Fix: SystemSettingsAdminFlows.exe – Application Error 0xc0000017

The “SystemSettingsAdminFlows.exe – Application Error (0xc0000017)” occurs when Windows can’t reserve enough memory to start a core administrative process. This error often appears during actions that require elevated access, such as resetting the PC, opening Task Manager, or launching specific system settings.

SystemSettingsAdminFlows.exe is a built-in Windows component that handles administrative settings windows and permissions. If Windows fails to allocate the required memory due to bad memory blocks, corrupted system files, or insufficient pagefile space, the process can’t start, resulting in this error message.

In some cases, the issue is also tied to memory mapping conflicts or outdated boot configurations, which can block the process from launching entirely.

Below, we’ll go through the most reliable methods to fix this problem and restore normal system behavior.

1. Rolling Back to a Previous Restore Point (if applicable)

This error often occurs after a system update fails or introduces instability. In such cases, using a previous restore point can bring your system back to a stable state. A restore point is essentially a snapshot of your system’s files, settings, registry, and drivers before any changes were made.

If something goes wrong during an update and you encounter this error, restoring your system to a previous point often resolves it.

1. Press Win + R, type “rstrui”, and press Enter.
   
2. Click Next when the System Restore window appears.
   
3. Enable the Show more restore points option.
   
4. Select the restore point you want to use and click Next.
   
5. Click Finish to start the process.
   
6. Your computer will automatically complete the restoration and restart.

2. Clear the Bad Memory List

This error can also occur when Windows incorrectly marks certain memory regions as bad. This usually happens after system crashes or failed updates, which can cause Windows to add healthy memory addresses to the BadMemoryList.

Removing these invalid entries allows Windows to access all functional memory blocks again, which can help fix the error.

1. Open Command Prompt with administrative privileges.
   
2. Type the following command and press Enter:

   BCDEdit /Enum

   

3. Next, type the following command and press Enter again:

   bcdedit /deletevalue {badmemory} badmemorylist

4. Once the bad memory blocks are cleared, restart your computer.

3. Replace Faulty RAM Sticks

If Windows fails to allocate memory because certain RAM blocks are actually faulty, this can lead to SystemSettingsAdminFlows.exe errors and prevent tools like Task Manager or Device Manager from launching. Faulty RAM is a common culprit behind repeated bad memory blocks.

Replacing damaged RAM sticks with working ones can eliminate these memory issues and allow administrative tools to function without triggering error messages.

4. Reinstall a Fresh Copy of Windows

If corrupted, damaged, or missing system files are behind this issue, a clean Windows installation can resolve it. A fresh install removes bad drivers, failed updates, and problematic registry entries, ensuring your system starts from a stable state.

To do this: Follow our step-by-step guide on how to install Windows on your computer. A clean installation ensures all system components are working properly and eliminates the possibility of lingering file corruption causing the error.