Learn how to fix error 0xc0000225 when booting Windows with these simple steps. Don’t let a minor issue keep you from using your system.Error 0xc0000225 is a fairly common failure that can occur when loading Windows. It is accompanied by a message about the need to restore the system and indicates that boot files or devices are unavailable. We tell you how to solve this problem.
Why does error 0xc0000225 appear?
There are many possible causes for the 0xc0000225 error. Here are the most common:
- Corruption of the boot record (MBR) or boot sector;
- Incorrectly installed or damaged drivers that prevent the operating system from loading normally.
- Changing the SATA controller operating mode. For example, switching from IDE to AHCI or vice versa;
- Damage to system files caused by OS failures, viruses or failed updates;
- Hard drive problems – damaged sectors or other malfunctions;
- Incorrect BIOS/UEFI settings. For example, attempting to boot from the wrong disk.
How to Fix Error 0xc0000225 When Booting Windows.
Recovering boot record and boot sector
If the failure is caused by a damaged boot record or sector, you can restore them using the command line. To do this, you will need a bootable media with Windows.
Procedure:
- Boot from the installation media and select “System Restore”;
Go to “Advanced Options” and select “Command Prompt”;
- Enter the following commands one by one: bootrec /fixmbr, bootrec /fixboot, bootrec /rebuildbcd;
- After executing the commands, restart your computer and check if the error has disappeared.
Recovering the database of installed devices
If the error is related to incorrect settings in the registry, you can try to restore the database of installed devices.
To do this:
- Open command prompt via bootable media;
- Type regedit to open the registry editor;
- Go to HKLMSystemMountedDevices;
- Check the settings on the right side of the window and set them to default values;
- Restart your computer.
Changing the SATA controller operating mode
If the error occurred after changing the BIOS/UEFI settings, the problem may be related to the operating mode of the SATA controller.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Restart your computer and enter BIOS/UEFI;
- Find the SATA controller settings and change the mode from AHCI to IDE or vice versa;
- Save the changes and reboot the system.
Checking your hard drive for errors
If you suspect the problem is with your hard drive, check for bad sectors.
To do this:
- Boot from the installation media and open a command prompt;
- Type the command chkdsk /f /r and press Enter;
- Wait until the scan is complete and restart your computer.
System Restore
If the error occurred after installing updates or drivers, you can try to restore the system to a previous state.
Procedure:
- Boot from the installation media and select “System Restore”;
- Select a restore point created before the error occurred;
- Start the recovery process and wait until it is completed.
Using third-party data recovery software
If none of the above methods helped, the problem may be related to serious damage to the hard drive. In this case, you can use specialized software to check and restore the disk. An excellent choice would be the well-known Victoria HDD utility .
If you cannot restore the disk in this way, you will have to replace it.