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 Using outdated or incompatible drivers can lead to system errors, including the Windows error code 0xc00000e9.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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.
Windows Defender may not function in Safe Mode. However, you can perform an offline scan using Microsoft Defender Offline. 

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.
Opt for Microsoft Defender Offline scan, then click Scan now
If the virus is preventing your system from booting, you need to download a bootable antivirus program on another machine and create a bootable drive. After that, boot from the drive and run the antivirus scan to remove any malware.

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.

PRO TIP
To bolster your system’s defenses against malware and prevent errors like 0xc00000e9 in the future, consider using Auslogics Anti-Malware alongside your primary antivirus software. Auslogics Anti-Malware is designed to complement your existing antivirus, providing an additional layer of protection against various types of malware threats.

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.

Auslogics Anti-Malware offers multiple virus scan options
Scan your PC for malware with Auslogics Anti-Malware
  • 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.

Auslogics Driver Updater
Update your divers quickly and easily with the Auslogics Driver Updater
  • 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.
How to Fix Windows Error Code 0xc00000e9: Advanced Options Startup Repair

Let the Startup Repair process complete and see if the 0xc00000e9 error is resolved after rebooting.

  • 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.
How to Fix Windows Error Code 0xc00000e9: Advanced Options Command Prompt
  • Run the following commands:
bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /scanos
bootrec /rebuildbcd
  • Restart your computer after executing each command.
PRO TIP
Consider using Auslogics Registry Cleaner to safeguard your system from registry entries corruption and maintain optimal performance. This reputable tool scans the registry and allows you to detect and remove any invalid or obsolete registry entries. Employ Auslogics Registry Cleaner to prevent registry entries corruption and ensure your system runs smoothly.
Use Auslogics Registry Cleaner to safeguard your system
Auslogics Registry Cleaner will protect your system from corrupt registry entries
  • 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.
How to Fix Windows Error Code 0xc00000e9: Run Command Prompt as Admin
  • 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

How to Fix Windows Error Code 0xc00000e9: run the sfc scannow command

After completing the scan, reboot your computer and check if the error persists.

  • 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. 
How to Fix Windows Error Code 0xc00000e9: Advanced Options System Restore

Follow the prompts to initiate the system restore process and check if the error persists after the restoration completes.

  • 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.
Windows Setup Custom Windows Installation

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.

FAQ

No, the error code 0xc00000e9 can occur on various Windows operating systems, including Windows 7, Windows 10, and others. The troubleshooting methods provided in this guide are applicable across different Windows versions.
Yes, outdated or incompatible drivers can contribute to the occurrence of the 0xc00000e9 error. Updating drivers to the latest versions using Auslogics Driver Updater can often resolve this issue.
Before proceeding with any troubleshooting methods, it’s advisable to back up important files to prevent data loss, especially if you plan to perform a clean installation of Windows. Additionally, exercise caution when making changes to BIOS/UEFI settings or executing commands in Command Prompt to avoid unintended consequences.