Bad system configuration info

[Wernlik]

• I ran all of the command prompt fixes & restarted several times. Alway starts at the blue screen. Goes into automatic fix & it can't fix. Unable to get in to backup anything.  Windows 10.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Wernlik 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Thanks for sharing everything you’ve already tried—it’s clear you’ve been persistent and thorough, and I can imagine how frustrating it is to be stuck in a blue screen loop with no access to your files. 

The “Bad System Config Info” error typically points to a corrupted boot configuration or misaligned system files, and if command prompt fixes haven’t worked, a deeper recovery approach is needed.

Here’s a focused guide to help restore access and protect your data:

1. Create a Windows 10 Recovery USB

This lets you boot independently of the internal drive:

• On a working Windows PC, download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool.
• Insert a blank USB (at least 8 GB).
• Run the tool and choose Create installation media.
• Boot your affected PC from the USB (press Esc, then F9 to select boot device).

 

2. Use Command Prompt from Recovery USB

Once booted into the recovery environment:

• Select Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Command Prompt.
• Run these commands one at a time:
  bootrec /fixmbr
  bootrec /fixboot
  bootrec /scanos
  bootrec /rebuildbcd
  chkdsk C: /f /r
  sfc /scannow /offbootdir=C:\ /offwindir=C:\Windows
• Restart and check if Windows boots normally.

 

3. Access Files via File Explorer in Recovery Mode

If Windows still won’t boot:

• Boot from the recovery USB again.
• Select Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Command Prompt.
• Type notepad and press Enter.
• In Notepad, go to File > Open, then browse your internal drive.
• You can copy files to an external USB from this window.

This lets you back up critical data before deeper recovery.

 

4. Perform a Repair Install (In-Place Upgrade)

If you can access Windows setup:

• Boot from the USB and choose Install Now.
• Select Upgrade: Install Windows and keep files.
• This replaces system files without deleting personal data.

If this option is unavailable, proceed to a clean install only after backing up.

Let me know how your system responds after these steps. I can guide you through a clean install.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye