How to Fix the BAD_SYSTEM_CONFIG_INFO Error in Windows

The BAD_SYSTEM_CONFIG_INFO error is a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error in Windows indicating a problem with the system’s configuration information. This usually means that the Windows registry has become corrupted or certain critical system files are missing or damaged. This error can prevent your computer from booting up properly and can be quite frustrating. Fortunately, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve the issue.

Understanding the BAD_SYSTEM_CONFIG_INFO Error

Before diving into the fixes, it’s helpful to understand what this error signifies. The BAD_SYSTEM_CONFIG_INFO BSOD often occurs during startup or when Windows attempts to access system configuration data. It suggests that key configuration files needed for proper operation are either damaged, missing, or inconsistent.

Common causes include:

  • Corrupted Windows Registry: The registry is a database that stores configuration settings for Windows and installed applications. Corruption here can trigger the error.
  • Boot Configuration Data (BCD) Issues: The BCD stores boot parameters for Windows. If it’s damaged, Windows may not boot correctly.
  • Driver Problems: Incompatible or corrupted drivers can lead to system instability and trigger BSOD errors.
  • File System Errors: Problems with the hard drive’s file system can also cause configuration errors.
  • Hardware Issues: Although less common, hardware malfunctions can occasionally contribute to this error.

Troubleshooting Steps to Fix the Error

Here are several methods you can try to fix the BAD_SYSTEM_CONFIG_INFO error. It’s recommended to attempt these solutions in the order listed for the highest chances of success. Since you might not be able to boot into Windows normally, you may need to use the Advanced Startup Options to perform some of these steps. You can typically access this menu by repeatedly pressing the F8 key, Shift + F8, or another designated key specific to your computer manufacturer during startup. If that fails, interrupting the boot process three times will generally trigger it.

1. Perform Startup Repair

Windows Startup Repair is an automated tool that can diagnose and fix common boot problems. To run it:

  1. Boot your computer into the Advanced Startup Options menu.
  2. Select Troubleshoot.
  3. Choose Advanced options.
  4. Click on Startup Repair.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions. Windows will attempt to diagnose and repair any boot-related issues.

2. Run the System File Checker (SFC) Scan

The System File Checker (SFC) is a utility built into Windows that scans for and repairs corrupted system files.

  1. Boot into Advanced Startup Options.
  2. Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
  3. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
    sfc /scannow
  4. Wait for the scan to complete. If SFC finds any errors, it will attempt to repair them. Restart your computer after the scan.

3. Use the DISM Tool

Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) is another command-line tool that can be used to repair the Windows image. It can be helpful if SFC is unable to fix the errors.

  1. Boot into Advanced Startup Options and open Command Prompt as described above.
  2. Type the following command and press Enter:
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  3. Wait for the process to complete. It may take some time. After DISM has finished, restart your computer.

4. Check Disk for Errors

A corrupted hard drive can also cause the BAD_SYSTEM_CONFIG_INFO error. Use the Check Disk (CHKDSK) utility to scan for and fix errors on your hard drive.

  1. Boot into Advanced Startup Options and open Command Prompt.
  2. Type the following command and press Enter:
    chkdsk /f /r C:
    (Replace C: with the drive letter where Windows is installed if necessary).
  3. You will be prompted to schedule the disk check for the next restart. Type Y and press Enter.
  4. Restart your computer. CHKDSK will run before Windows starts and attempt to repair any errors on your hard drive.

5. Rebuild the Boot Configuration Data (BCD)

If the BCD is corrupted, you can rebuild it using the bootrec command-line tool.

  1. Boot into Advanced Startup Options and open Command Prompt.
  2. Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
    bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /scanos
bootrec /rebuildbcd
  3. After running these commands, restart your computer.

6. Update or Roll Back Drivers

Faulty drivers can trigger the BAD_SYSTEM_CONFIG_INFO error. If you recently updated a driver, try rolling it back to a previous version. If you suspect a specific driver is causing the issue, update it or uninstall it.

  1. Boot into Safe Mode (you can select Safe Mode from the Advanced Startup Options).
  2. Press Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
  3. Look for any devices with yellow exclamation marks, which indicate driver problems.
  4. Right-click on the problematic device and select Update driver to update it. Or select Properties, go to the Driver tab, and click Roll Back Driver if the option is available. To uninstall select uninstall device.
  5. Restart your computer.

7. System Restore

If you have a system restore point created before the error started appearing, you can use System Restore to revert your system to a previous working state.

  1. Boot into Advanced Startup Options.
  2. Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to choose a restore point and restore your system.

8. Reset Windows

As a last resort, if none of the above solutions work, you can try resetting Windows. This will reinstall Windows, but you can choose to keep your personal files.

  1. Boot into Advanced Startup Options.
  2. Go to Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
  3. Choose whether to keep your personal files or remove everything.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to reset Windows.

Preventing the BAD_SYSTEM_CONFIG_INFO Error

  • Regularly back up your system: This allows you to restore your system to a working state in case of errors.
  • Keep your drivers updated: Use Windows Update or download the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s website.
  • Scan for malware regularly: Malware can corrupt system files and cause errors.
  • Use a reliable antivirus program.
  • Avoid making unnecessary changes to the Windows Registry: Incorrect modifications to the registry can lead to system instability.
  • Ensure your hardware is in good condition: Monitor your hardware for any signs of failure.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve the BAD_SYSTEM_CONFIG_INFO error and get your Windows system working again. Remember to proceed methodically and back up your data whenever possible to prevent data loss.