FIX: Whateverapplication.exe – Bad Image error 0xc000012f

So, is your solution one that does work?

I see so many solutions to this problem on the internet, but beware of all these solutions. Most are way too exaggerated for a problem like this.

This error message is more common with different applications, and may be because applications use the cache. The cache then becomes corrupt and stops working. All you have to do is empty the caching.

9 out of 10 times this solution works.


Let’s fix ‘Bad Image error 0xc000012f’.

The tutorial is divided in two.

  • Let’s fix ‘Bad Image error 0xc000012f’ for techies
  • Let’s fix ‘Bad Image error 0xc000012f’ for dummies

One is for the techies among us, and the second is for the dummies among us with screenshots.


Let’s fix ‘Bad Image error 0xc000012f’ for techies.

  • Go to Start,
  • Search for Cleanmgr,
  • Select all check boxes,
  • Click OK,
  • Restart your device.

This should have solved your problem.


Let’s fix ‘Bad Image error 0xc000012f’ for dummies

Go to Start and search for Cleanmgr.

FIX: Whateverapplication.exe - Bad Image error 0xc000012f
FIX: Whateverapplication.exe – Bad Image error 0xc000012f

Select all check boxes.

FIX: Whateverapplication.exe - Bad Image error 0xc000012f
FIX: Whateverapplication.exe – Bad Image error 0xc000012f

Click OK.
It will now start cleaning your OS drive.

FIX: Whateverapplication.exe - Bad Image error 0xc000012f
FIX: Whateverapplication.exe – Bad Image error 0xc000012f

Now restart your device.

This should have solved your problem.


Complete error message

C:\Windows\XXXXX.dll
is either not designed to run on windows or it contains an error. Try installing the program again using the original installation media or contact your system administrator of the software vendor for support. Error status 0xc000012f”


This is from Microsoft Answers

This post is from answers.microsoft.com.
I have expanded the existing tutorial with screenshots.

If you have questions regarding this topic, please go to the following page:
Why are you using forum posts from Microsoft Community?

Published by

Bas Wijdenes

My name is Bas Wijdenes and I work as a PowerShell DevOps Engineer. In my spare time I write about interesting stuff that I encounter during my work.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *