Windows Bad System Config Info

The dreaded blue screen. If you’re a PC user, you know exactly what we’re talking about. It strikes every computer at one time or another. If you get hit with the blue screen and you don’t have files backups or archives, it can be a major issue.

For the longest time, people didn’t know what the blue screen meant. If someone saw the blue screen pop up on their computer, they would just assume that the end was near.

Fortunately, we know now that the blue screen is caused by Windows bad system config info. And, since we know that’s the cause of the problem, we now know how we can fix it.

That’s exactly what we’re going to discuss today. We’re going to take a deep dive into the world of Windows. We’ll talk about what causes the blue screen error and what you can do to solve this issue when it happens to you.

Windows Bad System Config Info

Whether you’re an IT professional or just someone trying to fix your home computer, you’re going to want to stick around and read this article. By the time we’re done here, you’re going to be the resident Windows expert on the block.

Let’s get going!

What Is Windows Bad System Config Info?

The Windows bad system config info error is one of the most common “blue screen” errors. Usually, users call this the “blue screen of death” because it means the end for your computer. Luckily, bad system config info is a blue screen we can come back from.

These errors are most common on the later versions of Windows. Namely, Windows 7, 8, and 10. The cause is a “bug check” error within the operating system. Essentially, there is some task or function that Windows is having trouble processing.

The hardest part of the solution for these errors is finding the actual cause. But, once you find the root of the problem, bad system config info errors are easily fixable most of the time.

Reasons for the Bad System Config Info Error

Blue screens can have a variety of causes behind them. The good news is that the most popular reasons have relatively simple solutions. Here are some of the most common causes of the bad system config info error.

  • Faulty Windows system files
  • Faulty Windows registry settings
  • Damaged RAM
  • Damaged hard drive
  • Driver issues
  • Corrupted Boot Configuration Data (BCD)

It may take a little digging, and trial and error, to find out which one of these is the specific culprit of your problem. But, once you do, you should have no problem implementing the correct solution to get your PC back up and running in no time.

Solutions for Windows 10

Windows Bad System Config InfoNow, we’re familiar with what the blue screen of death is. After searching the internet, you’re probably aware of what’s causing your specific bad system config error issue. Here is where you can find your solution.

Below, we’re going to cover the solution for each of the possible blue screen causes. Let’s get into it.

Solution for Driver Issues

Over time, the drivers for your Windows operating system can become old or outdated. In some cases, they may even be missing from your system.

This solution is one of the easiest and quickest fixes for a blue screen. You’ll want to visit the manufacturer’s website to see if there are any new versions of the software drivers available. If there, just download and install them.

You’ll also want to make sure to do any new system updates. You can check for these by going to Settings > Updates & Security>Windows Update > Check for Updates.

Damaged RAM

RAM and other hardware within your system can sustain damage if your computer is not handled with care. If you’ve recently spilled something on your computer or dropped it (it happens, we know), you may want to check the hardware inside.

If something like this happens to you, don’t worry. The damage may not be extensive. Sometimes, when a PC is dropped, things like RAM and other hardware can come loose.

Rather than replacing it, you may just have to secure it back into place. If there is significant damage, however, you’ll need to replace the hardware.

This goes for your hard drive, as well as your RAM.

Fixing the Windows Registry

If there’s damage to your Windows registry, or it has corrupted files, this is the solution for you. But, this solution is a little bit more complex than repairing hardware or drivers, so get ready to pay attention.

Don’t worry. This solution isn’t rocket science. But it’s going to take you multiple steps, and you’ll need to navigate your computer’s command prompt. If you’re an IT guy listening to this, that’s a walk in the park.

If you’re a Mom of 3 trying to get your computer back online for a school project, you’re going to want to listen up and take notes. Here are the steps you’re going to need to take.

