How to Resolve RAMDISK_BOOT_INITIALIZATION_FAILED BSoD Error

Step 1: Reconnect Hardware Components

Before jumping into complex solutions, start by disconnecting all external drives from your PC. Attempt to boot the system normally. If you can successfully boot, reconnect each device one at a time to identify which component may be responsible for the error.

Pro Tip: Systematic reconnection helps isolate the faulty device easily.

Step 2: Utilize Automatic Repair Mode

1. Restart your Windows system three times consecutively using the Power button to access Automatic Repair Mode.
2. Select the Troubleshoot option, followed by Advanced options.
3. Click on Startup Settings and press Restart.
4. Upon restart, press F5 to choose Safe Mode with Networking capability.
5. If successful, troubleshoot software potential issues in Safe Mode.

If the system fails to initiate in Safe Mode, consider employing bootable USB installation media to access further options.

Step 3: Execute System and Drive Error Scans

1. Click the Start button, type cmd, and select Run as administrator.
2. In the terminal, input chkdsk /f /r and hit Enter to initiate the scan.
3. Wait for the scan to complete and restart your computer afterward.
4. If booting issues persist, open Command Prompt again and enter: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth .
5. To complete the process, run sfc /scannow in Command Prompt as well.

Completing these scans can uncover and resolve disk issues that contribute to boot failures. Utilize the bootable media if you’re unable to access Windows normally.

Step 4: Remove Problematic Drivers

1. Right-click on the Start button and choose Device Manager.
2. Look for any devices marked with a yellow exclamation mark and expand corresponding categories.
3. Right-click on the problematic devices and select Uninstall device.
4. Restart your computer to allow Windows to reinstall the necessary drivers automatically.

Especially focus on IDE controllers, as they are often the culprits for the RAMDISK_BOOT_INITIALIZATION_FAILED BSoD. Alternatively, use Update driver to see if newer versions are available.

Step 5: Restore the Operating System

1. Initiate Automatic Repair Mode by restarting your system thrice.
2. Select Troubleshoot, then proceed to Advanced options.
3. Click on System Restore, then hit Next.
4. Select a restore point predating the RAMDISK_BOOT_INITIALIZATION_FAILED issue.
5. Press Finish to begin the restoration process.

If all else fails, consider resetting or completely reinstalling Windows using your existing bootable media.

What does the RAMDISK_BOOT_INITIALIZATION_FAILED error mean?

Can hardware issues cause the RAMDISK_BOOT_INITIALIZATION_FAILED error?