Life isn't always a smooth ride, and the same goes for your Windows experience. Imagine working on an important project when your system suddenly crashes. Even the remote possibility of losing your work can be anxiety-inducing. One such error that Windows users encounter is the 'Bad System Config Info' Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error. This guide will help you understand the underlying causes and provide step-by-step solutions to resolve this issue.

What is the 'Bad System Config Info' Error?

The 'Bad System Config Info' error typically occurs due to problems with both hardware and software, with software issues being more common. This error often stems from:

  1. Malfunctioning Boot Configuration Data (BCD) or registry files
  2. Faulty hardware
  3. Corrupt or unstable drivers
  4. Damaged hard drive or RAM

Once you identify the problem, fixing it becomes much simpler and quicker. Let's explore various solutions to resolve this error.

1. Restart Your Computer

This should be your first approach as it's the simplest and often quite effective in fixing the error. Restarting your computer can resolve many issues.

To restart:

  1. Open the Start Menu
  2. Click on the 'Power' icon
  3. Select 'Restart'

Alternatively, use the ALT+F4 keyboard shortcut and select 'Restart' from the drop-down menu.

Restart Windows 10

2. Check for Hardware Issues

If restarting doesn't solve the problem, check your system for RAM and Hard Drive issues. Over time, these components might get damaged or their connections might come loose.

If you're comfortable with computer hardware:

  1. Unscrew your computer case
  2. Check for loose connections, particularly with RAM and Hard Drive
  3. Reseat components if necessary

However, if you're not confident in handling hardware, it's best to consult a technician to avoid causing further damage.

3. Run Windows Troubleshooter

Windows has built-in troubleshooters that can identify and fix various issues. Here's how to use them:

  1. Press WINDOWS + I to open 'Settings'
  2. Click on 'Update & Security'
Windows Update & Security
  1. Select 'Troubleshoot' from the left menu
  2. Click on 'Additional troubleshooters'
Windows Troubleshoot
  1. Run the relevant troubleshooters from the list
Windows Additional Troubleshooters

4. Update Windows

Running an outdated version of Windows can sometimes lead to the 'Bad System Config Info' error. Here's how to check for and install updates:

  1. Press WINDOWS + I to open 'Settings'
  2. Click on 'Update & Security'
Windows Update & Security
  1. Click 'Check for updates'
  2. If updates are available, click 'Download and install'
Windows Update

Updating Windows also updates all drivers to the best available option, potentially resolving driver-related issues.

5. Run SFC (System File Check) Scan

The System File Check (SFC) scan can repair corrupted Windows system files. Here's how to run it:

  1. Search for 'Command Prompt' in the Start Menu
  2. Right-click on it and select 'Run as Administrator'
Run Command Prompt as Administrator
  1. First, run the DISM tool by entering:
DISM /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
Run DISM command
  1. After DISM completes, run the SFC scan by entering:
sfc /scannow
Run SFC scan

The scan will take some time to complete and will fix any issues it finds.

6. Run Check Disk Utility

The Check Disk utility scans the entire hard drive for errors and fixes them. To run it:

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
  2. Type the following command and press Enter:
chkdsk /r

When asked to schedule the check for the next restart, type 'Y' and press Enter.

Run Check Disk Utility
  1. Restart your system to run the Check Disk utility

If the utility can't fix the issues, there might be a hardware problem with your hard disk. In this case, consider getting it repaired or replaced.

7. Use BCDEDIT Command

Incorrect system configuration can lead to the 'Bad System Config Info' error. The 'bcdedit' command can help fix this:

  1. Open the Start Menu and click on the 'Power' icon
  2. Hold the SHIFT key and click 'Restart'
Open Power options
Restart with SHIFT key
  1. In the 'Choose an option' screen, select 'Troubleshoot'
Choose Troubleshoot
  1. Select 'Advanced options'
Choose Advanced options
  1. Select 'Command Prompt'
Choose Command Prompt
  1. In the Command Prompt, enter these commands:
bcdedit /deletevalue {default} numproc
bcdedit /deletevalue {default} truncatememory
  1. Close Command Prompt and restart your computer.

8. Restore System Files and Settings

If you have a restore point on your system created before the error occurred, restoring your PC might help:

  1. Search for 'Recovery' in the Start Menu and open it
Search for Recovery
  1. Select 'Open System Restore'
Open System Restore
  1. Click 'Next' in the System Restore window
System Restore window
  1. Select a restore point from the list and click 'Next'. To view more restore points, check the box next to 'Show more restore points'.
Select a restore point
  1. Review the restore point details and click 'Finish'. Save any open work before proceeding, as your system will restart during the restore process.
Confirm System Restore

9. Reset Your PC

If all other methods fail, resetting your PC should be your last resort. Be aware that this process will result in data loss on the drive where Windows is installed. It's crucial to back up your important data before proceeding.

To reset your PC:

  1. Open the Start Menu and click on the 'Power' icon
  2. Hold the SHIFT key and click 'Restart'
Open Power options
Restart with SHIFT key
  1. In the 'Choose an option' screen, select 'Troubleshoot'
Choose Troubleshoot
  1. Select 'Reset this PC'
Choose Reset this PC
  1. Choose your options:
    1. Select 'Remove everything'
    2. Choose 'Only the drive where Windows is installed'
    3. Select 'Just remove my files'
  2. Click 'Reset' to begin the process

Important: Ensure you have a Windows installation media available, as you might need to reinstall Windows after resetting your system.

Conclusion

The 'Bad System Config Info' error can be frustrating, but with these methods, you should be able to resolve it in most cases. Start with the simpler solutions like restarting your computer or running Windows troubleshooters, and gradually move to more complex fixes if needed. Remember to back up your important data regularly to minimize potential losses in case of system errors.

If you've tried all these methods and still encounter the error, it might be time to consult with a professional technician. They can perform a more in-depth diagnosis and potentially identify hardware issues that may be causing the problem.

By following this guide, you should be well-equipped to tackle the 'Bad System Config Info' BSOD error and get your Windows 10 system back up and running smoothly.