Windows 11 Installation Error: Recovery Error Code 0xc0000098 and Bad System Config Info

Question

I recently bought a new SSD and disconnected the SATA cable of my old HDD for a clean Windows installation. As I always do, I downloaded the Windows 11 ISO file using the MCT tool and wrote it to my USB drive (which I’ve used previously for OS installations without any issues on other computers) using Rufus with default settings.

Previously, attempting to install Windows caused similar issues, but after creating the USB drive from scratch a few times and retrying multiple times, the installation eventually succeeded. Since persistence worked, I didn’t look much into the problem.

Currently, when I select the installation USB from the boot menu or set it as the first boot option in the BIOS, the process starts with the boot logo oddly shifted to the right. After waiting for a while, it throws me into a recovery screen with the error code "0xc0000098."

When I initially selected the USB from the boot menu, I encountered a blue screen with the "Bad System Config Info" error code.

When I researched this issue before, I ran a memtest, and no problems were detected. I can run it again if necessary.

I’ve repeated the entire process approximately 15 times using two different USB drives, one of which is brand new. I didn’t encounter any errors while installing Linux distributions. Currently, I have Fedora installed on my system, but I want to switch back to Windows.

I’d greatly appreciate any help you can provide. Thank you in advance!

Answer 1

Dear Uygar Furkan edebali

Thank you for posting in the Microsoft community.

Issues with error code 0xc0000098 and Bad System Config Info while installing Windows 11 can be related to the following factors: problems with USB installation media, hardware compatibility issues (such as a new SSD or motherboard setup), BIOS misconfiguration, or corrupted system files. Below are some detailed solutions and recommendations for your situation:

Problem Analysis

1. Error code 0xc0000098: indicates that the boot configuration data (BCD) file is missing or corrupted. Usually occurs when the installation media is incorrect or the system cannot read the boot file correctly.
2. Bad System Config Info: Usually related to hardware configuration or boot file conflicts, but may also be related to memory or driver compatibility issues.
3. Fedora works fine: This indicates that there may be no apparent problem with the hardware itself, but the Windows installation may require a specific BIOS or hardware configuration.

Solution

1. Check and recreate the installation media

Although you have created the installation USB several times, the problem may still be related to the USB drive or the way it was created.

Steps to ensure that the installation media is created correctly:

1. Create the USB installation disk using official Microsoft tools:

Use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant to create the installation disk, not Rufus.

Insert the USB drive and write the ISO directly to the USB using Microsoft tools.

Download Windows 11

Configuring BIOS Setup

An incorrect BIOS setup may cause the installation media to fail to boot correctly or conflict with the hardware.

To adjust the BIOS setup, proceed as follows:

1. Enable UEFI mode:

Go to BIOS Setup (usually press Del or F2).

Find Boot Mode or Boot Configuration and select UEFI (not Legacy or CSM).

2. Disable or enable Secure Boot:

Find the Secure Boot setting in the BIOS.

If using Refus set it to Disabled.

If using a USB made with the MCT tool, set it to Enable.

This will prevent the Windows installer from not loading in some cases.

Disclaimer:  Microsoft provides no assurances and/or warranties, implied or otherwise, and  is not responsible for the information you receive from the third-party  linked sites or any support related to technology.  

If you are going to modify BIOS Settings, please  back up all your personal files first to ensure you do not lose data.

3. Check the SATA mode:

If you are using a new SSD, make sure the SATA mode is set to AHCI (not RAID or IDE).

If it was previously in IDE or RAID mode, reboot the BIOS after changing to AHCI.

4. Adjust the boot sequence:

Set the USB drive as the first boot device.

If supported by your system, use F12 (or other hotkey) to manually select USB boot.

Repairing the boot configuration data (BCD)

If error code 0xc0000098 continues to appear, it may be necessary to repair the BCD manually.

Steps to repair the BCD:

1. Boot the installation media using USB.
2. In the installation screen, select Repair Computer > Troubleshooting > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.
3. Enter the following command to repair step-by-step:

bootrec /fixmbr

bootrec /fixboot

bootrec /scanos

bootrec /rebuildbcd

Checking hardware compatibility

If the problem persists, you may need to verify that the hardware is fully compatible with Windows 11.

Steps for checking hardware:

1. Windows 11 hardware requirements:

Make sure your system meets the minimum requirements for Windows 11, including TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot support.

Enable TPM in the BIOS (usually under the Security or Advanced menu).

2. Test memory and storage devices:

Run MemTest again to check for memory problems.

Check the health of the SSD using the tool provided by the SSD manufacturer (e.g. Samsung Magician or Crucial Storage Executive)

Summary

1. Create reliable USB installation media: Use official Microsoft tools to create and ensure file integrity.
2. Adjust BIOS settings: enable UEFI mode, disable Secure Boot and Fast Boot.
3. Clean up the SSD: Make sure the target disk is free of partition conflicts.
4. Repair BCD: Rebuild boot configuration data via command prompt.
5. Check hardware compatibility: Make sure your hardware meets Windows 11 requirements, especially TPM and UEFI support.

Best Wish

Shawn.Z-MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist