How To Fix Error 0xc0000098 Windows 10 2022: Top Full Guide

Error code 0xc0000098 is a Windows 10 error that can occur when trying to boot up your computer. This error can be caused by a number of things, but luckily there are a few ways to fix it. In this article, we’ll go over some of the most common causes of this error and how to fix them.

Symtom

This error is responsible for the error messages, alerts and warnings as well as symptoms.

Symptom: 0xc0000098 error screen on startup

The system startup procedure uses the BOOTMGR bootloader, introduced in Windows Vista and later used in Windows 8, Windows 8(.1) and Windows 10. It also uses a database of configuration options known as the BCD1. This acts as a global repository for all boot-related settings and options on all Windows PCs.

If the BCD file does not contain any operating system entries, the following error message will be displayed:

The error screen on newer Windows systems looks slightly different:

This error can also be caused by a device driver that is not compatible with your Windows system. This error can refer to a file in the File row:

Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be the
Cause. To fix the problem:

1. Insert your Windows installation disc and restart your computer.
2. Choose your language settings, and then click “Next.”
3. Click “Repair your computer.”

If you do not have this disc, contact your system administrator or computer
manufacturer for assistance.

File: \Windows\System32\Drivers\aswVmm.sys

Status: 0xc0000098

Info: Windows failed to load because a critical system driver is missing or corrupt.

Causes of 0xc0000098

One or more of these factors can cause this error.

Cause 1: BCD does not have any OS entries

This error can be caused by a BCD with no entries. This could be caused by disk write errors, power outages or boot sector viruses.

Cause 2: A driver for an incompatible hard drive is installed

A device driver that is not compatible with the current hard disk could also be a possible reason for this error. This could happen after a system upgrade or service pack installation.

How to Fix Error 0xc0000098 Windows 10

Run Startup Repair

Startup repair can fix most issues that prevent your computer from loading correctly. This is a good option to start with.

Step 1: Install a Windows Recovery Disk on your computer to boot it.

Connect the Windows recovery disc to your computer.

To enter Firmware, restart your computer.

Select the option that controls the computer’s boot sequence, then select Removable Devices to be the first boot device.

Save your changes and then boot your computer.

Tip: The Removable Devices option allows you to boot your computer using a USB drive. You should select CD-ROM Drive if you are using a Windows recovery CD. You should select Hard Drive again after you have fixed the problem.

Step 2: Continue to the next step by following the wizard. Click Repair your computer to access Windows Recovery Environment.

Step 3: Navigate To Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Repair

Check Disk

C partition errors, such as bad sectors or problematic file systems, may cause 0xc0000098 error. To fix this error, it is a good idea to run a disk scan. Also, it is easier to repair BCD files if you fix disk errors early. The following steps will help you run a disk test:

Step 1: Open Command Prompt to return to Windows Recovery Environment.

Step 2: Type the following command line: chkdsk c: /f. If errors are detected, they will be fixed automatically.

Boot BDC 0xc0000098

If none of the above options work, you can manually fix the BCD error by following these steps:

Step 1: Open the Command Prompt window within Windows Recovery Environment.

Step 2: Type the following commands one at a time. These commands should resolve the BCD error.

Bootrec /fixmbr
Bootrec /fixboot
Bootrec /scanos
Bootrec /rebuildbcd

Run SFC

You can use SFC (System File Checker) to repair corrupted system files if you are unable to rebuild BCD. The following steps will be helpful:

Step 1: Open the Command Prompt window.

Step 2: Type the following command line into your terminal: SFC/scannow

Tip: You can boot into Windows, Safe Mode, or Windows and run DISM to restore corrupted files online. Open Command Prompt and make sure you are running it as administrator. Next, type the following commands: DISM.exe/Online/Cleanup-image /Scanhealth. DISM.exe/Online/Cleanup-image /Restorehealth.

Restore or Reset PC

If none of these methods work, you might consider restoring your computer or resetting it. System restore can be used to fix specific computer issues or problems. It also allows you to restore your computer’s status from a past point in time.

Note: If you didn’t create a Windows restore point manually or enable system protection, you can’t perform this method.

Resetting your computer is another option. Factory reset your computer without losing your personal data.

Clean Installation

Users reported that they have only three options for recovering their computers: Turn off the PC, Startup Repair and Command Prompt. When they boot their computers from Windows installation media, there is no other option.

If this happens to you and you can’t solve the error code (0xc0000098), you might consider a clean install.

You should first recover data and wipe your system disk before you do this. MiniTool Partition Wizard is a great tool for partition management and data recovery. These are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Create a bootable disc of MiniTool Partition Wizard.

