How to Fix the "BAD SYSTEM CONFIG INFO" Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) Error

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Encountering a "BAD SYSTEM CONFIG INFO" blue screen of death (BSOD) error on your Windows PC can be alarming. This error typically indicates issues with your system configuration files, which can be caused by corrupt system files, hardware issues, or recent system changes. Fortunately, there are several methods you can use to troubleshoot and resolve this issue. This guide will walk you through the steps to fix the "BAD SYSTEM CONFIG INFO" BSOD error.
BAD SYSTEM CONFIG INFO error

Understanding the "BAD SYSTEM CONFIG INFO" Error

The "BAD SYSTEM CONFIG INFO" error usually occurs when Windows encounters a problem with its configuration settings. This can be due to:

  • Corrupt System Files: Essential system files might be damaged or missing.
  • Incorrect Registry Settings: The Windows Registry might have incorrect or corrupt entries.
  • Faulty Drivers: Incompatible or outdated drivers can lead to system instability.
  • Hardware Issues: Faulty hardware components, such as RAM or hard drives, can cause this error.

1. Boot into Safe Mode

Safe Mode allows you to start Windows with minimal drivers and services, which can help in diagnosing and resolving issues.

  1. Access Advanced Startup Options:

    • Restart your computer and repeatedly press the F8 or Shift + F8 key during startup. Alternatively, if you’re on Windows 10 or 11, hold down the Shift key while clicking “Restart” from the Start menu or login screen.

  2. Select Safe Mode:

    • In the Advanced Startup Options menu, select “Troubleshoot,” then “Advanced options,” and choose “Startup Settings.” Click “Restart.”
    • After your PC restarts, press 4 or F4 to boot into Safe Mode.

  3. Perform Troubleshooting in Safe Mode:

    • Once in Safe Mode, you can perform various troubleshooting steps like running scans or uninstalling problematic updates.

2. Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

These tools can help repair corrupted system files that might be causing the BSOD error.

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:

    • In Safe Mode, search for “Command Prompt,” right-click on it, and select “Run as administrator.”

  2. Run SFC Scan:

    • Type the following command and press Enter:

      sfc /scannow

    • Wait for the scan to complete and follow any on-screen instructions to fix corrupted files.

  3. Run DISM Tool:

    • If SFC finds and repairs issues, restart your computer. If the problem persists, open Command Prompt as Administrator again.

    • Type the following command and press Enter:

      DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

    • Allow the process to complete, then restart your computer.

3. Check for Driver Issues

Faulty or outdated drivers can cause system errors. Ensure all your drivers are up-to-date and functioning properly.

  1. Open Device Manager:

    • Right-click on the Start menu and select “Device Manager.”

  2. Update Drivers:

    • Expand the categories and right-click on any devices with a yellow exclamation mark. Select “Update driver” and follow the prompts to search for and install updates.

  3. Uninstall Problematic Drivers:

    • If you recently installed new hardware or drivers, uninstall them by right-clicking on the device in Device Manager and selecting “Uninstall device.” Restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.

4. Check for Hardware Issues

Hardware problems, such as faulty RAM or hard drives, can cause BSOD errors.

  1. Run Memory Diagnostic:

    • Type “Windows Memory Diagnostic” in the Start menu search bar and select it.
    • Choose “Restart now and check for problems.” Your computer will restart and check your RAM for errors.

  2. Check Hard Drive Health:

    • Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:

      chkdsk C: /f /r

    • Replace C: with the letter of your system drive if it’s different. Follow the prompts to schedule a disk check on reboot.

5. Perform a System Restore

If the issue started recently, performing a system restore to a previous state may resolve the problem.

  1. Open System Restore:

    • In Safe Mode, search for “System Restore” in the Start menu and select “Create a restore point.”

  2. Start System Restore:

    • Click the “System Restore” button, follow the prompts, and select a restore point from before the issue began.

  3. Complete the Restore:

    • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the restore process and restart your computer.

6. Repair or Reset Windows

If none of the above methods work, you may need to repair or reset Windows. This option is available from the Advanced Startup Options menu.

  1. Access Advanced Startup Options:

    • Restart your computer and press F8, Shift + F8, or hold Shift while clicking “Restart” if you’re on Windows 10 or 11.

  2. Choose Troubleshoot:

    • Select “Troubleshoot,” then “Reset this PC” or “Advanced options” for more repair options.

  3. Repair or Reset:

    • You can choose to “Keep my files” or “Remove everything” during the reset process. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the repair or reset.

Conclusion

The "BAD SYSTEM CONFIG INFO" BSOD error can be caused by various issues, including corrupted system files, driver problems, or hardware failures. By following these troubleshooting steps—booting into Safe Mode, running SFC and DISM scans, updating drivers, checking hardware, performing a system restore, or repairing/resetting Windows—you can effectively address and resolve the error. If the issue persists despite these efforts, consider seeking professional technical support for further diagnosis and assistance.



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