Windows error 0xc0000098 is one of the scarier boot issues you can encounter. It usually appears with a blue screen message like: “Your PC needs to be repaired. The Boot Configuration Data file doesn’t contain valid information.”
This means the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) on your system is missing, corrupt, or incomplete — so Windows can’t boot properly. The good news is that you don’t need to reinstall Windows. We can fix this issue using built-in recovery tools, boot commands, and repair options.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the reliable methods to fix Windows error code 0xc0000098 on Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Why Windows Error 0xc0000098 Happens
This error usually appears due to:
- Corrupted or missing BCD files
- Improper shutdowns
- Failed Windows updates
- Bad sectors on the disk
- Malware modifying boot files
- Deleted EFI partition
- Partition resizing or dual-boot misconfigurations
- Power loss during updates
The steps above cover all these scenarios and restore the boot data safely.
1. Fix Error 0xc0000098 Using Startup Repair (Easiest Method)
Startup Repair can automatically fix issues with the Boot Configuration Data.
1. Boot Into Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)
If the PC shows the error screen:
- Click See advanced repair options, or
- Restart the PC and press F11 repeatedly.
2. Run Startup Repair
- In WinRE, open Troubleshoot.
- Select Advanced options.
- Choose Startup Repair.
- Select your Windows installation when asked.
Windows will scan for boot issues and attempt repairs. After restarting, check if error 0xc0000098 is resolved.
2. Rebuild the BCD Using Command Prompt (Most Reliable Fix)
If Startup Repair doesn’t fix it, we’ll manually repair the BCD files.
1. Boot Into WinRE
- Press F11 during boot or use a Windows installation USB.
- Choose Repair your computer.
2. Open Command Prompt
Go to:
Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Command Prompt
3. Run These Commands One by One
bootrec /scanos
bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /rebuildbcd
Explanation
/scanos— scans for Windows installations/fixmbr— repairs the Master Boot Record/fixboot— writes a new boot sector/rebuildbcd— rebuilds the BCD completely
When /rebuildbcd finds a Windows installation, type:
Y
to add it to the boot list.
Restart your PC — in most cases, the error disappears instantly.
3. Use CHKDSK to Repair Disk Errors
Corrupted sectors or file system issues can break the boot files.
1. Open Command Prompt in WinRE
Again, go to:
Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Command Prompt
2. Run CHKDSK
chkdsk C: /f /r
This scans and repairs file system errors as well as bad sectors.
If Windows is installed on another drive, replace C: accordingly.
Restart your PC after the scan finishes.
4. Restore the EFI Partition (For UEFI Systems)
If the EFI System Partition (ESP) is damaged or missing, Windows cannot boot.
1. Identify the EFI Partition
In Command Prompt:
diskpart
list disk
select disk 0
list volume
Look for a 100–300MB FAT32 partition (type: “System”).
2. Assign a Letter to the EFI Partition
select volume X
assign letter=Z
exit
Replace X with the EFI partition number.
3. Repair the EFI Bootloader
bcdboot C:\Windows /l en-us /s Z: /f UEFI
Restart your computer. This recreates the EFI boot files and often resolves the error instantly.
5. Use System Restore (If Restore Points Exist)
If a recent update or misconfiguration corrupted boot files, System Restore can roll the system back.
1. Boot Into WinRE
Go to:
Troubleshoot → Advanced options → System Restore
2. Choose a Restore Point
Pick a date before the error occurred.
After restoration, Windows will restart normally if the boot issue was caused by a software change.
6. System File Checker + DISM Repair
Damaged system files can break Windows boot logic.
1. Open Command Prompt in WinRE
Run:
sfc /scannow /offbootdir=C:\ /offwindir=C:\Windows
Then run DISM:
DISM /Image:C:\ /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Restart your PC afterward.
7. Reset Windows Without Losing Files (Last Resort)
If nothing works, Windows Reset can repair the system while keeping your personal files intact.
Steps
- Boot into WinRE.
- Choose Troubleshoot → Reset this PC.
- Select Keep my files.
- Choose Cloud download or Local reinstall.
Windows will rebuild the OS and fully refresh the bootloader.
Wrapping Up
Error code 0xc0000098 looks intimidating, but it’s almost always fixable without reinstalling Windows. By running Startup Repair, rebuilding the BCD, repairing the EFI partition, or scanning the disk, you can restore normal boot functionality in just a few steps.
