Solved Cannot refresh or reinstall Windows - winload.efi error

[Navishominem]

Hi,

I have a problem with my laptop and it's been suggested that I should try refreshing Windows. But when I try, I get an error:

Your PC needs to be repaired.

The application or operating system couldn't be loaded because a required file is missing or contains errors.

File: \windows\system32\winload.efi

Error code: 0xc000000d​

I've also tried a factory reinstall and restoring from a recovery USB drive, but get the same message every time. A normal boot into Windows works fine.

Is there any way to refresh or reinstall Windows without using UEFI?

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[lmaneke]

Yes, but I would advise not to install Windows in a Non UEFI environment, as the laptop is optimized in UEFI.

Your recovery media has only the files required to do a recovery in UEFI mode. What this means is that the Recovery media you have is corrupt if you are having this error.

During a Refresh, it takes your Installation files from either a Windows Installation Disk, or recovery image to refresh the PC. If it is wanting to do a refresh, its a corrupt Windows Image, or possible failing hardware.

What you will need to do is download a new install media from Microsoft to repair your computer. It will work with your current product key that is in your BIOS

Create installation media for Windows 8.1 - Windows Help

Note: You will need to know what version of Windows 8.1 was installed on your computer. Most laptops come with Windows 8.1 x64.

Install the media creation tool, and it will ask you which install media you would like to download

Download Windows 8.1 - Not the pro version "Unless you are sure it is the pro version"

Download 64-Bit software

Burn it to a DVD, or save it to a USB Flash drive that is at least 4 GB

Hope this helps.

Sounds like bad recovery media to me, or possible failing Hard drive.

 

[Navishominem]

Thanks for your help. Since the machine's still under warranty I obtained installation media from the manufacturer and that worked fine.