- Potential Causes of the Error Code 0xc00000e9
- How to Fix Windows Error Code 0xc00000e9
- Solution 1: Check cable connections and hardware compatibility
- Solution 2: Change the BIOS/UEFI boot order
- Solution 3: Scan for viruses or malware
- Solution 4: Update hardware drivers
- Solution 5: Run Windows Startup Repair
- Solution 6: Repair the MBR and fix corrupted or missing registry entries
- Solution 7: Perform a CHKDSK scan
- Solution 8: Repair corrupted system files
- Solution 9: Perform System Restore
- Solution 10: Clean Install Windows
- Conclusion
- FAQ
The error code 0xc00000e9 often signals hardware issues related to the inability to establish a connection with the hard drive and can disrupt the booting process and render your system unusable.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the common causes behind the 0xc00000e9 error, delve into proven troubleshooting methods, and equip you with the knowledge needed to fix this issue on Windows 7, Windows 10, and other operating systems.
Potential Causes of the Error Code 0xc00000e9
The Windows error code 0xc00000e9 often manifests as a blank screen during bootup or limits functionality to Safe Mode and can stem from various issues, including hardware failures, corrupted system files, and I/O errors. Here are some potential causes:
- Boot sector virus or malware: Boot sector viruses infect the boot sector or partition table of a disk. These malicious programs can disrupt the boot process, triggering the error code 0xc00000e9.
- Corrupted or missing registry entries: The Windows Registry is a vital database that stores system configuration settings and options. If registry entries become corrupted or go missing, it can result in system instability and errors like 0xc00000e9.
- Hard drive problems: Physical or logical issues with the hard drive, such as bad sectors, file system corruption, or disk errors, can prevent the system from booting properly.
- Malfunctioning external hardware: Issues with external hardware devices such as USB drives or peripherals can trigger this error.
- Outdated or incompatible drivers: Drivers facilitate communication between hardware components and the operating system. Using outdated or incompatible drivers can lead to system errors, including the Windows error code 0xc00000e9.
- Missing system files: Constant uninstallation and reinstallation of programs may result in the deletion of crucial system files.
- Incompatible or interrupted updates: Updates incompatible with the system configuration and abrupt system shutdowns during critical updates can cause boot failures.
- UEFI, BIOS, or CMOS settings: Incorrect settings in the UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface), BIOS (Basic Input/Output System), or CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) can cause boot failures and trigger the 0xc00000e9 error.
Identifying and addressing these potential causes can help resolve the Windows error code 0xc00000e9 effectively.
How to Fix Windows Error Code 0xc00000e9
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Solution 1: Check cable connections and hardware compatibility
Ensure all cables, especially USB cables for external drives, are properly connected and replace any damaged cables if necessary.
If it doesn’t help, disconnect external devices, like USB flash drives and external hard drives, while keeping the keyboard and mouse connected. Restart your computer after this step. If the error resolves after disconnecting the devices, reconnect them one by one and restart the computer after each connection.
By doing so, you can identify which device triggers the error. Once identified, update its driver to the latest version recommended by the manufacturer. Skip to Solution 4 for further steps.
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Solution 2: Change the BIOS/UEFI boot order
Incorrect boot order settings can lead to the error code 0xc00000e9. Adjusting them can help resolve the issue. Make sure to follow our guide on how to change the boot order in BIOS. You need to set the primary boot device to the correct drive containing the operating system, save the changes, and exit the settings.
After that, restart your computer and check if the error persists.
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Solution 3: Scan for viruses or malware
Booting into Safe Mode and performing a full system scan helps detect and remove any boot sector viruses or malware.
- Boot into Safe Mode by restarting your computer and long-pressing the Shift key while clicking the Restart button.
- Perform a full system scan with antivirus software. If you use a third-party antivirus, follow the instructions from the vendor. We’ll focus on performing a scan with Windows Security.
Here’s how to do it:
- Press Win + I to open Settings.
- Go to Update & Security.
- Select Windows Security.