  1. Install your Windows 10 installation software. You may have this on CD-ROM or USB flash drive.
  2. Load Windows from the CD-ROM or USB drive. This part of the process is different for everyone. Your best bet is to use Google to help you figure out exactly how to do this.
  3. After Windows loads, you’ll see a “Welcome” screen. When you see this screen, click the “Next” button.
  4. On the next screen, you’ll want to select “Repair Your Computer”.
  5. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.
  6. Enter the following command: CD C:\Windows\System32\config
  7. Next, enter this command: ren C:\Windows\System32\config\DEFAULT DEFAULT.old
  8. The next command is this: ren C:\Windows\System32\config\SAM SAM.old
  9. Followed by this command: ren C:Windows\System32\config\SECURITY SECURITY.old
  10. And then enter this command: ren C:\Windows\System32\config\SOFTWARE SOFTWARE.old
  11. And then this command: ren C:\Windows\System32\config\SYSTEM SYSTEM.old
  12. We know it seems like a lot but you can copy and paste the commands from this article. What these commands did is they renamed old folders that will no longer be used by the system. Now, we need to enter a few more commands to install the new ones.
  13. Our first command for the new folders is this: copy C:\Windows\System32\config\RegBack\DEFAULT C:\Windows\System32\config
  14. The next command prompt in the process is this one: copy C:\Windows\System32\config\RegBack\SAM C:\Windows\System32\config
  15. Followed by this: copy C:\Windows\System32\config\RegBack\SECURITY C:\Windows\System32\config
  16. Then, this command is next: copy C:\Windows\System32\config\RegBack\SYSTEM C:\Windows\System32\config
  17. Finally, enter this command: copy C:\Windows\System32\config\RegBack\SOFTWARE C:\Windows\System32\config
  18. Now, you can shut down your command prompt and reboot the computer. If your bad system config info error was from a registry problem, you should be good to go.

Fix Your System’s Boot Configuration Data (BCD)

  1. Load Windows off of your CD-ROM or USB flash drive.
  2. If you have trouble booting Windows up on your computer, search Google for help.
  3. When the Welcome screen pops up, click “Next”.
  4. Select “Repair Your Computer”
  5. Navigate to the command prompt: Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt
  6. Enter this command: bootrec /repairbcd
  7. Next, you’ll need this command: bootrec /osscan
  8. Then, this one: bootrec /repairmbr
  9. Once that’s done, you can close down the command prompt and restart your computer.

Using the bcdedit Command To Fix Your System Configuration

Occasionally, your system may have the wrong information. If the amount of RAM, number of processor cores, etc. doesn’t match, then an error message is likely to pop up.

If this happens, you may need to rely on the bcdedit command to fix your system’s configuration.

The first few steps of this solution are the same as previous solutions. You’ll want to load windows, go through the welcome screen, and navigate to the command prompt. If you need detailed instructions on how to do that, see one of the solutions above.

Once you’ve reached your system’s command prompt, here are the remaining steps:

  1. First, enter the following command: bcdedit /deletevalue {default} numproc
  2. Next, you’ll want to enter this command: bcdedit /deletevalue {default} truncatememory
  3. Now you can close the command prompt and restart your computer. If your BCD was the issue, things should be all fixed now.

Restore Your System

Sometimes a bad system config info error may require a complete system restore. Here are the steps for this solution in Windows 10:

  1. Click the Start menu
  2. Use the search bar to search “Create A Restore Point”
  3. Click the top result. This will open your System Properties menu
  4. Click “System Restore”. Then, click “Next”.
  5. Select a particular restore point that you’d like to reset your computer to.
  6. Click “Scan for affected programs”.
  7. Click “Next”, then click “Finish”.
  8. Now, the computer will run on its own to complete the restore process.

Perform A Factory Data Reset

This is your last resort. By performing this task, you’re resetting your computer to the factory version of Windows. Make sure all of your important data is backed up before executing a Factory Reset.

  1. Run Windows off of your CD-ROM or USB drive
  2. Use Google if you have trouble booting up Windows on your machine
  3. When the Welcome Screen appears, click “Next”.
  4. Click “Repair Your Computer”
  5. Navigate to the Factory Reset menu: Troubleshoot > Reset this PC > Remove everything > Only the drive where Windows is installed > Just remove my files.
  6. Hit the “Reset” button
  7. Now, the computer will run on its own to reset your computer to the original factory settings.

Blue Screen, Be Gone!

Repairing a Windows bad system config info error doesn’t have to be hard. It’s true, some of the solutions require some advanced moves. But, don’t worry. You’ve got this.

You don’t need to do any coding. You’re just navigating to some of the more advanced menus within Windows.