“When I start my computer, it says error code 0xc0000185, and then it doesn’t go any further. You don’t want to reinstall Windows. What should you do?”

Problem

A blue screen of death (BSoD) appears with Error Code 0xc0000185 when the computer starts. The computer will not boot into Windows.

Reason

The computer cannot access the partition or drive containing Windows due to the partition or boot files’ loss.

Overcome

Here are some ways you can fix the BSoD Error Code 0xc0000185 problem.

Repair your computer using Windows Media

This feature automatically scans and fixes many problems that may cause Windows to stop working.

  1. Insert a Windows 8 or 8 installation disc or recovery disc.
  2. Boot from disc to access the installation screen
  3. On the Windows Setup screen, click Next.

  4. Click on Repair your computer

    Sua ma loi 0xc0000185 khi khoi dong Windows 8/ 8.1

  5. In the Advanced Startup options, click Troubleshoot.
  6. Click Advanced options and select Automatic Repair.

This should solve most of the common problems. If it does not resolve your issue, then follow the next procedure.

Check your computer’s hard drive connection

As we mentioned, error code 0xc0000185 usually occurs due to a loose wire entering the hard drive. The only way to confirm and fix this is by accessing the hard drive and reconnecting or tightening the wires manually.

This can be done by opening your desktop’s cover, or if your one laptop; then you will probably need to find your laptop “service manual”. You should be able to find PDFs for your laptop if you search online. It will show you how to open your particular laptop safely. You should also check other cables while you are there.

Run the Chkdsk command

  1. Press Windows + X >   Click Command Prompt (Admin)
  2. In the Command Prompt window, type chkdsk / R > press Enter.

More Commands To help start Windows properly.

These commands fix the boot files that indicate the operating system is located on the computer. Checking that they are not corrupt, damaged, or missing resolves many Windows boot related problems. Try these commands in the command prompt.

  1. Press Windows + X >   Click Command Prompt (Admin)
  2. In the Command Prompt window, type command> press Enter.
  • Bootrec / scanos
     It scans for Windows installed on the hard drive. This is useful when the boot manager doesn’t list all available Windows installations.
  • Bootrec / fixmbr
     It writes the Master Boot Record (MBR) on the system partition without rewriting the partition table.
  • Bootrec / fixboot
     It writes a new boot sector on the system partition to replace a corrupt boot sector that could cause boot problems.
  • Bootrec / RebuildBcd
     It also replaces bootable files to fix errors caused by corrupt files.

Use PC Refresh to Fix Windows 8

If none of this worked for you, you should use the Computer Refresh feature in Windows 8 to do a quick reinstallation of Windows.

  1. Insert a Windows 8 or 8 installation disc or recovery disc.
  2. Boot from disc to access the installation screen
  3. On the Windows Setup screen, click Next.
  4. Click on Repair your computer.
  5. In the Advanced Startup options, click Troubleshoot.
  6. Click Refresh your PC

Install Windows 8 / 8.1

If that doesn’t work, then you can install Windows 8 / 8.1 from scratch.

Use Reset computer to Fix Windows 8

If that doesn’t even work, then use the computer reset feature in Windows 8.

  1. Insert a Windows 8 or 8 installation disc or recovery disc.
  2. Boot from disc to access the installation screen
  3. On the Windows Setup screen, click Next.
  4. Click on Repair your computer.
  5. In the Advanced Startup options, click Troubleshoot.
  6. Click Reset your PC