The error 0xc000014c is spotted after an unexpected system reboot/shutdown. Depending on the Windows version, users will either see this error message on a blue screen or inside Windows Boot Manager. The 0xc000014C error will occur on Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1 and 10. There are two main causes that will trigger the 0xc000014c error:
BCD (Boot Configuration Data) is corrupted – The BCD file is prone to break when the system is turned off in the middle of modifying data files in the boot sector. This is typically caused by power outages but one should not exclude boot sector viruses, which will trigger the same behavior.System Files are compromised – Most critical system errors appear if the machine suffers an unexpected shutdown when writing system files on the disk. This is also caused by the deletion of critical system files or other dependent software.
Below you have a collection of methods that have successfully helped Windows users to get past the 0xc000014c error. Please follow each method in order until you encounter a fix that works for your situation.
Method 1: Using a System Restore point
Let’s start by doing a system restore to a previous point in time. Chances are your system has previously saved a restore point back when the system was running without problems. If you have a restore point in place, this method will allow you to restore your machine to a working state. Depending on your Windows version, the steps of accessing the System Restore menu will be different. But regardless if you’re on Windows 7 or Windows 10, you’ll likely need the installation media to access the System Recovery Options. Note: Some older laptops will have a dedicated shortcut for the System Recovery Options. Usually, the menu can be accessed by repeatedly pressing F10 or F11 at system startup. This shortcut will allow you to access the Repair menu without using the Windows installation media. If you can make use of this shortcut, go straight to step 3 (in Windows 7 guide) or step 2 (in Windows 10 guide). If you don’t have the Windows installation media, follow this guide for Windows 7 bootable windows 7 usb or this guide for Windows 10 windows 10 bootable usb to create a bootable DVD or USB with the Windows installation media. Then, make sure your system is configured to boot from the installation media first. If your system doesn’t prompt you to press a key in order to boot from the installation media, you’ll need to follow the on-screen prompts to enter the boot setup. Additionally, you can enter your BIOS settings and change the boot order so that the instalation media is first. The exact settings of changing the boot priority in BIOS will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
After you successfully boot from the installation media, follow the steps below according to your Windows version:
For Windows 7 users
For Windows 10 users
Method 2: Rebuilding the BCD files
There are many reasons why your Boot Configuration Data can misbehave. However, in every scenario, the most effective way of fixing the 0xc000014c error is to repair the BCD file with a series of Command Prompt commands. Before you start following the guides below, make sure you own the proper Windows installation media for your operating system. This could either be a DVD or a USB flash drive. If you don’t have the installation media, follow this guide for Windows 7 bootable windows 7 usb or this guide for Windows 10 windows 10 bootable usb. Once you successfully manage to boot from the installation media, follow the guides below according to your Windows version:
For Windows 7 Users
For Windows 10 Users
Method 3: Restoring the registry files from the RegBack folder
If you followed all of the above methods without success, you can try one last trick. But keep in mind that you will need physically remove your HDD and connect it to a different PC. All Windows versions will store a copy of your most vital registry files in a folder called RegBack. If the issue is indeed related to an underlying registry issue, copying the folder from the backup folder to the regular directory will remove the 0xc000014c error. The steps are the same in every Windows version. Here’s what you need to do: If you followed the methods above without any results, you have little choice but to use a Windows installation media and reinstall your OS. You will lose any data stored on the Windows partition, but any corrupted files or damaged system files will be overwritten. This also the preferred approach when dealing with boot sector viruses that will trigger the 0xc000014c error.
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