Windows 8 Pro cannot boot - Error 0xC000021a

Anonymous
2012-11-25T18:10:13+00:00

Hi

I upgraded my son's laptop from Windows 7 to Windows 8 Pro. I has been working fine for a few weeks. But now when booting It halts iwth the error code 0xc000021a. I have tried the following options

Refresh - this fails with the error 0xc000021a

System Restore - this fails with 0xc000021a

Safe mode boot does not work

I can start the cmd console

Any suggestions as to how to proceed?

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Performance and system failures

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-07-30T10:50:31+00:00

    I have reset SEVERAL times and the problem reoccurs, and the problem wont let me refresh or system restrore. I am SOOOOOO tired of resetting my laptop

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  2. Anonymous
    2013-07-30T10:47:32+00:00

    Im having the same issue, I have a brand new HP Ultrabook that already had windows 8 installed. I have had several issues recently though. Everytime having the code 0xC000021a, I have reset my laptop several times and im am so tired of doing this and its driving me insane. It told me something about fixing a disc drive (which I don't have, I have to get a usb plugged in disc drive to download discs). If someone could give an up to date Windows 8 answer that would be great, since all I find is windows xp fixes. And again I had windows 8 already on my laptop when bought, so I don't think it has anything to do with upgrading from windows 7, at least for me

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  3. Anonymous
    2013-01-27T06:38:59+00:00

    you don't have to be logged in to boot with "signatures off mode".

    when your PC is starting to boot, press F8 and a menu will be shown to you with some items. then select the option with name "bla bla bla Signatures disabled".

    that would be OK.

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  4. Anonymous
    2013-01-08T18:10:05+00:00

    How big was the memory on the USB? And does it absolutely HAVE to be a USB? I have an external CD/DVD drive. Could I just use a DVD and backup everything on there?

    Thanks.

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  5. Anonymous
    2013-01-08T15:51:54+00:00

    Hi,

    I sent the Laptop in and got the DVD drive repaired. This allowed me to reinstall W8. Now everything is working.

    If you can get to the CMD prompt, as was the case for me, you might want to try to backup your files to a USB stick or USB drive. Then reinstall.

    Hope this helps

    John

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