Bootrec Fixboot Access Denied: Troubleshooting Guide

Experiencing the “Bootrec Fixboot Access Denied” error message on your Windows system can be quite a headache. But don’t worry, we’re here to help with our detailed troubleshooting guide. We’ll provide user-friendly solutions to tackle this issue, so you can have your computer up and running in no time.

From understanding the root causes to exploring various fixes, we’ll walk you through every step of the process to regain access and resolve this common Windows boot error. Let’s dive in and get your system back on track!

Use GPT Drive

GPT stands for GUID Partition Table and has been designed to replace the traditional Master Boot Record (MBR) partitioning scheme used in PCs for decades. GPT divides a hard drive into multiple partitions to store your data, allowing greater flexibility and functionality. The main advantage of using a GPT drive is that it can help resolve boot errors caused by the MBR, as the GPT can replace the MBR and restore the data stored on the disk.

GPT drives are more resilient to data loss, as they can create multiple backup copies. This means that if one copy of the data is lost, it can be easily restored from the other copies. Therefore, a GPT drive can be a great way to fix the bootrec fixboot access denied error.

Step 1: Download Windows Media Creation Tool.

Step 2: Prepare a USB flash drive with at least 8GB of storage space to create bootable media.

Step 3: Insert your USB drive into your PC, run the Media creation tool, and accept the license terms.

Step 4: Choose to Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC and click the Next button.

Step 5: Tick the Use the recommended options for this PC box and click the Next button.

Step 6: Select what kind of media storage device you want to use. Here I choose a USB flash drive as an example. Choose the USB flash drive and press the Next button.

Step 7: Select your drive from the list and click Next.

Step 8: The Microsoft Media Creation Tool will download your computer or device’s latest Windows 10 installation files. When the download is completed, it will create Windows 10 media.

Step 9: Click the Finish button and then use that drive to boot up your computer and install Windows 10.

If your computer has a DVD player, you can select ISO file to burn the ISO file to a DVD.

Once you have a bootable Windows installation media ready, follow the instructions below.

Run Startup Repair

Running startup repair is a powerful tool that can fix various windows boot problems, including the Bootrec Fixboot Access, which is Denied error. This error usually occurs when the boot sector of a Windows installation becomes corrupt or damaged in some way, preventing the system from booting properly.

By running startup repair, users can often restore the boot sector to its original state and get their system running again. Additionally, startup repair can sometimes detect and fix other issues causing the problem, such as incorrect drivers or system settings.

Step 1: Restart your computer and hold F8 to enter the Windows Recovery Environment.

Step 2: In the Advanced Startup window, click on Troubleshoot and select Advanced options.

Step 4: Click on Startup Settings.

Step 5: While rebooting, the Startup repair will automatically start, and then select your local user account.

Step 6: Enter your local account password and click the Continue button.

Step 7: The Windows will diagnose and detect any problems.

Recreate EFI Structure and Reconfigure Boot Files

Recreating the EFI Structure is a great way to fix the bootrec fixboot access is denied. Doing so requires a deep understanding of the boot process and the files involved, but it can often be the quickest and most reliable way to fix this error. By recreating the EFI Structure, you can ensure that the boot process can access the necessary files to boot properly.

Step 1: Restart your computer and hold F8 to enter the Advanced Recovery Options menu.

Step 2: Select Troubleshoot and click Advanced options.

Step 3: In the Advanced options screen, select Command Prompt.

Step 4: In the command prompt window, type the following commands and press Enter after each command:

diskpart

list disk

Step 5: Next, type the following commands and press Enter after each command:

select disk (disk number)

list vol

Note: The disk number should be replaced with the number of the drive on which Windows is installed. It’s Disk 1 on my computer, so the command would be to select disk 1.

Step 6: Next, type the following command and press Enter:

select vol volume #

Volume # should be replaced with the number which indicates your Extensible Firmware Interface partition. The EFI partition typically has 100 MB of storage and is formatted in FAT32.

