The Boot Configuration Data (BCD) is a critical file in the Windows operating system that helps it start up correctly. If this file becomes corrupted or damaged, Windows will not boot properly. Fortunately, there are several command line utilities that can be used to repair the BCD and get your computer running again. Let’s take a look at how. Learn What Command Line Utility Can Be Used to Repair the Bcd on a Windows Installation?
What Command Line Utility Can Be Used to Repair the Bcd on a Windows Installation?
- Bootrec Utility – The first command line utility is bootrec. This utility can be used to rebuild the BCD and fix any missing or corrupted files within it. To use this utility, you first need to access the Advanced Boot Options menu by pressing F8 before Windows boots up. From here, select “Repair Your Computer” and then open a command prompt window. Now type “bootrec /fixmbr” followed by “bootrec /fixboot” and then “bootrec /scanos”. This should repair any missing or corrupted files in the BCD.
- bcdedit Utility – The second command line utility is bcdedit. This utility can be used to view, configure, modify, and delete entries from the BCD store directly from the command line interface (CLI). To use this utility, open a command prompt window and type “bcdedit /enum all” to list all of your current BCD settings. You can then use other bcdedit commands such as “bcdedit /set {default} bootems yes” to enable/disable specific features or settings within the BCD store.
- dism Utility – The third command line utility is dism (Deployment Image Servicing and Management). This utility can be used to mount an ISO image of your Windows installation media in order to access the necessary files needed for repairs (such as drivers). To use this utility, you must first download an ISO image of your current version of Windows onto another computer with internet access and then copy it over to your own computer using a USB drive or other removable storage device. Once you have done that, open a command prompt window and type “dism /mount-wim <path_to_iso> <mount_dir>” where <path_to_iso> is the path of your ISO image file and <mount_dir> is where you want it mounted on your computer (e.g., C:\Windows\Temp\Mount). Once mounted, use dism commands such as “dism /image:<mount_dir> /cleanup-image /restorehealth” to repair any corrupt files within your installation media image before unmounting it with “dism /unmount-wim <mounted_directory>.
Conclusion
Using these three utilities—bootrec, bcdedit, and dism—you should be able to repair any corruptions or damage found within your Boot Configuration Data (BCD) file on a Windows installation without having to reinstall Windows from scratch! Just remember that when using these utilities you should always exercise caution as making any incorrect changes could potentially render your system inoperable! So if you ever find yourself facing issues related to your BCD file on a Windows installation, give one of these three powerful command line utilities a try – they just might save you some time!