Bootrec rebuildbcd the requested system device cannot be found

: Troubleshooting The Requested System Device Error

Introduction

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The process of repairing a corrupted BCD (Boot Configuration Data) file using `bootrec` commands can sometimes encounter unexpected errors. One such error is the 'requested system device cannot be found' message that appears when attempting to execute `bootrec /rebuildbcd`. This article will guide you through troubleshooting this issue and successfully fixing it.

Symptoms

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- You are trying to boot your computer in legacy mode (BIOS) from a Windows 8 installation USB drive.

- Upon launching the Command Prompt, you enter the command `bootrec /rebuildbcd`.

- The execution of `bootrecord /rebuildbcd` fails with an error message stating 'The requested system device cannot be found.'

Cause

The cause behind this issue is usually due to a missing or corrupted BCD (Boot Configuration Data) file. This can occur when:

1. You have recently performed a clean installation of Windows 8.

2. Your computer's boot sector has become damaged during the process.

Solution Steps

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### Step 1: Enter Safe Mode and Boot from USB Drive

1. Restart your computer while holding down the `Shift` key to enter safe mode with networking enabled.

Alternatively, if you cannot access safe mode directly:

- Insert a bootable Windows installation media (USB or CD) into your computer's optical drive.

- Press F10/F12 keys during startup until the Boot menu appears. Choose 'Boot from USB Drive' and select your USB device as the first option.

### Step 2: Access Command Prompt with Elevated Privileges

1. Upon booting successfully, you will be prompted to choose a language and keyboard layout.

- Select English (US) or your preferred language for ease of navigation.

- Choose 'Repair Your Computer' instead of selecting the default option to start Windows normally.

### Step 3: Run Diskpart Command

1. In the advanced troubleshooting menu, select `Command Prompt` with elevated privileges by pressing Enter and then typing Y when prompted:

bootrec /fixm

diskpart

Note down your drive letter as it will be required in subsequent steps (for example, if you see C:, D: or E:, make a note of the corresponding drive letter).

### Step 4: Mark the Correct Drive with `active` Attribute

1. In Disk Management:

- Press Windows + R to open Run dialog box.

- Type 'diskmgmt' and press Enter.

2. Alternatively, from within Command Prompt:

diskpart

list vol

select volume

where you will see the correct partition with a blue or white checkmark beside it (e.g., 'C:').

To mark this as active:

attrib +r c:\bcdedit /set {default} bootdevice \boot\efi\grubx64.efi

exit

### Step 5: Rebuild BCD Using `BootSect` Command

1. Navigate back to the drive containing your system files (usually C:):

- In Disk Management:

• Double-click on the desired volume and then click 'Properties'.

- Alternatively, in Command Prompt:

cd \boot\efi\

### Step 6: Rebuild BBCD

1. Now you can proceed with rebuilding your BCD (Boot Configuration Data) file using one of these methods:

bootsect /fixm

bcdedit /enum

Note down the GUID associated with Windows Boot Loader.

2. Finally, to rebuild the BCD:

bootrec /rebuildbcd

If you are prompted to locate your copy of `boot.sldr`, navigate to C:\Windows\Boot and select it.

Once this process is complete, restart your computer normally by selecting 'Restart' from the Start menu or press Ctrl + Alt + F2 if using a Dell laptop.

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After following these steps carefully, you should now be able to successfully boot into Windows 8 without encountering any further errors related to missing BCD files. Remember that it is always good practice to regularly back up your important data and system files in case of future malfunctions or hardware failures.

Bootrec rebuildbcd the requested system device cannot be found