windows 8 0xc0000225 - File \Windows\System32\winload.efi is either corrupted or missing

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Hello,

I am running Windows 8 Professional 64-bit and encounter the following error when booting:

System:

Windows 8 Professional x86_64

Intel Core i7 3770K (Ivy Bridge)

4 x 4 GB Corsair Vengeance

4 random SATA2 HDDs and a Corsair Force Series 2 SSD

ASRock Z77 Pro3 (Mainboard)

 

Before the error ocurred

I was attempting to launch The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim which failed to start properly and I had to force a reboot on my computer

Windows was stuck for 10 minutes and i forced another reboot to find the automatic repair screen. The automatic repair failed and when I rebooted I had this new problem.

 

Error

Your PC needs to be repaired

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

File: Windowssystem32winload.efi

Error code: 0xc0000225

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

 

Press Enter to try again

Press F8 for Startup Settings

Attempted fixes

 

1 - Press F8

Screen flashes quickly but nothing else happens

2 - Reboot computer with installation media (USB 3 stick)

Computer failed to get past POST check

Moved USB stick to another port and booted from it and followed this procedure:

Automatic System Repair - Didn't work

System Restore - Didn't work

BootRec /RebuildBCD, BootRec /FixBoot, BootRec /FixMBR - No difference here either

Refresh PC from repair DVD - "An error ocurred while refreshing your PC, no changes were made"

3 - Check for faulty hardware

Running chkdsk on system drive

Tried booting using nothing but the system drive attached

Tested all RAM sticks

Checked with another graphics card

Tried CMOS reset

Flashed newer BIOS

Tried alternative installation media (DVD)

4 - Google the issue

Only to find the same solutions as the ones I already tried on instinct.

 

I am completely lost... What else could possibly be wrong? How can I fix it?

 

 

 

 

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