Error code: 0xc0000225

When I boot my Windows 8 laptop (see details below), it displays this message:

Recovery

Your PC needs to be repaired

A required device isn't connected or can't be accessed.

Error code: 0xc0000225

[ A text saying I should use recovery tools on my installation media to fix the issue. ]

Press Enter to try again

Press F8 for Start-up Settings

Press Esc for UEFI Firmware Settings

If I press Enter or F8, the central part of the message changes to:

The application or operating system couldn't be loaded because a required file is missing or contains errors.

File: \Windows\system32\winload.efi

Error code: 0xc0000225

I don't have a recovery disk and I have owned this computer for a year with no problems. All I did prior to this error was unistall avast and restart. I can only access UEFI Firmware Settings and have no clue what to do from there. PLEASE HELP!

This can happen if your BCS is corrupt, try:

• Insert your install disc
• Click on Repair your computer after you go through language, time etc.
• Select your Windows installation drive, which is usually C:\, and click Next
• Choose Command Prompt when the System Recovery Options box appears
• Write the following command and press afterwards:

bootrec /rebuildbcd

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Another possible cause is having the wrong partition set as active, try:

• Execute the following commands to see a list of all partitions on your disk:

diskpart

list part

Once you’ve determined which of the displayed partition needs to be active carry out the steps below to make the changes:

select partition x

active

quit

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Failing this, try rebuilding your MBR using the following commands:

bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /rebuildmbr