Windows 10 is a widely used operating system known for its stability and user-friendly interface. However, sometimes you may encounter Bad Image 0xc000012f error and it prevents you from using your applications effectively. Bad Image error with the code “0xc000012f” on Windows 10, typically means that the operating system cannot properly load a specific file or set of files required by a program. This could be due to corruption in the system files or when certain files required to run the program are not found. As a result, affected applications may fail to launch or display error.
“Application name.exe – Bad Image”
“C:\Windows\AppPatch\example.dll is either not designed to run on Windows or it contains an error. Try installing the program again using the original installation media or contact your system administrator or the software vendor for support. Error status 0xc000012f”
Bad Image 0xc000012f Error on Windows 10
As Discussed Bad Image error comes up when Windows cannot run the programs you tried running mainly due to the files and libraries needed to run the program being corrupted due to an update. Several factors can contribute to the Bad Image error on Windows 10. Some of the most common causes include:
- Corrupted System Files: If essential system files are corrupted or damaged, it can lead to various errors, including the Bad Image error.
- Malware Infections: Viruses, Trojans, and other forms of malware can corrupt files, interfere with system processes, and trigger errors like Bad Image.
- Outdated or Incompatible Drivers: Drivers are crucial for hardware components to function correctly. Outdated or incompatible drivers can cause conflicts and errors.
- Software Installation Issues: Improper installation or removal of software programs can leave behind residual files or corrupt system registry entries, leading to errors.
- Hardware Problems: Faulty hardware components, such as a failing hard drive or RAM module, can also contribute to system errors.
Run System File Checker
Corrupt or missing system files are a common reason behind the Bad Image “0xc000012f” error. Running the System File Checker (SFC) utility scans the integrity of all protected system files and repairs files with problems when possible. By running SFC, you can identify and fix any corrupted or missing system files that may be causing the Bad Image error.
- First, open the command prompt as administrator.
- Then Type the command SFC /SCANNOW and press Enter.
- It will run a system check for all corrupted files and programs in the computer.
- If found Any missing or corrupted system files the utility Restore them from a special folder located on %WinDir%\System32\dllcache.
- Wait until 100% complete the Scanning process After that Restart windows and check the bad image error is gone.
Note: If the SFC Utility Results system file checker finds some corrupt files but is unable to fix them, Then Run the DISM command DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth Which repairs the System image and allows SFC to Do its job.
Like SFC, DISM scans for and fixes issues related to system files. By restoring the health of the system image, DISM ensures that essential system files required for proper operation are intact and functional, thereby addressing the Bad Image error.
Check Disk for Errors
Disk errors or bad sectors can lead to data corruption and system instability, resulting in errors like Bad Image while opening apps on your system. Running the CHKDSK utility helps identify and repair disk errors, ensuring the integrity of your storage device and potentially resolving the error.
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Type chkdsk C: /f /r and press Enter. Type Y and press enter to schedule a disk check on the next system restart.
- Close the command prompt and restart your computer to scan and fix disk error that is probably an effective solution to fix Bad Image 0xc000012f Error.
Check for Windows Updates
Outdated system files can contribute to errors like the Bad Image error. Windows updates often include bug fixes and updates to system files. By checking for and installing available updates, you ensure that any known issues or vulnerabilities that could lead to the Bad Image error are addressed. Updating Windows also helps keep your system stable and secure.
- Press the Windows key + X and select Settings
- Go tp Update & Security then Windows Update.
- Click on “Check for updates” and install any available updates.
In addition, open Microsoft Store, click Library then click on Get updates to update built in apps.
Once the update download and install complete, restart your computer to apply changes.
Uninstall the defective update
If you notice the bad image error status 0xc000012f started after installing a recent Windows update, Then try to uninstall the update and check if this helps.
- Open the control panel and Navigate to Programs and features,
- On the left panel, click View installed updates.
- Here On the right panel, located on the Windows update version that causes the error click Uninstall.
- Restart your computer to effect the Changes, After that check, the error get resolved.
Here we make you remember that a few users say that uninstalling Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015 has solved this problem on their computers. Hence, uninstall this feature using this wizard and ensure whether Error Status 0xc00012f in Windows 10 Bad image no longer exists.
Reinstall the Affected Program
If the Bad Image error occurs with a specific program (For example you are getting this error while open Chrome or Firefox), reinstalling it can resolve any issues related to corrupted or missing files. Reinstallation ensures that all necessary files and dependencies are correctly installed, reducing the likelihood of encountering the error when launching the program.
- Open the Control Panel and navigate to “Programs” > “Programs and Features.”
- Find the program causing the error, right-click on it, and select “Uninstall.”
- Once uninstalled, download the latest version of the program from the official website and reinstall it.
Check for Malware Infection
Again Malware infections can corrupt system files, interfere with system processes, and cause various errors, including the Bad Image error “0xc000012f”. Performing a full system scan helps detect and remove malware, eliminating the underlying cause of the error and restoring system stability.
You can Perform a full system scan using Windows security (Defender) or third-party antivirus software to detect and remove any malware infections that may be causing the Bad Image error.
Run an Automatic Repair
If all the above methods fail to fix, then Run Windows Automatic Repair and let Windows to fix the issue for you. For this process, you need a Windows installation Media. If you don’t have any create one using this link. When you are ready with the installation media insert it to the computer, change the BIOS setup and Boot from the installation media.
Select language preferences, and click Next. Click Repair your computer in the bottom-left.
Next, From the list, click on the option Troubleshoot. Go to Advanced options and select Automatic Repair.
This will Restart and Start the repair process, wait until complete the Repair process after That restart Windows and check helped to fix the error status 0xc000012f or not.
Perform a System Restore
System Restore allows you to revert your system to a previous state where it was functioning correctly. If you are getting Bad Image 0xc000012f Error, after recent change or update, performing a System Restore can undo those changes and resolve the issue.
- Press Windows Key + R type rstrui and press Enter to open the System Restore wizard.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to choose a restore point and complete the restoration process.
Note: This will revert your system to a previous state, so choose a restore point from before you started experiencing the Bad Image error.
By restoring your system to a stable state, you eliminate the factors contributing to the error and restore normal operation.
Fix Bad Image error on Chrome
Error message: Chrome.exe – Bad Image. A particular file is either not designed to run on Windows or it contains an error status 0xc000012f.
If you Are getting Bad image error status 0xc000012f while opening the Google Chrome Browser. open C:\Users\Username\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data. Then Find the folder Default and rename it to Default.bkp.
Now Again open Chrome to check if the problem is resolved or not.
Bad Image Error on Ms office Application
If getting Bad Image 0xc000012f Error on MS Office software like Word or Excel, Office’s Online Repair option. This helps most users fix the problem.
- To Fix this issue press Win + R, type appwiz.cpl and hit the enter key.
- Select your MS Office suite in Programs and Features.
- Click the Change option for the selected MS Office suite.
- Choose the more thorough Online Repair option
Let the repair run in the background as it can take some time to complete. After That Restart Windows and check the Error is gone.
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