Your PC/Device needs to be repaired with Error code: 0xc0000605

Question

Today I had an error code 0xc0000605 at startup. I cannot boot into my computer. It says:

Recovery

Your PC/Device needs to be repaired. 

A component of your operating system has expired. 

File: \windows\system32\winload.efi Error Code: 0xc0000605

You'll need to use recovery tools. If you don't have any installation 
media (like a disc or a USB device), contact your PC administrator or
PC/Device manufacturer. 

Press the Windows key for UEFI Firmware Settings.

I have a Surface Pro 2. I upgraded from Windows 8.1. What should I do? I have a working Mac and a 4GB USB I can use if needed.

Solution 1

I had this on 10162. After reading several posts on dates it occurred to me:

• I backdated the BIOS to think it was July, and it started fine. Then I updated Windows over the net.

Hope it works for you.

Solution 2

You were running a preview build, and it expired. Get the current build.

Source:

• BSOD in Windows 10 Insider Preview. A component of the operating system has expired

If you're running a current preview build, ensure the date on your computer is set properly.

Source:

• MS Answers Forum post

Solution 3

The error 0xC0000605 means:

//
// MessageId: STATUS_IMAGE_CERT_EXPIRED
//
// MessageText:
//
// Windows cannot verify the digital signature for this file. The signing certificate for this file has expired.
//
#define STATUS_IMAGE_CERT_EXPIRED        ((NTSTATUS)0xC0000605L)

So a .cat file is corrupted.

Boot into the Recovery Options (via DVD), open the cmd and try to run sfc and DISM to repair corrupted .cat files:

sfc /SCANNOW /OFFBOOTDIR=c:\ /OFFWINDIR=c:\windows

Replace C: with the drive letter where you installed Windows.

DISM /image:C:\ /cleanup-image /RestoreHealth

Comments

[1.21 gigawatts]

I'm on a Surface Pro 2. No DVD drive.

[magicandre1981]

create a bootable USB drive with Rufus from a 2nd PC: rufus.akeo.ie

[I say Reinstate Monica]

Welcome to Super User. Other answers have suggested changing the date. Please explain why this specific date justifies a new answer to the question.