My computer was installing Windows updates and then it came up with a code 0xc0000098. I put the recovery disc in and nothing happens.
Error Code 0xC0000098
This error code occasionally happens during Windows Updates as well as under other circumstances. The recommendation to use the recovery disc is good in that Windows needs to fix itself and it will attempt to find missing files from the disc. It sounds like you may need to first reboot the computer and possibly even change the BIOS boot order before your computer will recognize the installation disc.
Reboot the Computer
First, let’s see if rebooting the computer with the disc inserted does anything. Technically, Windows should detect the Windows CD upon rebooting. If it does, a series of screens will appear including a “press any key” screen and the Windows installation screen. If you have Windows Vista, you will see a “language to install” prompt. Click OK. Next, you’ll see an installation screen. Hold up here and be careful as we don’t want to reinstall Windows; we want to repair it. Choose the option that says, “Repair your computer.” Next, choose the Startup Repair option and let Windows get to work at repairing your operating system.
If you have Windows XP, the process is similar but different. In this case, press any key when prompted and enter the Windows XP setup screen. Press Enter but DO NOT PRESS ‘R’ for Recovery Console. Later you will press another ‘R’ but not this one. You do NOT want to use the Recovery Console. Press F8 and agree to Microsoft’s fine print. Select your operating system and press ‘R’ to repair Windows.
Changing the Boot Order in the BIOS
It’s also possible that your computer is not set to check the CD-ROM drive for a boot disc. If so, you’ll need to tell it that if it finds a bootable disc in the drive, it’s okay to boot from it. This is done in the BIOS. Reboot your computer and watch for the Power On Self Test. This is when the BIOS checks the hardware and displays its progress in white letters on a black screen. Look for a message that says, “Press (blank) to enter setup.” Press the appropriate key (usually DEL or F2) as soon as you see this message and the BIOS setup screen should soon appear.
Now, explore this basic computer program for an option labeled “boot order,” “boot sequence,” “boot up,” or similar wording. BIOS utilities vary from one computer to the next, so you’ll need to explore a bit to find it. Use the arrow and tab keys to navigate as well as pay attention to any onscreen hints. Move your CD-ROM drive up the list so that it is the first device that Windows checks for a bootable file. Save your changes and reboot. Now, when Windows starts, it should check the CD-ROM drive and find the installation program. From there, you can repair your operating system.


