Computer Help and Support

QED

(3,365 posts) Wed May 13, 2026, 11:19 AM Wednesday

Windows 10 just crashed

My PC has been grindingly slow the past couple of days and then it just died.

The error messages are basically that Windows can't boot up. "If you contact a tech support tell them 'bad_system_config_info'

I tried to reset Windows but that failed.

I searched for a solution and saw this but I'm hesitant to try it:

If errors persist, run the command prompt as administrator to execute DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth followed by sfc /scannow to repair system files

Is there a remedy or is this machine toast? I was looking for a new computer but didn't get very far in my search. This may have forced the issue.

TIA

9 replies

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Highlight:

Windows 10 just crashed (Original Post) QED Wednesday OP

I've read in a few places True Dough Wednesday #1

Do the DISM and SFC commands Gore1FL Wednesday #2

I'll try that. QED Wednesday #3

Do you have an SSD, or is a mechanical hard drive? The Madcap Wednesday #4

Could be a variety of things sboatcar Wednesday #5

First, check that the HDD/SSD isn't failing. Next, if reset fails, try repair from bootable USB. Eugene Wednesday #6

I bought a new laptop with Windows 11 because the old one wouldn't run Turbo Tax CanonRay Wednesday #7

Update: Thank you for the suggestions and empathy QED Wednesday #8

This message was self-deleted by its author Sector 001 Wednesday #9

True Dough

(27,298 posts)

1. I've read in a few places

Reply to QED (Original post)

Wed May 13, 2026, 11:22 AM

Wednesday

that computers will soon be rising in price due to extremely high demand for memory, which is being gobbled up by data centers. Hope you can get a cheap-ish replacement, if you're forced to go that route.

Good luck!

Gore1FL

(22,981 posts)

2. Do the DISM and SFC commands

Reply to QED (Original post)

Wed May 13, 2026, 11:24 AM

Wednesday

They are often effective.
If all else fails you can download win 11 to a USB and install it from there.

QED

(3,365 posts)

3. I'll try that.

Reply to Gore1FL (Reply #2)

Wed May 13, 2026, 11:29 AM

Wednesday

My machine can't handle Windows 11 so if that doesn't work, new machine. Maybe? Damn. Just finished paying off a huge vet bill.

Thank you!

The Madcap

(2,031 posts)

4. Do you have an SSD, or is a mechanical hard drive?

Reply to QED (Original post)

Wed May 13, 2026, 11:34 AM

Wednesday

DISM is a good way to go if you can get into the system, but it sounds like you can't.

sboatcar

(866 posts)

5. Could be a variety of things

Reply to QED (Original post)

Wed May 13, 2026, 11:36 AM

Wednesday

I would try those things above, and if they don't fix them, its likely a hardware issue, either a dying hard drive or malfunctioning RAM. If that's the case, it may or may not be fixable, depending on the system.

Eugene

(67,298 posts)

6. First, check that the HDD/SSD isn't failing. Next, if reset fails, try repair from bootable USB.

Reply to QED (Original post)

Wed May 13, 2026, 11:37 AM

Wednesday

You will need a Windows 10 ISO and a thumbdrive to boot it from.

If you don't have the Windows 10 ISO image, there are still places you can get it.

Failing repair, the next option is reinstall Windows over the existing system, using the keep your apps and documents option.

In all cases, back up all your important data first. Also have any special hardware drivers ready.

If all else fails, there is the nuclear option. Backup all your files, wipe the disk and reinstall from scratch.

CanonRay

(16,262 posts)

7. I bought a new laptop with Windows 11 because the old one wouldn't run Turbo Tax

Reply to QED (Original post)

Wed May 13, 2026, 11:45 AM

Wednesday

Finally got stuff transfered over just as the keys stopped working on the old one. Phew!

QED

(3,365 posts)

8. Update: Thank you for the suggestions and empathy

Reply to QED (Original post)

Wed May 13, 2026, 04:55 PM

Wednesday

I ran the Dell diagnostic and damn damn damn, it's the hard drive.

I was planning to update my computer once classes were over but I did it today. The system is updating now. Costco had this one - AMD 7, 32 GB memory, 1 TB HD for ~$700 (it's on their website for ~$900!). It will be fine for my needs. The Costco guys told me that RAM was going way up in price shortly due to the AI push.

Now to figure out and download apps and see if a tech guy can rescue anything from the hard drive. I should have backed it up sooner. I know better.

Response to QED (Original post)

Sector 001 This message was self-deleted by its author.

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