Step 7: Execute the following command and press Enter.

assign letter=N:

Step 8: Lastly, execute the following commands in order:

exit (to exit diskpart)

N: (to select the EFI System partition)

bcdboot C:\windows /s N: /f UEFI (to repair bootloader)

Step 9: The Windows will restart, and click Continue. Check if the error persists.

Run CHKDSK Command

If you’ve encountered the “bootrec /fixboot access denied” error while attempting to repair your Windows operating system, running CHKDSK (short for Check Disk) could be a potential fix. CHKDSK is a disk scanning and repair utility that can detect and fix errors on a hard disk drive and other storage devices like USB drives or external hard drives.

It can help identify and resolve issues preventing your computer from booting properly, such as corrupt system files. By running CHKDSK, you may be able to fix the “bootrec /fixboot access denied” error and get your computer running again.

Step 1: Insert Windows Installation Disk, restart it from the disk, and click Repair your computer.

Step 2: Select Troubleshoot and click Advanced options.

Step 3: In the Advanced options screen, select Command Prompt.

Step 4: Type in the following command and press Enter.

chkdsk C: /r

Note: If the drive letter for your system partition is different, type the real one. In my case, its drive C:

Step 5: Wait for the scanning process to finish and reboot on your Windows.

Rebuild BCD

Rebuilding BCD (Boot Configuration Data) is one of the most reliable ways to fix the bootrec fixboot access denied error. This is often the case if no EFI partition exists on the boot disk. You can restore or create the configuration data by rebuilding BCD, allowing Windows to boot up normally.

The process of rebuilding BCD involves using the BCD edit command line utility, which can be used to edit the registry settings related to booting in Windows. Using the Windows Boot Manager to perform the same task is also possible. Once the BCD is rebuilt, the bootrec fixboot access denied error should be fixed.

Step 1: Restart your computer and hold F8 to enter the Advanced Recovery Options menu.

Step 2: Select Troubleshoot and click Advanced options.

Step 3: In the Advanced options screen, select Command Prompt.

Step 4: Type in the following commands and press Enter after each line to execute:

bootrec /rebuildbcd

bootrec /fixmbr

bootrec /fixboot

Step 5: Reboot your Windows.

Perform an Automatic Repair

An automatic repair is a Windows tool designed to fix various system problems, including bootrec errors. It can scan your system for errors and attempt to repair them, often restoring it to working order. An automatic repair can sometimes help fix the “access denied” error associated with the bootrec /fixboot command.

Step 1: Restart your computer and hold F8 to enter the Advanced Recovery Options menu.

Step 2: Select Troubleshoot and click Advanced options.

Step 3: In the Advanced options screen, select Automatic repair.

Step 4: Automatic Repair will now start. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the repair.

Disable Fast Boot Feature

If you have encountered the bootrec fixboot access denied error on your Windows computer, you may want to try disabling the fast boot feature. Fast boot is a feature that allows a computer to boot up quickly by pre-loading certain system files before the operating system starts.

This can be useful if you need to boot your computer quickly, but it can also cause errors if certain files become corrupted. Disabling the fast boot feature can help fix the bootrec fixboot access denied error and allow you to boot up your computer normally.

Step 1: Open the Control Panel and select Power Options.

Step 2: Click on Choose what power buttons do > Change currently unavailable settings.

Step 3: Uncheck the Turn on fast startup (recommended) box and click the Save changes button.

Step 4: Restart your computer.

Perform a Clean Windows Installation

The error can occur when your system files become corrupted or the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) is missing or corrupt. When you perform a clean Windows installation, you will reinstall the operating system, replace all system files, and reset the BCD. This should resolve the issue and keep your computer running smoothly.

Step 1: Boot your computer from the Windows installation disc.

Step 2: Select your Language, Time, currency format, and Keyboard, then click the Next button.

Step 3: Enter your product key, or you can skip it.

Step 4: Select the Windows version you want to install.

Step 5: Select the drive where you want to install the Windows and click the Next button.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bootrec Fixboot