BAD_SYSTEM_CONFIG_INFO is a bug check error with a value of 0x00000074. This is mainly caused by malfunctioning system files and/or some registry files. Most of the times, you can’t boot into safe mode and a lot of apparently applicable fixes don’t work.
If you are also facing this error, then you need to stop worrying and start trying the 2 methods that we have mentioned below.
The “Method 1” should be tried first and only if you can’t resolve the issue by it, should you try the second method.
Method 1: Automatic Repair
In the first method, we will be showing you a complete guide on how you can perform an automatic repair of your windows. Some users have reported that a simple automatic repair fixed the issue for them as it was mainly getting caused by incompatible or corrupt system files. Follow these steps:
First of all, you would need a Windows 10 CD to proceed. If you don’t have it, then there is no need to worry about it. You can follow the steps on this guide to make yourself a bootable USB/DVD. (Note: You can make a bootable USB for this method but if it fails and you have to try the second method, you will have to go with a DVD because a USB will cause troubles for you. It’s thereby pragmatic and recommended to boot a DVD in the first place.)
Now shut your PC down and insert the bootable media.
Once properly inserted, press the power button and as soon as display appears, press the F1/F2 or the key to Enter BIOS (specific to your system) and keep it pressed till the BIOS screen appears.
On the BIOS screen, move over to the BOOT
Set Launch CSM to “Enabled”.
Now move over to the Security tab and disable Secure boot control.
Now move over to the Save and exit tab and under Boot override, select the USB/DVD that you used to boot from the list.
Now your system should boot from the bootable media.
From the setup screen, select “Next”
Now from the window, select “Repair your computer” option present at the bottom.
The automatic repair should now begin. If you are presented with Troubleshoot options, choose Troubleshoot, then choose Advanced Options, and then choose Startup Repair.
Once it completes and your computer reboots, see if the problem got resolved for you. If yes, Congratulations! If No, follow the steps in the next method!
(Note: If you end up getting the “Preparing automatic repair loop” error where every time you reboot, you get the “Preparing automatic repair” screen followed by a forced reboot, then you can try this extensive guide out.)
Method 2: Replace Old Registry Files
For this method, we will be replacing some old registry files. Before you proceed, know that if you are trying to perform the following steps on a PC where you are dual booting with another operating system, you will completely mess up your dual boot by using bootrec among other commands involved in this method. Also as already mentioned, using a USB to boot will cause some troubles in your partition table pertaining to your drive letters so it’s necessary that you boot with a DVD.
Using the Bootrec Command
The first part of the method deals with using the bootrec command to fix the issue. As this is purely a boot related problem, bootrec is expected to solve the problem for most of the people. Only proceed with the second part if this part doesn’t help you.
To do so, follow the METHOD 2 available at this extensive guide.
In addition to the bootrec /rebuildbcd command as mentioned in the guide above, you have to type the following two commands as well in the command prompt and press enter as well:
bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /rebuildbcd
Change Registry Files
You need to be on this part only if nothing mentioned above has solved the issue for you. This is a considerably technical method so you need to be careful with the steps mentioned below.
Follow the steps as above to boot with your DVD.
Follow the on-screen instructions till you reach Command Prompt from (Troubleshoot -> Advanced Options)
From the list, select Command prompt.
In the terminal type the following command without the quotes: “cd X:\Windows\System32\config”. This will take you into the config
Now type all of these commands one by one and press enter after each:
ren X:\Windows\System32\config\DEFAULT DEFAULT.old
ren X:\Windows\System32\config\SAM SAM.old
ren X:\Windows\System32\config\SECURITY SECURITY.old
ren X:\Windows\System32\config\SOFTWARE SOFTWARE.old
ren X:\Windows\System32\config\SYSTEM SYSTEM.old
The above step has renamed all of the current main registry files. Use the following commands to replace the original with the ones created by the backup:
copy X:\Windows\System32\config\RegBack\DEFAULT X:\Windows\System32\config\
copy X:\Windows\System32\config\RegBack\SAM X:\Windows\System32\config\
copy X:\Windows\System32\config\RegBack\SECURITY X:\Windows\System32\config\
copy X:\Windows\System32\config\RegBack\SYSTEM X:\Windows\System32\config\
copy X:\Windows\System32\config\RegBack\SOFTWARE X:\Windows\System32\config\
Close the command prompt and restart.
You should now be able to boot right into your operating system!