The Boot Configuration Data (BCD) error on a PC indicates that the boot information of the computer has been corrupted. This corruption can occur due to various reasons, including virus attacks, power surges, hardware boot failures, or a corrupted master boot record (MBR).
Troubleshooting and Resolving the BCD Error
- Rebuild BCD Using Command Prompt:
- Boot your PC from a Windows installation media.
- Access the Advanced Startup Options by restarting your PC three to four times continuously, leading to the display of these options.
- Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
- Enter the following commands:
bootrec /rebuildbcdbootrec /fixMbrbootrec /fixboot
- Reboot your PC after these processes are complete.
- Run Chkdsk:
- Chkdsk is an in-built utility that checks for hard disk problems, useful if the issue is due to a faulty hard drive.
- Open the Command Prompt with administrator rights.
- Enter the command:
chkdsk C: /f /r - Do not close the Command Prompt or restart your computer during this process, as it might take a few minutes to complete.
- Reset Your PC:
- If the problem started after installing a new application or driver and the above methods don’t work, consider resetting your PC.
- Access the Advanced Startup Options and select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
- You can choose to keep your files while resetting all settings.
- This step should allow you to use your computer normally again after the process is completed.
Prevention and Maintenance Tips
- Keep your PC up to date with the latest security patches to prevent such issues.
- Avoid installing untrusted third-party software.
- Regularly back up important data and files to prevent data loss in case of such errors.
- Be cautious while using advanced recovery and repair tools.
Conclusion
The BCD error is a significant issue that prevents a PC from booting properly. However, by following the above steps, you can troubleshoot and fix the issue. If the problem persists, it may be a more serious hardware issue, and seeking professional assistance or contacting Microsoft support would be advisable. Regular maintenance and cautious use of the system can help in preventing such errors in the future.
Hi! I’m Eric and I work on the knowledge base at GadgetMates.com. You can see some of my writings about technology, cellphone repair, and computer repair here.
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