Long-time Windows users are aware that most Windows errors occur once you’ve booted the computer. But, some errors may appear during the boot process and after logging in as well.
The “an unexpected I/O error has occurred (0xc00000e9)” is one such error. As its name implies, the error is usually caused by a malfunctioning I/O device, like a keyboard or mouse. A corrupted system file can also cause this error.
Luckily, there are multiple ways to fix this error on your PC:
The first step you should take when trying to diagnose this error is to ensure that all hardware is properly connected. Check for any damaged ports or loosely connected hardware.
There are multiple ways to check whether the 0xc00000e9 error is caused by a hardware malfunction:
Most errors in Windows can be traced back to an outdated or unstable driver. The unexpected I/O error is no exception. All I/O devices connected to your computer interact with Windows using drivers. So, it’s essential to keep these drivers updated.
Related: How to Find and Replace Outdated Windows Drivers
You can manually update these drivers using the Device Manager utility:
While outdated drivers usually cause driver malfunctions, it is also possible that a new driver update has some compatibility issues with Windows.
If the error appeared after you updated the system drivers or downloaded a Windows update, it might be worth your while to roll back those changes and check for the error again.
Sometimes, Windows files can get corrupted due to malware or third-party applications. This results in many blue screen errors, including the I/O error in question. Fortunately, there are quite a few in-built utilities that can automatically detect and fix these files.
System File Checker (SFC) and Check Disk (CHKDSK) are two such utilities. SFC scans and repairs any missing or corrupt Windows files, while CHKDSK checks for any disk-related errors on your computer.
Related: What Is the Difference Between CHKDSK, SFC, and DISM in Windows 10
Running both these utilities is the best way to ensure your computer is working in its ideal state.
It is important to add the /f /r /x parameters at the end of the chkdsk command because, without them, the utility will just scan for errors but not repair them.
This is an advanced troubleshooting method that should be used when none of the aforementioned methods work.
Also, use this method only if the I/O error appears during the boot process and you haven’t yet reached the login screen.
Sometimes, the Windows volume boot code can become corrupt or associate with another bootloader instead of the default BOOTMGR. This results in many booting errors, including the 0x00000e9 error.
If you’re using a properly configured Windows Defender or third-party antivirus software, it is unlikely that your computer has been infected by malware.
However, if none of the methods outlined above are helping, it is advisable to scan your computer for malware.
While the process is different for every third-party antivirus solution, in most cases, you can just right-click on the antivirus icon in the system tray and click on Scan.
Using the procedures outlined above, you can easily resolve the unexpected I/O error without damaging your Windows 10 PC.
Frequent blue screen errors can also be a sign of a failing hard drive. It’s better to catch these symptoms early so that you can back up your data.
Is your hard drive going bad? Here are some simple ways to check whether your hard drive is failing (and how to save or recover your data when it is).
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About The Author
Manuviraj Godara
(107 Articles Published)
Manuviraj is a Features Writer at MakeUseOf and has been writing about video games and technology for over two years. He is an avid gamer who also spends his free time burning through his favourite music albums and reading.
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