Fix: Boot Configuration Data File Doesn't Contain Valid Information for an Operating System
Boot Configuration Data (BCD) file stores the data related to Windows Boot Manager. It is crucial for a Windows computer to boot up because the information in it can drive bootmgr and allow it to load the operating system in the BCD file. When the BCD is corrupted and prevents the computer from booting into the Windows system, you will receive corresponding codes and information that represent specific errors.
One of the most common scenarios is the message on your screen showing "The Boot Configuration Data file doesn't contain valid information for an operating system."
Recovery
Your PC/Device needs to be repaired
"The Boot Configuration Data file doesn't contain valid information for an operating system".
File: \BCD
Status: 0xc0000098
To repair this error, this post from Qiling will present you with 5 practical methods. Read on, and good luck.
5 Ways to Fix The Boot Configuration Data File Doesn't Contain Valid Information for an Operating System
If you are experiencing the error right now, check the 5 solutions listed below, and you might find the appropriate one to repair your Windows.
🔥Read Also: How to Fix Selected File Is Not a Proper BIOS [4 Ways]
Way 1. Perform Startup Repair
When you encounter a boot error like this, the most common solution is to run Startup Repair in the Windows Recovery Environment. It can automatically diagnose and repair certain system files that might be causing Windows to be unbootable.
Step 1. Turning your computer on and off repeatedly for three times while the logo appears. Your computer will access Automatic Repair.
Step 2. Click "Advanced options" to proceed.
Step 3. Click on "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "Startup Repair."
Step 4. Wait for the program to repair the error automatically.
If this method cannot fix the issue, try the next one. Share this post with your friends who also encountered this error and help them out.
Way 2. Rebuild the BCD File
Rebuilding BCD can usually resolve most issues that are primarily caused by a corrupted or empty BCD file. If you are a beginner who knows a little about using commands to rebuild Boot Configuration Data, I recommend you to download professional third-party software, Qiling Disk Master Professional.
This tool has a powerful feature, Boot Repair, which allows you to rebuild BCD with a friendly interface and easy steps.
Step 1. Start Qiling Disk Master after connecting the external drive/USB to your computer, go to "Tools and utilities" and click "Create bootable media".
Step 2. Select an available USB Drive or CD/DVD and click "Proceed". You can also burn the Windows ISO file to the storage media.
Step 3. Connect the created bootable drive to the new computer and reboot the computer by pressing and holding F2/Del to enter the BIOS. Then, set the WinPE bootable drive as the boot disk and press F10 to exit.
Step 4. Boot the computer again and enter the WinPE interface. Then, open Qiling Disk Master and click "Fix Boot" under the "Tools and utilities" option.
Step 5: Select the system you want to repair and click "Proceed".
Step 6. Wait a moment, and you will receive an alert that the system has been successfully repaired. Click "Finish" to complete the boot repair process.
Refer to the following guidelines to explore more available ways of rebuilding BCD:
How to Rebuild BCD in Windows 10&11
Regarding the corrupted or lost boot configuration file, this post will provide you with multiple ways of rebuilding BCD.
Although the most efficient solution is to rebuild BCD, sometimes it cannot fix the error. If you find this method unable to resolve the problem, try the next method.
Way 3. Active the Proper Partition
There is also a chance that an inactive partition can cause your Boot Configuration Data file to contain no valid information for the OS on your hard disk. Thus, you need to ensure the proper partition is active. Follow the below steps to set the proper partition active.
Step 1. Turning your computer on and off repeatedly for three times while the logo appears. Your computer will access Automatic Repair.
Step 2. Click "Advanced options" to proceed.
Step 3. Click on "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "Command Prompt".
Step 4. Successively input the commands below and hit "Enter" each time.
- diskpart
- list disk
- select disk 0 (replace 0 with the Windows system drive number)
- list partition
- select partition 3 (replace 3 with the number of the partition where the system files are)
- active
- exit
After inputting these commands, you should restart your computer and see if the error is corrected.
