After investigating this particular issue, it turns out that there are several different causes that might be triggering this error. Here’s a shortlist of potential culprits that might be responsible for this issue: Not that you know every potential instance that might be responsible for the apparition of this issue, here’s a list of methods that other affected users have successfully used to fix the issue:
Method 1: Performing CHKDSK, SFC, and DISM scans
Since this issue is most likely related to some kind of system file corruption, you should start this troubleshooting guide by running a couple of utilities that are designed to tackle corrupted Windows files. Fortunately, every recent Windows version is equipped with CHKDSK (Check Disk utility) ( SFC (System File Checker) and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management). Our recommendation is to run both utilities in quick succession in order to maximize your chances of fixing the corrupted files without having to clean install your Windows installation. However, since you won’t probably be able to boot normally, you will need to run these scans from the Advanced Startup menu by opening an elevated CMD prompt. To make things easier for you, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide through the entire process: In case you still see the same c0000034 fatal error after a failed boot attempt, move down to the next potential fix below.
Method 2: Disabling Windows Update via the Recovery Menu
According to some affected users, you might see this issue occurring due to a corrupted instance of Windows Update. If this is the main reason why your computer can’t boot, you might be able to fix the issue by opening MSConfig from the Recovery Menu and disabling the Windows Update component remotely. Several affected users have confirmed that this method was the only thing that allowed them to bypass the Fatal Error C0000034. Users that managed to do this successfully have them managed to repair the broken Windows Update component by running the Windows Update troubleshooter. Follow the instructions below to boot from the Recovery Menu and disable the Windows Update component: Note: The instructions below are universal and will work on every recent Windows version including Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10. Note: Once you are finished with the steps above, take the time to re-enable the Windows Update component by enabling the service via MSConfig. In case you still end up seeing the c0000034 fatal error while attempting to boot normally, move down to the next potential fix below.
Method 3: Using System Restore via Recovery menu
If you only started to see this error after installing a Windows Update or after a botched installation attempt, you might be able to revert your computer back to a healthy state by using the System Restore utility. Keep in mind that System Restore is configured by default to create a new system restore snapshot during important system events. This includes the installation of new Windows Updates, the installation of 3rd party utilities, security updates, etc. So unless you modified the default behavior of Windows Update, you should have plenty of restore points to choose from. However, since you are probably unable to boot normally, you will need to launch the System Restore utility from the recovery menu. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do so: In case you still see the same Fatal Error C0000034, move down to the next potential fix below.
Method 4: Performing an Install Repair / Clean install
If none of the methods above have worked for you, you should seriously consider the possibility that you might be dealing with some kind of underlying corruption issue that is beyond your control. f this scenario is applicable, you should be able to fix the problem by refreshing every Windows component by performing a clean install or a repair install procedure. Since the potential drawbacks of both methods are different, we’ve created 2 separate guides:
Repair install (in-place repair) – This should be the preferred approach if you have a Windows-compatible installation at the ready. Even though this procedure is a little tedious, the main advantage is that you get to preserve your personal files included on the OS drive (this includes personal media, applications, games, and even user preferences)Clean install (in-place repair) – If you’re looking for a quick and easy procedure and you already backed up your data or you don’t care about wiping your OS drive, this should be your choice. This operation can be performed directly from the GUI menu and will not require you to use compatible installation media.
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