Why do I get 0xc0000098 while booting Windows 7?

Solution 1:

Using the err utility, searching for that code yields:

# for hex 0xc0000098 / decimal -1073741672 :
  STATUS_FILE_INVALID                                           ntstatus.h
# The volume for a file has been externally altered such that
# the opened file is no longer valid.

IOTW; due to corruption, the Windows Boot Configuration Data file does not contain a valid OS entry.

You will want to rebuild the BCD; in short, you can do it like this:

1. Boot from the Windows 7 CD.
2. Open a command prompt (either press SHIFT+F10 or select it in the repair tools).

3. Run the following commands:

   bcdedit /export C:\bcd.backup
   attrib C:\boot\bcd -h -r -s
   ren C:\boot\bcd C:\bcd.old
   bootrec /rebuildbcd
   

4. When asked for adding your installation to the list, hit Y.

5. Restart and enjoy.