to prevent BCD errors in the future?

Yes. Here are some tips:

Always shut down your PC properly
Regularly back up your system or create restore points
Avoid abrupt power-offs during updates
Use antivirus software to prevent corruption from malware
If cloning drives, use software that preserves boot records

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