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Error 0xc0000017 "There isn't enough memory to create a ramdisk device", when trying to launch command prompt via advanced recovery options

Dana R 0 Reputation points
2025-10-16T03:23:41.6966667+00:00

I am attempting to convert my disk from MBR to GPT in order to facilitate the enabling of TPM 2.0/Secure Boot/upgrade to Windows 11.

Running MBR2GPT in /allowFullOS mode does not work, so I attempted to run it via a recovery command prompt. However, upon clicking "command prompt" in advanced recovery options, I was met with a "Your PC needs to be repaired" (Error 0xc0000017) screen, and pressing F8 or enter did nothing, simply refreshing the BSOD.

This question is tailored toward resolving the Error 0xc0000017, not the MBR2GPT process.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Recovery and backup
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  1. Randy Baroja 13,735 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-10-16T04:00:44.9866667+00:00

    Hi,

    The 0xc0000017 error occurs because Windows thinks some memory regions are "bad" or reserved, preventing it from creating the temporary RAM disk needed to launch the Recovery Command Prompt. To fix this, boot from a Windows 10/11 installation USB, open the command prompt (Shift + F10), and check for any reserved memory with bcdedit /enum all; if entries exist under badmemorylist, remove them using bcdedit /deletevalue {badmemory} badmemorylist. After this, reboot and retry the Recovery Command Prompt. If the error persists, use a Windows PE environment from a bootable USB, which avoids the RAM disk issue, and run MBR2GPT there. Ensuring BIOS memory remapping is enabled and non-essential peripherals are disconnected can also help, as the error is caused by Windows misidentifying usable memory, not by insufficient physical RAM.

    Kind regards,

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