STATUS SYSTEM IMAGE BAD SIGNATURE (0X00000030) Blue Screen Fix Guide (Windows 10/11)

by

How to Fix the STATUS SYSTEM_IMAGE_BAD_SIGNATURE (0x00000030) Blue Screen Error in Windows 10/11

The STATUS_SYSTEM_IMAGE_BAD_SIGNATURE (0x00000030) blue screen error, also known as a “BSOD” or “blue screen of death,” occurs when your computer encounters an issue with the system image file. This typically means that Windows detected corruption in critical system files or drivers during startup, preventing your PC from booting properly. If you’re seeing this error, dont worryits often fixable without needing technical expertise.

This guide will walk you through understanding the error, identifying its causes, and applying step-by-step fixes to resolve it on Windows 10 or 11.

—

What Causes the STATUS_SYSTEM_IMAGE_BAD_SIGNATURE Error?

The error usually appears when:

  • A system file (like ntoskrnl.exe, a core Windows kernel file) is corrupted or improperly signed.
  • A driver or hardware issue interferes with the boot process, leading to signature verification failure.
  • Windows Update or a recent installation updated a critical system file incorrectly.
  • The hard drive has bad sectors that affect system files during startup.

You may see this error after installing new software, updating Windows, or if your PC was shut down improperly (e.g., due to a power outage). The screen often displays the error code 0x00000030 along with technical details like:

*** STOP: 0x00000030: STATUS_SYSTEM_IMAGE_BAD_SIGNATURE
If this is the first time you've seen this error, restart your computer. If the problem persists, check for hardware issues or contact support.

—

How to Fix STATUS_SYSTEM_IMAGE_BAD_SIGNATURE (0x00000030)

Try these solutions in order, starting with the simplest and moving to more advanced steps if needed.

###

Method 1: Restart Your Computer

The first step is always to rule out temporary glitches.

  • If your PC is stuck on the blue screen, hold down the power button for 510 seconds to force a shutdown.
  • Wait 30 seconds, then press the power button to restart your computer.
  • Let Windows attempt to boot normally. If the error reappears, proceed to the next method.

—

###

Method 2: Boot into Safe Mode and Run System File Checker (SFC)

Safe Mode loads only essential drivers, reducing interference from third-party software. Heres how to access it:

  • Restart your PC and repeatedly press the F8 key (or Shift + F8 on some systems) during boot until you see the Advanced Startup menu.
  • Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart. After restarting, press F5 to enable Safe Mode with Networking.

Once in Safe Mode:

  • Press Win + X, then select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows Terminal (Admin).
  • Copy and paste the following command, then press Enter to run a system file scan: 
    sfc /scannow

Wait for the process to complete (this may take 1020 minutes). Restart your PC when done. If the error persists, proceed to the next method.

—

###

Method 3: Run DISM to Repair Corrupted System Files

The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool repairs deeper system corruption. Use it from an admin command prompt:

  • Open Command Prompt as Administrator (Win + X > Terminal (Admin)).
  • Run the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each: 
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
sfc /scannow

Wait for both commands to finish. Reboot your PC afterward.

—

###

Method 4: Check and Repair Disk Errors with CHKDSK

If the error is caused by a failing hard drive, run CHKDSK to scan for bad sectors:

  • Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  • Type: 
    chkdsk C: /f /r

    (Replace C: with your system drive if needed.)

  • Press Enter, then type Y to confirm. If the disk is in use, schedule the scan for the next reboot.

Restart your PC and check for improvements.

—

###

Method 5: Update or Reinstall Problematic Drivers

Outdated or incompatible drivers (especially GPU or chipset drivers) can trigger this error. To update them:

  • Press Win + X > Device Manager.
  • Expand categories like Display adapters, System devices, or Storage controllers. Right-click any device with a yellow exclamation mark and select Update driver.
  • If no updates are available, try rolling back the driver (right-click > Properties > Driver tab > Roll Back Driver).

For automatic updates, use Windows Update (Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates).

—

###

Method 6: Reset or Reinstall Windows (Last Resort)

If the error persists after trying all other methods, a clean reinstall of Windows may be necessary. Back up your data first.

  • Create a Windows installation USB using another PC (use the Media Creation Tool).
  • Boot from the USB, select Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Reset this PC, and choose to keep your files or remove everything.

—

Preventing Future Errors

To avoid this error in the future:

  • Avoid abrupt shutdowns (always use Shut down or Restart from the Start menu).
  • Regularly update Windows and drivers.
  • Use a reliable antivirus to prevent malware-related corruption.
  • Monitor disk health with tools like File History or third-party utilities.

—

FAQs About STATUS_SYSTEM_IMAGE_BAD_SIGNATURE

Is this error dangerous?

No, the error itself doesnt harm your data, but it indicates a serious underlying issue that should be fixed to prevent further problems.

Can I recover lost files after this error?

If Windows fails to boot, use data recovery tools or a Linux live USB to access your files before reinstalling Windows.

Why does this happen after a Windows update?

Updates sometimes corrupt system files during installation. Rolling back the update (via Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Go back) may help if its recent.

Should I replace my hard drive if CHKDSK finds errors?

If CHKDSK reports bad sectors frequently, your drive may be failing. Back up data and consider replacing the hardware if errors persist.

—

Final Notes

The STATUS_SYSTEM_IMAGE_BAD_SIGNATURE (0x00000030) error is frustrating but usually resolvable with patience. Start with simple fixes like restarting or running SFC/DISM, then escalate to disk checks and driver updates if needed. If all else fails, a clean Windows reinstall will restore stability.

If the issue persists after trying these steps, check for hardware problems (e.g., failing RAM) or consult Microsoft Support for further assistance.

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Tested on: Windows 10 (22H2) & Windows 11 (23H2)

Leave a Comment