0xc0000001: Fix for Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10

0xc0000001: Fix for Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10

 

 

 

About the “0xc0000001” error

The following information on this error has been compiled by TechTubeTN Technologies, based on the information gathered and reported by our global network of engineers, developers, and technicians or partner organizations.

 

Description and Symptoms

The error messages, alerts, warnings, and symptoms below are tied to this error.

Symptom 1: 0xc0000001 error screen on startup

The 0xc0000001 error can be caused by a wide variety of causes, with the most common one being system file corruption, or damaged memory. Alternatively, this error can also be caused by a missing or damaged SAM(Security Account Manager) system file.

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. 

Status: 0xc0000001 

Info: A required device isn't connected or can't be accessed.

On newer system, another error screen is displayed instead:

Windows Recovery Environment

Your PC couldn't start properly

A required device isn't connected or can't be accessed.

Error code: 0xc0000001

You'll need to use the recovery tool on your installation media. If you don't

 have any installation media like disc or USB devices, contact your system 

administrator or PC manufacturer.

Press Enter to try again
Press F8 for alternate boot options

Note that the exact error message may vary from case to case, but the error code for this error is always “0xc0000001”.
Alternatively, you may also see an error message right after Windows loads:

Security Accounts Manager initialization failed because of the following error: 

A device attached to the system is not functioning. Error Status: 0xc0000001. 

Please click OK to shut down this system and reboot into Safe Mode, check event 

log for more detailed information.

Causes of this Error

This error has been known to occur as a result of one or more of the following:

Cause 1: SAM file is damaged

The SAM(Security Accounts Manager) file stores the user credentials data and is essential to Windows booting process. If that file is missing or corrupt, then the boot process is halted.

Cause 2: System files are damaged

Sometimes, this error may occur when the key boot-related system files become damaged because of disk write error, power outages or virus attacks.

Cause 3: File system integrity compromised

Alternatively, this error appears when the whole file system gets damaged on a grander scale for the same reasons.

Cause 4: RAM is damaged

In the worst case scenario, the PC’s memory could be permanently damaged.