Fix Bad Image Error on Windows –  5 Ways

The error code Error Status 0xc000012f, or bad image error on Windows, appears when you try to open a program, but it does not launch properly. Usually, a bad image error means that the application you are trying to run either has corrupt files or the system libraries that support it are missing. In both cases, you may get a bad image error, and the application might not launch.

The error is common to all the current versions of Windows, i.e., you may come across the bad image error on Windows 7/8/8.1/10/11. This is because the fundamental error lies in the system libraries, identical in all the versions. 

If you are also a Windows user suffering from the same issue, you are probably looking for ways to fix bad image errors. Well, we have got you covered! In this post, let us look at some ways you can get rid of the Error Status 0xc000012f on Windows. 

What Causes the Bad Image Error on Windows 7/8/8.1/10/11?

It is crucial to understand the root cause of any issue when trying to resolve it. When you try to launch an application, the bad image error or the Error Status 0xc000012f code may appear on your PC. The core reasons behind this are understandably the corrupt libraries and system files. However, the factors that lead to this error are –

1. Faulty updates installed on the system
2. Misconfigured system settings
3. Unoptimized usage of PC resources
4. Issues with the OS registry entries

All in all, it can be said that the overall system configuration and performance play a critical role in making things run smoothly. If any of these are affected, the Error Status 0xc000012f bad image error may appear. The most irritating thing about the error is that you can keep pressing OK to the prompt to acknowledge that you have seen the error, but it will keep repeating itself. 

If your case can resemble any of the abovementioned issues, you know exactly what is causing the bad image error on your PC. Fortunately, some ways may help you get rid of the issue in no time. Check them out in the next section and implement the steps to fix the error.

How to Fix Error Status 0xc000012f – Bad Image Error

There are 5 ways you can approach and remove bad image errors on any iteration of the Windows PC. Let us look at the step-by-step implementation of these fixes so you can easily repeat the same on your system and avoid the Error Status 0xc000012f prompt. 

Fix 1 – Try Running DISM and SFC Scan to Find System File Errors

The first thing you need to do is check your system files. The bad image error appears due to issues with system files and registries. Hence, checking for system errors is a must. The easiest way is to use system commands such as SFC and DISM in the command prompt. Check out the steps to do the same – 

Step 1 – Go to the Start menu and look for Command Prompt. 

Step 2 – In the found results, click on Run as administrator for enhanced permissions.

Step 3 – In the Command, first use the command DISM. Here’s the command you need to follow – 

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

Step 4 – After finishing the DISM command, quickly use the SFC scan command to finish the process. This will check system files for any issues. Here’s the command to run in the command prompt – 

SFC/ scannow

Step 5 – After successfully running both commands, restart your computer and check if the bad image error appears again. 

If it does, do not worry, as we have other fixes in line for you. Jump to the next fix.

Fix 2 – Register the Specified Error File on the PC

The Error Status 0xc000012f appears due to a missing/unregistered dll file. If there is an issue with the file and its registration, there is a way you can manually register it. Here’s how you do it –

Step 1 – Go to the Start menu and look for Command Prompt. 

Step 2 – In the found results, click on Run as administrator to start it with admin rights.

Step 3 – After opening the command prompt, use the command – 

regsvr32 DLL file name (You may find the DLL file name in the error prompt.)

Step 4 – After executing the command, you will get a prompt on your PC for the file registration. Click on OK.

This will finalize the registration of the necessary file on the PC, resolving the bad image error on the PC.  

Fix 3 – Use Advanced System Optimizer to Sort Registry Issues

If none of the above commands can resolve the issue, chances are that the bad image error is caused due to faulty registry files. To troubleshoot the error, you need an understanding of the registries on your PC. However, thanks to Advanced System Optimizer, you can resolve the issue with a simple scan. 

Smart PC Care module, built with Advanced System Optimizer, scans a system on all fronts, including the registries. It is used to optimize the existing configuration of system files and fix invalid Windows registries to work smoothly and resolve recurring issues such as your bad image error.

Here’s how you can use the same – 

Step 1 – Download and Install Advanced System Optimizer on your PC using the link below.

Step 2 – Launch the application on your PC to find the Smart PC Care scanner.

Step 3 – Click on Start Smart PC Care to initiate the scan. 

Step 4 – The scanner will examine your system for unwanted files, registry issues, etc.

Step 5 – Let the scan finish. It will find all the required actions and give you an Optimize button to initiate the process.

Step 6 – Click on Optimize and wait for the process to finish. 

Step 7 – The tool will finally restart your PC for the changes to take effect. 

After the entire process is over, you will realize that not only the bad image error is resolved, but the overall PC performance is boosted. Try the Advanced System Optimizer today if you have other processing issues on your PC.

Go for a Full Review of Advanced System Optimizer

Fix 4 – Reinstall the Affected Application

Another method you can try is to remove the application that keeps showing the bad image error and reinstall it on your PC. Sometimes the issue exists in the application you are using and not on the PC. Hence, removing the application and re-installing it can be of great help. 

Step 1 – Press Win+I to open the System Settings on your PC.

Step 2 – Go to Apps from the left panel in system settings.

Step 3 – Click on Installed Apps in the App options to find your list of applications on your PC.

Step 4 – Using the same application, find the application that keeps showing the bad image error and remove it using the options.

Step 5 – Go to the download source and find the latest version of the application to install again. 

Fix 5 – Uninstall the Faulty Update on Your PC

Last but not least, if the issue has started after you have updated your PC, then the ideal way to handle the issues is by uninstalling the update. To do so, simply follow the steps given below – 

Step 1 – Press Win+I to open System Settings. 

Step 2 – Look for Windows Update in the left panel in System Settings.

Step 3 – In the update settings, go to Update History and scroll down to find the Uninstall Updates option.

Click on the option and follow the instructions to remove the last update from your system. Once the process is complete, check whether the issue is resolved.

Once you have successfully performed all the steps above, you can try running the affected applications again. They should work fine. If you still face issues, you must check two things – 1. Direct X is installed on your PC, and 2. The C++ Redistributable files are up to date. 

Bad Image Error Status 0xc000012f is Now Resolved!

Ensure that all of these factors are in your favor, and you can expect the Error Status 0xc000012f bad image prompt to never appear on your PC. With that said, we have reached the end of this post. Hope you find it helpful. Looking forward to hearing from you in the comments section. Feel free to ask for any more assistance with the fixes. 

Thanks for reading, good luck!

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