Optiplex 790 boot configuration error 0xc000014c

Question

When turning on pc went directly into blue screen with a boot configuration error. It did reboot and I was able to F12 into the Bios settings, what should I be looking for? Why is the configuration all of a sudden not recognized? TIA

bradthetechnut · Accepted Answer

There's this on Google: https://www.google.com/search?q=error+0xc000014c&client=ms-android-americamovil-us-revc&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8#ip=1

Best bet is to reload with DVD. I've never had any luck with blue screens and any of the options they give other than to reload. I don't know if it gave you any options or not. Hopefully all important files were already backed up outside of PC.

BIOS should be on UEFI and AHCI when loading. You can try other settings if you still want to attempt to recover, like Legacy, but I don't think that'll bring it back. Screengrabs below:

Screen Shot 21.jpg

Do not choose "Disabled" for SATA Operation.

When loading from a DVD, when it asks for a product key, it should let you choose "I do not have a product key," and it'll continue loading. You'll still have to activate online. Product key should already be embedded in BIOS.

It's a good time to replace size 2032 CMOS battery if it's 5+ years old.

It doesn't hurt to load on a new HDD/SSD in case it was a failure there. If you were using an HDD, an SSD will speed up certain things up nicely.

If you create Windows media installation, like make a bootable flash drive or DVD, you'd have to do that on another PC.

JOcean · Answer

It could be corrupt Windows files. This web page or this one should help. Just curious do you shutdown the system from start or just turn it off?

Jude14352 · Answer

Also. if I am unable to reboot, how do I create a windows media installation?  I'm in the Bios settings now, but if I get out of that itll just reboot back to the blue screen

Jude14352 · Answer

I usually just put it to sleep, but if I do shutdown it would be through start, ive learned the hard way about just powering down!

Jude14352 · Answer

I've downloaded the windows install on a USB flash drive, just to make sure though...the pc should be off and the USB in slot and then turn it on? Am I correct?

bradthetechnut · Answer

I've never loaded OS from flash drive.  I'd still try it with flash drive inserted first before turning on PC.  That's because every time PC is turned on, BIOS hunts for a bootable drive.

Jude14352 · Answer

So I downloaded the windows installation media on a flash drive from another pc. I put into the problematic pc and started it up. It came up with a black screen that said hard-drive was undetected, and listed 3 options F1, F2, or F5....none of those options took me to a screen so I could troubleshoot and install windows!! Now what??? I'm hoping there's a way to bypass this so I can clear drive and start anew, I'm crossing my fingers.  I know this has something to do with windows updates cause the issues  started on the same day! Help!

bradthetechnut · Answer

Were instructions followed to make the flash drive bootable and is it formatted to FAT32?

From what I understand from this forum, it isn't just downloading Windows, but making the flash drive bootable first.

If you did those things already, I'm at a loss. But we also have others including Rockstars.

Well, at a loss except for one thing. Try using the DVD I linked. You might even find it on Amazon with faster shipping.

People occasionally have problems with downloaded ISO's. But never or rarely a problem loading from DVD that I know of.

I suppose the downloaded media didn't even get as far as letting you wipe the drive first before starting installation?

bradthetechnut · Answer

Looks like newegg is the best option for the DVD.  I didn't find it on Amazon except expensive with product key.

Optiplex Desktops

Optiplex 790 boot configuration error 0xc000014c

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