The 0x0000007B error indicates Windows cannot access the boot device during startup. To fix it, check the storage controller mode, run Startup Repair, run SFC & CHKDSK, repair the boot configuration, clear the CMOS, and back up data and reinstall Windows.
What Causes the BSOD 0x0000007B?
The 0x0000007B error, also known as INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE, is a common Windows BSOD that can occur in Windows 7/8/10/11. It means Windows has lost access to the system partition during startup.
Various factors can trigger this error, including:
- Misconfigured SATA controller modes
- Incompatible, corrupted, or outdated storage controller drivers
- Damaged Master Boot Record (MBR) or Boot Configuration Data (BCD)
- File system or disk errors
- Corrupted system files
How to Fix the BSOD 0x0000007B?
Method 1: Restart Your PC
When you encounter the stop error code 0x0000007B, there is a message showing on the screen: “If this is the first time you’ve seen this Stop error screen, restart your computer.” Therefore, restarting your computer may help you to get rid of the error.
Sometimes, the error 0x0000007B may be just a fluke so that your computer failed to boot correctly. Thus, you give the chance to your PC to boot correctly by rebooting your PC. But if this doesn’t work, then you can try the following methods.
Method 2: Check Recent Hardware Changes
The 0x0000007B error may appear after installing a new drive or storage controller.
In this case, shut down the computer and disconnect the recently added hardware. Then restart Windows and check if the error is resolved.
If the issue is related to your drive, its firmware may not be compatible with the system. Visit the manufacturer’s website and download the latest firmware version for an update.
Method 3: Change the Hard Disk Controller Option
Misconfigured SATA controller modes can prevent Windows from loading the correct storage driver. Check the settings in BIOS/UEFI.
Step 1: Restart the PC and press Delete, F2, F12, Esc, or a key specified by the manufacturer to enter BIOS/UEFI.
Step 2: Locate STA Configuration, Storage Configuration, or SATA Operation.
Step 3: Change the setting from RAID or IDE to AHCI or vice versa.
Step 4: Save the changes and boot the computer.
After changing the hard disk controller option, the 0x0000007B error may disappear.
Method 4: Run the System File Checker Tool
Sometimes, missing or corrupted system files could be the culprit of the 0x0000007B error, therefore, you are supposed to run the System File Checker tool. Here is the tutorial:
Step 1: Boot your computer into Safe Mode. Type cmd in the Search bar and then right-click Command Prompt to choose Run as administrator.
Step 2: Type sfc /scannow and press the Enter key.
Step 3: Let the System File Checker finish and then restart your computer to see if the 0x0000007B error is gone.
Method 5: Run the CHKDSK Tool
If running the SFC tool doesn’t work, then you should try to use the built-in Windows CHKDSK tool to scan the disk. Here is the instruction to run the CHKDSK tool:
Step 1: In Windows Safe Mode, run Command Prompt as an administrator.
Step 2: Type chkdsk c: /r in the window and then press the Enter key. (c is the letter of the drive where you save your system).
Step 3: Restart your computer to make the command take effect and then check if the error happens again.
Method 6: Run the System Restore
If you have created a system restore point, then you can run System Restore to get rid of the 0x0000007B error. System Restore is a powerful utility for Windows that allows you to undo certain changes to your computer and revert to a previous normal state.
If you want to get detailed instructions to run the System Restore, then it is recommended to read this post – What Is System Restore Point and How to Create It? Look Here!
Method 7: Repair MBR and BCD
A corrupted Master Boot Record (MBR) or Boot Configuration Data (BCD) can prevent Windows from accessing the system drive. To fix the 0x0000007B error, repair these boot files.
Step 1: Boot your computer to Windows RE, and then navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
Step 2: Type the following commands one by one if you are using Windows 8/10:
- bootrec /fixmbr
- bootrec /fixboot
- bootrec /scanos
- bootrec /rebuildbcd
Method 8: Run Start-up/Automatic Repair
You can also perform the Start-up Repair to deal with the stop error code 0x0000007B. Here is the tutorial:
Step 1: Boot your computer to Windows RE, click Troubleshoot and then click Advanced options.
Step 2: On the Advanced options screen, click Automatic Repair or Start-up Repair.
Step 3: Let the process finish and then reboot your computer to check if the error is fixed.
Method 9: Clear the CMOS
You may meet the error code 0x0000007B due to the BIOS memory issue, therefore, you can clear the CMOS to get rid of the error. And if this method still cannot solve the problem, then you should try the following methods.
Method 10: Perform a Clean Installation of Windows
If none of the above methods can resolve the 0x0000007B INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE error, reinstalling Windows may be necessary.
A clean installation removes the existing Windows installation and installs a fresh copy. Before reinstalling Windows, back up your important files first to avoid data loss.
Back up Your Important Files
Designed for Windows, MiniTool ShadowMaker supports file/folder/system/disk/partition backup and restore. It can also help you back up important data even when Windows fails to boot.
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Step 1: Launch MiniTool ShadowMaker, activate it on a working PC, and click Media Builder to create bootable media.
Step 2: Boot the unbootable PC from that bootable drive.
Step 3: Go to Backup > SOURCE > Folders and Files and choose the files you need to back up.
Step 4: Select a target drive under DESTINATION.
Step 5: Click Back Up Now.
Reinstall Your System
After backing up all the important data on your computer, then you can try to reinstall your operating system. Now follow the instructions below to do that:
Step 1: Download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft on a USB flash drive with at least 8 GB storage space and then create a USB bootable drive using this tool.
Step 2: Insert the USB bootable drive to your computer and then boot your computer from the USB (change the boot order).
Step 3: Click Install Now and then follow the onscreen instructions to perform a clean installation.
You can read this post – How to Install Windows 10 on a New Hard Drive (with Pictures) to get detailed instructions.
After you reinstall your system, the 0x0000007B should have disappeared.
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Bottom Line
Although it is frustrating to meet the stop error code 0x0000007B when you boot your computer, you don’t need to worry about it too much because this pot has offered 11methods for you. And if you have any confusion about the methods or have better advice, then you can leave a comment below or send an email to [email protected].
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