• A USB flash drive can be connected to a computer running normally.
• MiniTool Partition Wizard can be purchased and launched to access its main interface.
• Click Bootable Media in the toolbar.
• MiniTool plug-in allows you to click WinPE-based media.
• Select the USB Flash Drive. The USB Flash Drive will now be formatted.

Step 2: Insert this bootable disc into your computer and then boot it from the disk.

Step 3: Recover data.

• You will be able to see the MiniTool Partition Wizard open automatically after a few seconds.

• Click Data Recovery in the toolbar.
• Select a drive that is logical and click on Scan.
• You can find the files you need to recover. You can use features like Show Lost File, Filter, and Find to find files quicker. Please preview the files before saving them.
• Click on the Save button to save your files.

Step 4: Clean the system disk.

• Right-click the system disk, and select Wipe Disk from its shortcut menu.
• The pop-up window warns you that the disk contains system partitions. Click Yes to confirm.
• Select a method of wiping and click OK

Step 5: Reinstall Windows. You may need to have a Windows media installation media. The following post will provide more information:

You should also consider hardware issues if the problem persists after a clean install. It may be necessary to replace your hard drive.

System File Checker

Missing or corrupt system files can also cause error 0xc0000098. System File Checker (SFC) can help you restore missing files and fix any problems.

Step 1: Go to Command Prompt again and type the following command. Hit Enter

sfc /scannow /offbootdir=c:\ /offwindir=c:\windows

This command is slightly different from SFC /scanner because this is done so with a different installation of Windows (/offwindir=c:\windows) on a different drive (/offbootdir=c:).

Step 2: Wait for the scans to complete.

Use a Windows Reimage Tool

Reimage Windows repairs work by automatically replacing system files. Reimage Windows repairs work in a similar way to a clean Windows installation. It does not require any user data, settings, or programs to be restored. It will fix the error code 0xc0000098 without requiring a restart of your computer.

Step 1: Download and install Reimage

Step 2: Open Reimage. It may take up to 35 minutes for your computer to be analyzed. Grab a cup of coffee and relax. After the scan is complete, you can view the detailed report free of charge.

Step 3: Repair or restore corrupted files. To do this, you will need a license key. Don’t be afraid to ask for one.

Step 4: Enter your license code, and the restoration will start automatically. Reimage handles all.

Note: Click the question mark in the upper-right corner to get assistance.

Perform a clean install of Windows

If none of the above solutions worked, you could do a complete reinstall of Windows. This will fix the problem and restore your computer to its original state.

Step 1: Start from your installation media, and then select Next.

Step 2: Click Install Now > Check the I Accept box > Next > Select Custom: Install Windows only (Advanced).

Step 3: If you have multiple disks, you will only need to remove all of the partitions on the disk you wish to install Windows.

Step 4: Select Delete from the menu. Select OK when the Windows Setup notification appears.

Step 5: Repeat this process for each drive on the list, except for the one marked Unallocated Space. Once you are done, Drive 0. Unallocated space should be left.

Step 6: Choose the Next

Step 7: Windows setup screen asks you to choose your language/keyboard layout. Next, remove the external storage device from your device and click OK. This will reboot your device.

Step 8: Your device must be functioning properly right now.

You should read more How to fix Blue Screen in Windows to help you in some situations

FAQs

1. How can I fix the error 0xc0000098 on Windows 10?

• Start your computer from the setup disk (USB/DVD/CD).
• Click Repair your computer, then go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Option > Startup Repair.
• Startup Repair will scan your computer for any known problems and attempt to repair them if necessary.
• Startup Repair can be restarted if it fails.

2. What Causes Boot BCD Error?

The most common reason for this error is a corrupted or missing BCD. This could be caused by disk write errors, power outages or boot sector viruses.
Is It Safe to Rebuild BCD?

You can use your computer as usual after the BCD is rebuilt.

3. How do I fix error 0xc0000098 on surface?

CMD> bootrec /scanos.
CMD> bootrec /rebuildbcd.
CMD> bootrec /fixmbr.
CMD> bootrec /fixboot.

If after running these commands, try to boot to Surface UEFI and change the boot sequence to “USB” so that you can proceed on the Recovery Image Steps.

Conclusion

The error code 0xc0000098 is a common error message that can occur when trying to boot up your computer. This error can be caused by a number of things. We’ve pointed out the top ways to fix this error in this article. If you have any questions, feel free to leave your comments below. We’re glad to hear from you.