- Click on Virus & threat protection.
- Under Current threats, select Scan options.
- Opt for Microsoft Defender Offline scan, then click Scan now.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the offline scan.
Running an offline scan helps detect and remove stubborn malware that may evade scans performed in normal mode. After the offline scan is complete, restart your computer to resume normal operation.
After completing the scan, check if the 0xc00000e9 error persists.
Auslogics Anti-Malware monitors your system for suspicious activity, preventing malware from infiltrating your system and causing disruptions. Additionally, its intuitive interface and customizable scan options make it easy to use for users of all levels.
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Solution 4: Update hardware drivers
To resolve the 0xc00000e9 error on Windows 10 and Windows 7 stemming from outdated or incompatible drivers, manual updates from the manufacturer’s website can be time-consuming and prone to errors.
An efficient solution is to utilize Auslogics Driver Updater, which automates driver scanning and identifies the most current suitable updates for your system. By relying on this tool, you can mitigate the risk of downloading incorrect drivers and further complications.
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Solution 5: Run Windows Startup Repair
Windows Startup Repair can fix various boot-related issues, including the error code 0xc00000e9.
Here’s how to run it:
- Use a Windows installation USB/DVD to boot into Advanced Startup Options.
- Follow the path: Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.
Let the Startup Repair process complete and see if the 0xc00000e9 error is resolved after rebooting.
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Solution 6: Repair the MBR and fix corrupted or missing registry entries
A corrupted MBR, along with corrupted or missing registry entries, can be the culprit. Repairing them using Command Prompt in Advanced Startup Options can help fix the error code 0xc00000e9.
- Boot into Advanced Startup Options by restarting your computer and pressing F8 or Shift + F8 during startup.
- Follow the path: Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
- Run the following commands:
bootrec /fixmbr bootrec /fixboot bootrec /scanos bootrec /rebuildbcd
- Restart your computer after executing each command.
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Solution 7: Perform a CHKDSK scan
Scanning and repairing hard drive errors using the CHKDSK tool might help resolve the Windows error code 0xc00000e9. Here’s how to do it:
- Boot into Safe Mode or use a bootable USB/DVD to access Advanced Startup Options.
- In the taskbar search box, type “cmd” and select “Run as administrator.”
- Execute the following command:
chkdsk /f /r
- Allow the tool to complete the scan and repair process. Restart your computer afterward.
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Solution 8: Repair corrupted system files
Corrupted system files can trigger the error code 0xc00000e9. Repairing them can help resolve the issue. Follow these steps:
- Boot into Safe Mode or use a bootable USB/DVD to access Advanced Startup Options.
Run the Command Prompt as administrator, using the tips from the previous solution, and run the System File Checker (SFC) scan by typing the following command and hitting Enter:
sfc /scannow
After completing the scan, reboot your computer and check if the error persists.
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Solution 9: Perform System Restore
System Restore can revert your computer’s state to a previous point in time, potentially resolving the error code 0xc00000e9. However, you need to have a restore point to perform it. Here’s how to do it:
- Boot into the Advanced Startup Options using a Windows installation USB/DVD.
- Opt for “System Restore” and select a restore point of your system before the error occurred.
Follow the prompts to initiate the system restore process and check if the error persists after the restoration completes.
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Solution 10: Clean Install Windows
As the last resort, performing a clean installation of Windows can eliminate any underlying software issues causing the Windows error code 0xc00000e9. Follow these steps:
- Create a Windows installation USB/DVD using the Media Creation Tool.
- Boot from the installation media and follow the prompts to initiate a clean install of Windows.
Ensure to back up your important files before proceeding with the installation, as it will erase all data on your computer. After the installation completes, check if the 0xc00000e9 error is resolved.
Conclusion
With these comprehensive troubleshooting methods, you can tackle the 0xc00000e9 error effectively, restoring seamless functionality to your Windows system.
Please share in the comments, which solution worked for you.
One reply on “How to Fix Windows Error Code 0xc00000e9?”
Thank you for help