Error Code 0xc00000e9 Fix (Windows 7/10)

In this guide we’ll help you troubleshoot Error Code 0xc00000e9. This is a common Windows  Error that can be seen on Windows 7, Windows 10 and earlier.

If you are currently dealing with the frustrating 0xc00000e9 error when trying to turn on your computer, we will attempt to help you fixing the issue. Typically, this error is caused by a problem with your PC hardware, specifically, your HDD or your motherboard. This, however, does not mean that those are the only possible causes for the 0xc00000e9 error. Therefore, here we will suggest several possible fixes and troubleshooting methods that may help you determine what the problem is and have it solved afterwards.

Error Code 0xc00000e9 Fix

The Guide

Remove external devices

Before you try anything else, you might want to disconnect any external devices such as printers, scanners, etc fro your PC. In many cases, errors like 0xc00000e9 could be caused by a faulty device or a bad connection (cable/port). Whatever the case, it won’t hurt to try restarting normally, without any devices attached to it apart from your mouse and keyboard. If this changes nothing, then you should go and see our next suggestions

Try booting into Safe Mode

First thing you should do when trying to troubleshoot such an issue is attempt to boot your machine into Safe Mode. If the problem is not that big, you should be able to do that. From then on, you have much more options when it comes to resolving the problem. If you do not know how to access Safe Mode, here is a guide that will show you how to do it for Windows 7, 8, 8.1 and Windows 10.

Check your HDD using chkdsk

If you managed to enter Safe Mode, there is a built-in Windows option that allows you to check your hard-drive for bad sectors. If any are found, Windows will attempt to repair them. That way, if the problem is not coming from a physical damage on your HDD, it will probably be fixed. There are several ways to use the chkdsk function and the next guide will show you how to do it. Simply follow this link.

Check the PC’s SATA cables

In some cases, a loose SATA cable within your computer case might be what’s causing the issue.

1. To have that checked and fixed, you’d need to shut down your PC and carefully open its case.
2. Look for cables like the one in the image above.
3. Once you find them, take a closer look to see if any of them are loose or damaged. Try refitting them.
4. If any of the cables are damaged, buy a new one and replace the damaged cable/s.

Rearrange your boot devices

Sometimes, especially after a motherboard upgrade, your boot devices order might be messed up, resulting in the issue. Therefore, if you have recently had your computer’s motherboard upgraded or f you have altered your hardware in any given way, you might need to check your boot devices order. It’s fairly easy to fix this and in the following guide, we will show you what you need to do.

1. First, restart your computer and as soon as it starts to turn back on, start spamming the F2 button. It might be difficult to time it right so you may possibly need to restart several times until you get it.
   • Note that sometimes the key you’d need to press won’t be F2. It really depends on your computer brand and model. If F2 does not work, you can try F10 or you can search online for the insydeh20 setup utility key for your machine.

2. Once you have booted into the setup utility, use the arrow keys and navigate to the section labeled Boot. The insydeh20 setup utility interface might not always be the same but you should generally be looking for an option named Boot.        
3. Once you get there, there should be a list of boot devices. Highlight the one that has HDD in its name using the arrow keys and then move it to the top of the list with the F6 button.
4. Next, get to the Boot Mode setting and hit Enter.
5. If you are a Windows 7 or 10 user, select the Legacy option and press Enter, if you are using Windows 8, opt for UEFI.                        
6. Now, go to the Exit tab and select the Exit Saving Changes option.
7. Restart your PC normally to see if the issue has been solved.

Hard-Drive replacement

Sometimes, the problem might be physical damage to your hard drive or one that is simply badly manufactured. Whatever the case, if that is your current situation, the only way to get your PC back online is to replace the hard disk with a new one. If you have recently bought the disk, you could ask for a refund if the HDD was problematic from the moment you bought it.