Fix Windows 0xc0000098 Boot Error in 2025: Quick Causes & Proven Solutions

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Fix Windows 0xc0000098 Boot Error in 2025: Quick Causes & Proven Solutions

20 December 2018 John Weaver Senior Program Developer

Last update by Emma Johnson at 27 September 2025

Summary
0xc0000098 is a common Windows boot error caused by BCD file corruption, disk cloning mistakes, or hardware issues. This guide provides reliable solutions to resolve 0xc0000098, helping users to get their systems running again.

Table of contents

Common Causes of the 0xc0000098 Boot Error

Backup data before fixing 0xc0000098

Solutions to Resolve 0xc0000098 Boot Error

Solution 1: Run Automatic Repair for 0xc0000098
Solution 2: Manually Rebuild BCD to Fix 0xc0000098
Solution 3: Scan Disk with CHKDSK for 0xc0000098 Issues
Solution 4: Reset Windows System to Eliminate 0xc0000098

Your Windows 10/11 PC won’t boot and flashes 0xc0000098? This 2025 guide covers data recovery first, then easy fixes—no tech degree needed.

Common Causes of the 0xc0000098 Boot Error

The 0xc0000098 error typically appears when Windows fails to load properly due to problems with the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) file.

This file is located using a combination of the disk’s unique signature and a specific path—usually \Boot\BCD or \EFI\Microsoft\Boot\BCD in Windows Boot process.

If the disk signature changes—such as during a cloning process or hardware swap—but the BCD isn’t updated to reflect that change, Windows won’t be able to locate the file, triggering the 0xc0000098 error. Here are the most common reasons this issue occurs:

🔧 Reason 1: Corrupted or Missing BCD Files

Power outages, disk write failures, boot sector viruses, or manual misconfigurations can damage or delete the BCD file. Without it, Windows doesn’t know how to boot, resulting in the 0xc0000098 error.

The May 2025 Windows security update KB5058405 caused BSOD (blue screen) and BCD (Boot Configuration Data) corruption, affecting a large number of Windows 11 users.

🧬 Reason 2: Disk Cloning Mismatches

Poorly executed disk cloning can lead to mismatches between the original and cloned drive. Specifically, if the partition GUIDs (Globally Unique Identifiers) or disk signatures aren’t properly replicated, the BCD will reference boot data that no longer exists or points to the wrong location. This misalignment confuses the system during startup and causes the 0xc0000098 error.

⚙️ Reason 3: Hardware or File System Failures

Bad sectors, loose SATA cables, or file system corruption from improper shutdowns can prevent access to the BCD. In some cases, failed Windows updates or incompatible drivers may also interfere with the boot process and trigger this error.

Pro Tip: To avoid 0xc0000098 during backups or cloning, use reliable software like Renee Becca. It offers comprehensive tools for system backups, disk cloning, partition management, and file protection—with multiple safety schemes to ensure smooth recovery.

Backup data before fixing 0xc0000098

If your PC encounters the 0xc0000098 error and fails to boot, your top priority is likely recovering your files before attempting any system repairs. That’s where bootable recovery tools like GParted and Renee PassNow come into play. In this chapter, we will take Renee PassNow as an example to backup your important data first. Renee PassNow is a versatile Windows recovery solution designed to help you regain access to your system and safeguard your data.

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With just a few simple steps, you can access your files without risking data loss. Even if Windows fails to start, Renee PassNow’s built-in Data Transfer feature allows you to easily move files between drives or partitions. Additionally, if you’ve accidentally deleted or lost files, the integrated Renee Undeleter tool can help you recover them quickly and efficiently.

Here’s how to get started with Renee PassNow:

Step 1: Install Renee PassNow on a working computer. Hook up a USB drive to it, fire up Renee PassNow, and pick “Create a Live USB” under “Step 1: Choose the creation method”. Heads up—back up any key files on that USB first, since this will wipe it clean.

Step 2: Next, select (x64) or (x86) based on your system type, hit the Download Now button to grab the ISO file, then click Create Live USB once it’s done downloading, and finally Eject USB.

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Step 3: Plug the boot device into the affected computer, turn it on, and right away mash the BIOS key that flashes on screen (it might only show for a second or two).

Keep tapping that key to jump into BIOS settings. Head to the Boot Priority menu, make the USB your top boot choice, save those changes, and restart.

Common Server:

Server Type	Enter boot menu method
DELL	Press the F12 key repeatedly before the Dell logo appears on the screen.
HP	Press the F9 key multiple times when the HP logo is displayed.