Way 4. Run a SFC and CHKDSK Scan
The CHKDSK command line and System file checker can also be able to resolve the issue by scanning and repairing system files. To run the SFC and CHKDSK commands and fix the corrupted file system, you need to run Command Prompt from the Windows Recovery Environment.
Step 1. Turning your computer on and off repeatedly for three times while the logo appears. Your computer will access Automatic Repair.
Step 2. Click "Advanced options" to proceed.
Step 3. Click on "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "Command Prompt".
Step 4. Type in sfc /scannow /offbootdir=C:\ /offwindir=C:\Windows\ and hit "Enter".
Step 5. When the SFC scan is complete, type chkdsk /r /f c: and hit "Enter" to run the command.
Note: Replace C with the Windows drive if your OS is installed on another drive.
These command lines can examine and repair multiple hard drive problems that might be preventing your computer from starting up and sending you this message.
Do not forget to share this comprehensive and detailed article on your social media!
Way 5. Reset Your PC
If you can't fix the error after trying all the above methods, you are left with one choice - reset your PC. Before you execute this, you'd better create a WinPE bootable disk and back up your personal files. After this, you can follow the listed steps to reset your computer.
Step 1. Press "F11" when your computer is booting up to get into the Windows RE.
Step 2. Click "Troubleshoot > Reset this PC".
Step 3. Select "Keep my files" or "Remove everything", and go through the on-screen guide to finish the process.
- Notice:
- Although you are allowed to keep personal files like photos, videos, documents, etc., the installed apps and drivers will be removed from your computer.
If you encounter the error "Unable to Reset PC. A required drive partition is missing.", this article and see if there are solutions.
[Fixed] Unable to Reset Your PC. A Required Drive Partition Is Missing
On this page, we'll explain what causes Windows unable to reset your PC, and how to fix this issue without losing any data, and enable you to reset your PC successfully. Read more >>
Main Causes For Boot Configuration Data File Doesn't Contain Valid Information Error
There are many reasons why your computer is getting the message "Boot Configuration Data File Doesn't Contain Valid Information". Here are the two most common causes for this issue.
- The BCD doesn't contain valid entries. This is mainly caused by inappropriate manual BCD configuring, disk-write errors, malware infections, unexpected power outages, and boot sector issues.
- The driver for the hard drive is incompatible. This usually happens after you install an incompatible new service pack or upgrade an inappropriate version of the system, which can result in the troublesome error.
Here are other issues related to BCD that you may be interested in:
Conclusion
"The Boot Configuration Data file doesn't contain valid information for an operating system" is a common error in Windows computers. It's primarily caused by damaged BCD or incompatible drivers. If the error keeps coming back, you might want to check your hard drive health, as it may need upgrading. Or, it's resulted from a damaged RAM stick.
In most cases, with the help of Qiling Disk Master, which provides multiple powerful features, you can easily and safely repair the error and bring your PC back to the previous normal state. Download it and fix your computer ASAP!
FAQs on The Boot Configuration Data File Doesn't Contain Valid Information for an Operating System
If you still have other questions related to the Boot Configuration Data file doesn't contain valid information for an operating system, the information below might be able to help you.
1. What is 0xc0000098 Boot Configuration Data file doesn't contain valid information?
0xc0000098 is code that represents a BSOD error that usually happens after you clone the OS or upgrade the computer to Windows 10. This problem is mainly caused by two issues: The BCD has no entry or an incompatible hard drive driver.
2. How do I fix error code 0xc0000098 on Windows 10?
You can fix this error by trying these methods:
- Run Startup Repair Tool
- Rebuild the BCD File
- Run a CHKDSK and SFC Scan
- Active the Proper Partition
- Reset This PC
3. Why can't the Startup Repair repair my PC?
This might be caused by a virus or malware, incompatible programs, incorrect BIOS settings, hardware component failure, outdated drivers, etc. They could all be the factors that prevent your Startup Repair from working normally.
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