Windows 8.1 BAD_SYSTEM_CONFIG_INFO

[MikeSangelo]

Hi folks,

I was logging into my PC last night and it stopped me to install updates first. It was working on the update then restart afterwards. When it restarted, it began boot looping with the BSOD of "BAD_SYSTEM_CONFIG_INFO" - System restore has not worked, startup repair has not worked, safe mode boot has not worked, and I know that it is not infected with a virus. Additionally, dell diagnostics passed all of my components, so I m stumped on how to go about fixing this.

Help would be greatly appreciated

[ANUNNAKI]

Have you messed with your system registry at all lately?

I would suggest trying to restore it to a previous point.

[Teddy]

The issue is back from XP days, normally indicates a failed harddrive or RAM.

Update:
Try a clean install; if the problem persists use the BIOS to check the RAM and HardDrive for faults and replace any faulty parts.

[MikeSangelo]

Have you messed with your system registry at all lately?

I would suggest trying to restore it to a previous point.

Haven't messed with the registry, and I did try a system restore point from a week ago and it did not resolve the issue.

[Janar]

Does Startup Repair give any errors or just fails? Did you try the Automatic Repair option?
If Windows 8.1 still has command prompt/recovery console thing, try this - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929833

Out of interest - how old is your PC?

EDIT: In addition, you may try Refreshing your Windows 8, if you have such option - http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2293-refresh-windows-8-a.html

[MikeSangelo]

Does Startup Repair give any errors or just fails? Did you try the Automatic Repair option?
If Windows 8.1 still has command prompt/recovery console thing, try this - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929833

Out of interest - how old is your PC?

EDIT: In addition, you may try Refreshing your Windows 8, if you have such option - http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2293-refresh-windows-8-a.html

System repair says it is successful, then on reboot the same old BSOD occurs. I'll try out the recovery console method though. My PC just turned 1 year old last month as well.

[Huntsman]

Try to re-install Windows 8.1 with a clean copy.

[SugarD]

Just a heads up, ignore Dell Diagnostics. Also, if you're using a copy of Windows installed by Dell, expect bugs. They are notorious for bloatware and useless OS changes that tend to cause problems. Their whole business motto is using proprietary hardware and modified software to prevent you from going anywhere, so when your stuff breaks, you're forced to go back to them and spend more. That is how they make their money back from their systems being so cheap.

As was suggested, you're best off with reinstalling fresh. Make sure you back everything up you wish to keep, and then format your HDD and start all over. If you can, install a version of Windows 8.1 that is not from a Dell disc. That way you are getting a standard copy of Windows that Dell has not screwed around with.

Once you get everything working again, immediately re-activate your copy of Windows, and get your updates fully done. If you run into the issue again, check your hardware as Teddy mentioned. Dell's hardware is also very well known for breaking just after its warranty date, for the same reasons I mentioned in the other paragraph of this reply.