When the boot prompt is "Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt", 1. You can run bootrec /fixmbr, bootrec /fixboot, bootrec /rebuildbcd through the Windows installation media; 2. Check the hard disk connection or use CrystalDiskInfo to detect the health status of the hard disk; 3. If there is a dual system, you can use the bootrec command to rebuild the boot or manually add the boot items; 4. Use PE environment to kill viruses and combine DISM and SFC tools to repair the system files, and in most cases, the system boot can be restored.

When you boot up, you encounter the prompt "Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt". You can basically confirm that there is a problem with the system boot file. Don't panic. Although this situation seems scary, it can be fixed most of the time through some basic operations.

Here are some common reasons and corresponding solutions that can help you determine where to start:

1. System files are corrupt or lost

The most common reasons for this problem are that critical system startup files (such as ntoskrnl.exe or other core system files) are corrupted, lost, or disks have bad channels, resulting in failed reading.

You can try:

• Insert the Windows installation USB disk or CD and enter "Repair Computer"
• Go to "Troubleshooting → Advanced Options → Command Prompt"
• Execute the following command:
  • bootrec /fixmbr
  • bootrec /fixboot
  • bootrec /rebuildbcd

These commands attempt to repair the main boot record, boot sector, and rebuild the BCD (boot configuration data).

2. Hard disk connection or hardware problems

Sometimes it is not because the system itself is broken, but because the hard disk is poorly contacted, the SATA cable is loose, and even the hard disk begins to age and there are bad blocks.

Suggested troubleshooting steps:

• Re-plug and unplug the hard drive cable after shutdown
• Try changing to a SATA interface
• If it is an SSD, check whether it can still be recognized in the BIOS
• Use tools to check the health status of the hard disk (such as CrystalDiskInfo)

Especially for desktop users, this kind of physical connection problem is not uncommon, and it is much more reliable to check it out manually than guessing it.

3. Dual system boot conflict (if you have Linux or multiple Windows versions installed)

If you have installed dual systems before, especially Linux, GRUB boot may overwrite Windows boot, or the boot information is inconsistent after updating the system.

Solution:

• Enter the command prompt using Windows installation media
• Run the bootrec command mentioned above again
• If the system is not recognized, you may need to manually add a boot item

This situation often occurs in users who are struggling with the system, and it is not difficult to repair, but you just have to be a little patient.

4. Boot damage caused by viruses or abnormal shutdown

Sudden power outage, forced shutdown, or hitting certain malware may also damage the system boot files.

Coping strategies:

• Scan the hard disk for viruses in PE environment
• Try using DISM tool for system image repair
  • DISM /Image:C:\ /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
• Then run SFC scan (even if you can't enter the system, you can mount the mirror to process it)

This kind of situation is relatively rare, but once it occurs, it is necessary to pay attention to backup and anti-virus.

Basically, these common reasons and corresponding operations. When encountering this error, don’t rush to reinstall the system. Check it in order first. In most cases, you can save it. If all the above methods have not been done yet, you may have to consider whether there is a problem with the hard disk or reinstalling the system.

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