How to Solve BCD Corruption in Windows 7

Windows 7 Boot Configuration Data (BCD) store is a database that contains boot-time configuration data. This is a firmware-independent file and is a replacement of boot.ini file used in Windows operating systems earlier to Windows Vista. Once the file get corrupted, a Windows 7 computer loses the ability to boot. Since the file is editable through command-line tool called bcdedit.exe, you can use it to overcome the Windows boot issues. But if the corruption is high or the tool doesn't work, the last alternative is to restore from a backup and/or reinstall Windows. However, while backup is unavailable, you need a Windows Data Recovery solution to recover the lost data.

Consider a practical instance of such problems. You use a Windows 7 based computer and it fails to boot prompting an error that is similar to below:

Boot manager generic failure 0x000000e
Repair Action: Boot configuration data store repair
Result: Failed. Error code = 0x490

After this error message, you cannot access the data that is stored on the hard drive.

Cause

The boot information in Windows 7 BCD store is corrupt.

Solution

To solve the above discussed issue, you need to start Windows RE (Recovery Environment) in order to run Bootrec.exe tool as follows:

Insert Windows 7 installation disc in the drive to start your computer from it
Press any key when prompted for
Specify the language, currency, input method and other options
Click 'Repair your Computer' and select the target operating system, click 'Next'


Choose 'Command Prompt' under 'System Recovery Options'
Type 'Bootrec.exe' and type ENTER

Once the tool is started, you can rebuild the BCD store using '/RebuildBcd' option. If this doesn't help, you can export the BCD using the following set of commands:

bcdedit /export C:BCD_Backup
c:
cd boot
attrib bcd -s -h -r
ren c:bootbcd bcd.old
bootrec /RebuildBcd

If the problem persists and your data remains inaccessible, restore it from backup or use a Windows Partition Recovery utility. Reinstall Windows if backup is available. A Windows Data Recovery can scan and recover the lost data safely without requiring any prior technical skills.

Stellar Phoenix Windows Data Recovery is an efficient utility that recovers data from lost, missing or damaged Windows partitions. The Windows Partition Recovery software supports Windows 7, Vista, XP, 2003, and 2000. The software is equipped with unique and powerful features like Disk Imaging, Disk Cloning, Drive Status, and more.




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