How to Fix “Bad Image, error status 0xc0000020” Error?

Summary: Bad Image Error or Error 0xc0000020 is a common error that is associated with the Windows operating system. In this blog, we’ve explained the causes behind the Bad Image error. Also, we’ve mentioned some effective methods to resolve the error.

You get error messages when the system is unable to respond to a command. The system prompts messages, like “action couldn’t be performed”, indicating a probable problem. The Bad Image Error in Windows usually occurs if the files and libraries needed to run the update or application are corrupted or damaged.

When a system detects a Bad Image, Error status 0xc0000020, it shows the following message:

Software.exe – Bad Image C:\Windows\System32\XXXX.dll is either not designed to run on Windows or 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 00xc0000020.

Reasons for “Bad Image, error status 0xc0000020” Error

Here are some common reasons that may result in “Bad Image” error:

• Incomplete installation or uninstallation of a software
• Installation of defective Windows updates
• Malware or virus attack
• Improper shutdown of the system
• DLL mismatch
• Misconfigured system settings
• Corrupted registry entry

How to Fix Bad Image, error status 0xc0000020?

Follow the given methods to resolve the Bad Image error:

Method 1: Uninstall and Reinstall the Program

If a bad image error has occurred after installing software, uninstall it. Follow the steps below to do so:

Step 1. Click the Windows search box at the bottom-left corner of the Windows taskbar and type Control Panel.

Step 2. Click Control Panel.

Step 3. Navigate to Programs and Features.

Step 4. Select the program that needs to be uninstalled.

Step 5. Click “Uninstall” and follow the prompts to complete the action

Step 6. After uninstalling the software, restart your system.

Check if the error 0xc0000020 is fixed. Else, move to the next method.

Method 2: Uninstall the Defective/Recent Windows Updates

Microsoft releases Windows updates from time to time to add new features and to refine the existing operating system. However, at times, such updates also result in a few errors, including the Bad Image error.

Did you know? Several users lost their data after installing Windows 10 (version 1809) which was rolled out in the first week of October 2018.

If Bad Image, error status 0xc0000020 occurs after updating Windows, uninstall the recent updates. Follow the steps below:

Step 1. Click the Windows search box at the bottom-left corner of the Windows taskbar and type Control Panel.

Step 2. Click Control Panel application.

Step 3. Navigate to Programs and Features.

Step 4. Click View installed updates. This will show all the installed Windows updates. Click Installed On to see the updates by their installation dates.

This will show all the installed Windows updates. You can click Installed On to sort the updates by their installation dates.

Step 5. Right-click on the most recent update. Select Uninstall and then click yes to confirm.

          

Step 6. Restart the system. Check if the Bad Image, error status 0xc0000020 is fixed.

Method 3: Reset Windows

If the above-given method doesn’t fix the error, reset/reinstall Windows by following the steps given below:

Step 1. Click the Windows search box at the bottom-left corner of the Windows taskbar and type Control Panel.

Step 2. Click Control Panel.

Step 3. Navigate to Recovery.

Step 4. Click If you’re having a problem with your PC, go to Settings to reset it.

Step 5. On the Settings panel, click Get started under the Reset this PC section.

Step 6. If you want to keep your personal data, select “Keep my files”. Else choose “Remove everything” and follow the prompts to reinstall Windows.

Note: Choosing any of these two options would remove the installed apps and settings.

Method 4: Clean Install Windows

[CAUTION]: Installing a clean copy of Windows would lead to data loss. Ensure to back up your data first, before opting for a clean installation.

To do a clean installation of Windows, you’d need to:

1. Download the media creation tool.
2. Use it to create installation media on a USB or DVD.

Click here to learn more about the clean installation of Windows.

Method 5: Run Windows Automatic Repair

In case the error occurs due to a problem with Windows OS, you can run Windows automatic repair to resolve the issues. Here are the steps to do so:

Step 1. Boot Windows from bootable installation media.

Step 2. Navigate to the Repair your computer option.

Step 3. Click Troubleshoot. Click Advanced. Go to Automatic Repair.

Step 4. Let the process of Windows Automatic Repair finish.

Step 5. Restart your computer.

Conclusion

Bad Image, error status 0xc0000020 usually occurs when you try to access an application that fails to load because of corruption in some system files. In this blog, we mentioned the reasons for the error and discussed various methods to fix the Bad Image, Error status 0xc0000020.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ques: What is Bad Image Error?

Ans: The Bad Image error or Error status 0xc0000020 occurs when Windows cannot run the programs you are trying to run. The main reasons behind the issue include corruption of the files and libraries. The error may occur in any version of the Windows OS – Windows 10, Windows 8, or Windows 7.

Ques: What is error status 0xc0000020 Windows 10?

Ans: The Error status 0xc0000020 Windows 10 occurs when the operating system is misconfigured or corrupt or the system files become inaccessible.