Error "Windows Boot Configuration Data file is missing" in Vista

[glimmertwins]

Every time I start my 32 bit Vista Ultimate system part way through the boot
process up pops Windows Boot Manager to tell me:-

"Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be the
cause. To fix the problem:

1. Insert your windows installation disk and restart your computer.
2. choose your language settings, then click "Next."
3. click "Repair your computer."

If you do not have this disc, contact your system administrator or computer
manufacturer for assistance>


File: \Boot\BCD

Status: 0xc000000f

Info: An error occurred while attempting to read the boot configuration
data."

I have followed the instructions to fix this error properly, yet I do not get the option to REPAIR YOUR COMPUTER...my two options are:

Restore System from factory default...or
Exit

I'd rather not restore as I will lose all my data.

Can anyone help me with a way to proceed from here?
Thanks so much in advance!!

[Maq.H]

Hi, as i can see this is your very first thread, i should welcome you to Techarena Forums. i would like to suggest you to please search the forum before posting any new query, just to avoid DUplication , or moderators may delete your post.

Anyways, i found the solution for your issue right on this forums, here its is:

This error occurs when either of the following conditions is true:

• The Windows Boot Manager (Bootmgr) entry is not present in the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) store.
• The Boot\BCD file on the active partition is damaged or missing.

To resolve this problem, use the following method :

Repair the BCD store by using the Startup Repair option

You can use the Startup Repair option in the Windows Recovery Environment to repair the BCD store. To do this, follow these steps:

• Put the Windows Vista installation disc in the disc drive, and then start the computer.
• Press a key when you are prompted.
• Select a language, a time, a currency, and a keyboard or another input method, and then click Next.
• Click Repair your computer.
• Click the operating system that you want to repair, and then click Next.
• In the System Recovery Options dialog box, click Startup Repair.
• Restart the computer.

For more info, check out these articles:
The Windows Boot Configuration Data file is missing required information
Error "Windows Boot Configuration Data file is missing" in Vista

[glimmertwins]

Thanks for the welcome. Perhaps you missed it in my post...I said that I DO NOT have the Repair option available to me. I need a solution as to why this option is not available to me. Again my only options after inserting the disc are 1. Restore System to factory defaults or 2. Exit