Common Computers:

BIOS Name	Enter boot menu method
ASRock	DEL or F2
ASUS	DEL or F2 for PCs/ DEL or F2 for Motherboards
Acer	DEL or F2
Dell	F12 or F2
ECS	DEL
Gigabyte / Aorus	DEL or F2
Lenovo (Consumer Laptops)	F2 or Fn + F2
Lenovo (Desktops)	F1
Lenovo (ThinkPads)	Enter then F1
MSI	DEL
Microsoft Surface Tablets	Press and hold Power and Volume Up buttons
Origin PC	F2
Samsung	F2
Toshiba	F2
Zotac	DEL
HP	Esc/ F9 for Boot Menu/ Esc/ F10/ Storage tab/ Boot Order/ Legacy Boot Sources
INTEL	F10

Step 4: Give it a minute—once Renee PassNow loads up, go for “Data Transfer”. If you want to back up the whole hard drive’s data, just pick the Data backup option instead.

Step 5: Click through each drive letter (C/D/E/F, and so on) to double-check nothing important’s missing. If everything looks good, copy it over to an external drive for safekeeping. To transfer, pick your source drive (like C) on the top left, then the destination (say, G) on the top right. Select the files you want from the source and smack the “Copy” button in the middle to kick it off. Deleting? Select and hit “Delete”, but think twice—this one’s permanent, so be careful.

Step 6: Spot any lost data? Head back to the main interface, select “Undeleter”, and tap Run.

Step 7: Pick a scan option from the menu to check the target hard drive.

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Step 8: Scan done? Choose the files you want back, hit “Recover” to start, and save them to a separate external drive. Once that’s wrapped up, eject the USB safely before moving on to other fixes.

Once you’ve pulled or restored your key data from the machine, you can breathe easy and go ahead with repairing or reinstalling the system—no more sweating over potential losses from that 0xc0000098 headache.

If you can’t log into Windows because your user profile’s vanished or corrupted—maybe tied to the boot mess—and there’s no other admin account handy, hang tight. Renee PassNow’s got a “Create a New User” trick up its sleeve to whip up a fresh local account with full admin rights in no time, letting you dive into Windows for other recovery tries.

Here's the quick rundown:

1. Boot up using the Renee PassNow USB you made earlier.

2. When Renee PassNow loads, pick “Create New User” from the main screen.

3. It’ll default to username Renee and password 123456789.

4. Log into Windows with this new account you just set up.

Now with that fresh admin access in your pocket, you’re all set to roll with the recovery methods coming up, like System Restore or tweaking the Registry Editor, with no permission roadblocks.

Solutions to Resolve 0xc0000098 Boot Error

The 0xc0000098 error blocks booting, so safe mode isn’t an option. You’ll need Windows installation media (USB/DVD) to access recovery tools. Below, we outline solutions tailored for both Windows 10 and Windows 11, noting any differences.

Solution 1: Run Automatic Repair for 0xc0000098

How it fixes 0xc0000098: The Automatic Repair tool scans your system for corrupted or missing boot files (including the Boot Configuration Data, BCD) and attempts to restore them, allowing Windows to start normally again.

Step 1: Start your PC and force a shutdown by holding the power button when you see spinning dots.

Step 2: Repeat this 2-3 times until you reach the “Choose an option” screen. Select “Troubleshoot.”

select troubleshoot in windows safe mode

Detailed Tip: If BitLocker active, enter recovery key first (printed during setup).

Step 3: Go to “Advanced options” > “Startup Repair” and follow the prompts to run the repair.

Windows 10 vs. Windows 11: The process is identical for both, but Windows 11 might offer better diagnostics for UEFI systems. If the repair fails, try the next solution.

Note: Restart and check if 0xc0000098 is resolved.

Solution 2: Manually Rebuild BCD to Fix 0xc0000098

How it fixes 0xc0000098: This rebuilds the BCD file from scratch, fixing missing or mismatched entries (like disk signatures) that cause the error.

How to Get Windows Installation Media

Method	Windows 10	Windows 11	Notes
Upgrade Tool	Update Assistant – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10	Installation Assistant – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11	-
Hardware Requirements	Works on both 32‑bit and 64‑bit systems.	Only supports 64‑bit CPUs, requires TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot.	Check compatibility before downloading Windows 11 media.

Steps

Step 1: Connect your Windows installation media (USB/DVD) to the PC.

Step 2: Enter BIOS (F2, Del, or Esc) and set your media as the first boot option—choose “Removable Devices” for USB.

Step 3: Boot from the media and click “Repair your computer.”

Step 4: Navigate to “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced Options” > “Command Prompt.”

Step 5: Use the following commands to fix Windows boot records. If it detects Windows, press “Y” to add it to the boot list:

bootrec /rebuildbcd
bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot

Windows 10 vs. Windows 11: Both use the same commands, but Windows 11 may require additional steps like bootrec /fixboot if access is denied due to stricter UEFI settings. If it doesn’t work, move to the next fix.

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