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How do I fix error code: 0xc000014c?

Alton Alexander
By Alton AlexanderUpdated on June 4th, 2022

The 0xc000014c error code typically occurs when the Windows boot loader is unable to access the boot partition due to a corrupted Boot Configuration Data (BCD) store. The BCD is a store that contains boot configuration parameters used by the Windows boot loader. When the boot loader is unable to access the BCD, it is unable to load Windows, and the 0xc000014c error code is displayed.

There are a few reasons why the BCD store might become corrupted. One common cause is a faulty hard drive. If the hard drive is failing, it may not be able to properly store or retrieve data, which can lead to corruptions in the BCD. Another possible cause is a virus or other malware infection. Malware can sometimes damage or delete critical system files, including the BCD store.

If you see the 0xc000014c error code, it's important to take action to fix the problem. Otherwise, you won't be able to boot into Windows and use your computer. One way to try to fix the issue is to use the Bootrec.exe tool. This tool is included with Windows and can be used to repair damaged or missing boot files, including the BCD store.

Another potential solution is to use a Windows installation disc or USB drive to access the Windows Recovery Environment. From here, you can use the Command Prompt to run the Bootrec.exe tool or try to manually repair the BCD store. If all else fails, you may need to reinstall Windows to fix the 0xc000014c error code.

1. Reboot your computer and try again

Reboot your computer and press F8 immediately after the BIOS screen displays. From the Advanced Boot Options menu, select Repair Your Computer. In the list of options, select the option to Restart your computer to continue with the repair process. If the error code still persists, restart your computer and try the fix again.

2. Run the Windows System File Checker tool

  1. Open the Windows System File Checker tool.
  2. Click on the "Start" button, type "cmd" into the search box, and press Enter.
  3. Type "sfc /scannow" and press Enter.
  4. If the system finds any issues with the files on the system, it will display a list of error codes.
  5. Look for "0xc000014c" and fix any issues that are listed.

3. Run the Windows Memory Diagnostics tool

To run the Windows Memory Diagnostics tool, you must first open the Windows command prompt. To open the Windows command prompt, click on the Start button, type in cmd, and press ENTER. Once the Windows command prompt is open, you can use the following command to run the Windows Memory Diagnostics tool: memtest.exe To run the Windows Memory Diagnostics tool, you must first open the Windows command prompt. To open the Windows command prompt, click on the Start button, type in cmd, and press ENTER. Once the Windows command prompt is open, you can use the following command to run the Windows Memory Diagnostics tool: memtest.exe /test-mode To run the Windows Memory Diagnostics tool, you must first open the Windows command prompt. To open the Windows command prompt, click on the Start button, type in cmd, and press ENTER. Once the Windows command prompt is open, you can use the following command to run the Windows Memory Diagnostics tool: memtest.exe /test-mode /size-max=10G

4. Check for hard disk errors

  1. Boot your computer and enter the BIOS.
  2. If the hard drive is a Dell, HP, Lenovo, or other brand, check to see if your hard drive is recognized by the BIOS. If it is not, you may need to set your BIOS to recognize the hard drive.
  3. If the hard drive is a Western Digital, Seagate, or other brand, check to see if your hard drive has a bootable partition. If it doesn’t, you may need to install a bootable hard drive utility.
  4. Check the hard drive for errors using a diagnostic tool.
  5. Fix any errors found.

5. Update your drivers

  1. Right click on the device that is having the error and select Update Driver
  2. Choose Browse my computer for driver software
  3. Select the appropriate driver from the list and click Next
  4. Choose the location of the driver software and click Next
  5. Choose the driver package to be installed and click Next
  6. Review the information on the screen and click Finish
  7. Restart your computer

If you didn't find success with an option above, then try:

  1. Install the latest Windows updates.
  2. Try running your program in compatibility mode.
  3. Disable or remove any third-party security software.
  4. Restore your computer to an earlier point in time.