The error code 0xc0000185 almost always appears when a Windows PC boots, usually after a system reboot. It almost always presents as a BSOD error or blue screen of death, with the words “The Boot Configuration Data for your PC is missing or contains certain errors” followed by an error code.
The message may also say, “Your PC needs to be repaired. The Boot Configuration Data file is missing some required information“. This error is easily fixed in most cases. Although it is most commonly found on Windows 10, this error also appears on Windows 8.1 and Windows 7.
Cause of error code 0xc0000185
The error code 0xc0000185 is caused by corrupted files related to the boot function of Windows PCs. Certain files that have been deleted or corrupted in some way, or something as innocuous as a faulty shutdown or a new peripheral, can be the cause of this error.
This can also be the result of malware or faulty hardware, and this error is just a symptom of a developing problem.
How to fix error code 0xc0000185
Whether this error is the main problem affecting your system or there is another serious problem that this error only suggests, you cannot fix anything until the PC is back up and running.
Note:
After you’ve tried each of these fixes, reboot the system and see if it boots properly. If not, move on to the next solution.
1. Restart the computer
A standard reboot isn’t very likely to fix this particular problem, but it’s still worth a shot, as it’s harmless. Windows will fix this in the boot sequence.
2. Rebuild BCD
If this error persists, rebuilding the Boot Configuration Data file is a great next step to take. Access the Advanced Startup Options menu to get started.
3. Rebuild BCD with bootable media
Sometimes Windows startup problems are difficult to fix because you can’t access the repair tools you need to use. While you can use another Windows installation drive, a simpler method is to create and use a Windows 10 bootable USB. To create an ISO, download the Windows ISO (for free) from one of Microsoft’s sources, then create a bootable USB.
When done, rebuild the BCD in Windows like you probably did in the previous troubleshooting step, but this time, boot to the USB and not the main drive.
4. Perform a system restore
If repairing the BCD does not fix the problem, a more drastic approach is to restore the system to an earlier point in time. Using System Restore can erase apps and data, so if possible, back up anything important to a secondary drive before proceeding. However, as you cannot boot into Windows properly, you will need to run the recovery option from the Advanced Startup Options menu.
5. Format the partition and reinstall Windows
If you’re still having trouble starting your PC after completing the steps above, format the drive and reinstall Windows. Back up any important information on the drive, as this will wipe the drive.
Reference:
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