Rescue disk doesn't run because of missing winload.exe

[rocksteady]

I was able to create a Rescue Disk (USB) from Avast Free 20.3.2405 (build 20.3.5200.561).
But cannot boot from it.
Get blue screen stating missing winload.exe Error code 0xc0000001.
Anyone else tried Rescue Disk lately?

[bob3160]

This is one of those tools you depend on when all else fails.
Not good when it repeatedly appears to fail.  Reported to developers..

[rocksteady]

Thanks bob.
Guess noone did test it at Beta.
If we ever get another one that actually works, I will lock it away and not overwrite it.

[bob3160]

Thanks bob.
Guess noone did test it at Beta.
If we ever get another one that actually works, I will lock it away and not overwrite it.

Wish that was possible. Apparently not or it wouldn't break from one version to another.

[bob3160]

I've received a reply from Avast. here is their answer:
"Hello. I verified now that rescue disc is working in Avast 20.3.5200.The winload.exe error 0xc0000001 is not related to Avast.
The most common related issue is system file corruption, or damaged memory."
Sounds like it's time for you to use the run command sfc /scannow to check your system files for corruption(s)?

[Martin Kudlicka]

The possible "system file corruption" will be more likely on USB, so you can also try different USB disk.

[bob3160]

The possible "system file corruption" will be more likely on USB, so you can also try different USB disk.

Thanks for the clarification.

[rocksteady]

Thanks for replies.
I have done a sfc /scannow and it did repair some issues.
I have Error checked my USB and is found OK.
Re created Avast Repair Disk. Exactly same problem when attempted to boot.
I will see if I can find another USB stick to see if there is any different result.

[bob3160]

Thanks for replies.
I have done a sfc /scannow and it did repair some issues.
I have Error checked my USB and is found OK.
Re created Avast Repair Disk. Exactly same problem when attempted to boot.
I will see if I can find another USB stick to see if there is any different result.

You could also try a full format of that USB to see if that helps.

[rocksteady]

You could also try a full format of that USB to see if that helps.

@bob, I did a full (not quick) format in FAT (device default) before re creating the USB, but then find Avast formats in NTFS during the overwrite.
Edit: correction FAT not FAT32

More...
Got same error if I use USB or CD to boot.

[rocksteady]

OK I have cracked the problem and created a bootable Rescue Disk USB via alternative route.
Normal route via Avast UI to create a Rescue Disk fails for me as stated in posts above. Seems to be related to Avast automatically formatting the USB as NTFS when you select to overwrite and create a USB Rescue Disk. A NTFS formatted USB will not boot in UEFI mode on my Win10 machine.

My work-round method:
1. Format the USB as FAT32.
2. Downloaded rescuedisk.iso as if creating a Rescue Disk CD
3. Use Unetbootin (I already had downloaded) to create bootable USB with rescuedisk.iso

My BIOS then can see the USB and boots it correctly to Rescue Disk when USB chosen as boot device.
Bootable FAT formatted USB used to work straight out of the tin from the Avast UI, sadly no longer in my case, but that work-round does work for me.

What a pain that has been to sort out!