My Lenovo laptop starts up with a screen that says preparing automatic repair. it then goes to a blue screen stating "recovery" and that its missing files and error code 0xc0000185. what can I do

Error Code 0xc0000034 in Windows 8 Boot Configuration Data file missing... Resolving error 0xc0000034 after installing Windows 7 Service Pack 1 SP1... Windows 8 Missing File BCD Error Code 0xc0000034

1, try to repair your system with your operating system (if you are using Xp, insert Xp cd, boot cd then select repair
if it doens't work try installing a new fresh copy of Operating system

That is because the Recovery cannot access the partition where the recovery program is located. Sounds as if you lost both the Recovery and the Windows OS. If the Drive is working ok, reinstall Windows from the start.

hi Andrew.
"Upon the 'Preparing automatic repair' window, press-and-hold Power button 3 times to forcefully shut down the machine. The system will enter boot repair page after 2-3 times of reboot, choose Troubleshoot, then go on to Refresh PC or Reset PC."

Get Rid of Infinite Preparing Automatic Repair Loop - EaseUS

https://www.easeus.com/resource/fix-preparing-automatic-repair-loop.html
How do I bypass startup repair?Fix #1: Boot into Safe ModeInsert the disc and reboot the system.Press any key to boot from the DVD.Choose your keyboard layout.Click Repair your computer at the Install now screen.Click Troubleshoot.Click Advanced options.Click Startup Settings.Click Restart.More items...Startup Repair Infinite Loop: Fix for Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1https://neosmart.net/wiki/startup-repair-infinite-loop/Search for: How do I bypass startup repair?
How do I boot my laptop up in Safe Mode?Open Windows in safe mode using Command Prompt.Turn on your computer and repeatedly press the esc key until the Startup Menu opens.Begin a System Recovery by pressing F11. ...The Choose an option screen displays. ...Click Advanced options. ...Select Command Prompt to open the Command Prompt window.More items...HP PCs - Windows Safe Mode (Windows 10, 8) ' HP® Customer Supporthttps://support.hp.com/bg-en/document/c03439317Search for: How do I boot my laptop up in Safe Mode?

or go to this link if you need more help.
laptop preparing automatic repair Google Search

Do a system restore to original factory. Your hard drive is corrupted or malfunctioning. When it goes to start Windows detects the start up error then due to corruption the blue screen of death comes up. A ssytem restore should resolve the issue.

your windows operating system is probably corrupt you cannot recover all of your files,
unless you have an file recovery software.
re format your disk c and put an operating system again.

That blinking cursor is the way in which the BIOS is telling you that Windows is missing - its most critical, core files have been corrupted beyond repair. The only thing you can do is to reinstall using the recovery cd or your own Windows install disk.

A blue screen or Blue Screen Of Death, BSOD, is generally caused by a corrupt driver or a bad software installation.
First, you need to determine the STOP code that is on that screen.

• Start in safe mode, press F8 repeatably as the computer starts up,
• check Disable automatic restart on system failure (This prevents Windows from automatically restarting if an error causes Windows to fail.)

OK, now the BSOD will stay there so you can determine what caused your problem. Report back the stop code and any information about a driver that caused the problem so we can be of further help.

Turn on your computer. Watch the display carefully while your PC starts. While the initial screen ( LENOVO ) is displayed, press the Lenovo Care button. The Rescue and Recovery workspace opens.

Click Restore your system > Restore my hard drive to the original factory state > follow the instructions on the screen.

If Rescue and Recovery did not launch, the motherboard may need replacing.