Skip to content

[Fixed] Bad Image 0xc000012f – Not designed to run on Windows

  • by

The Bad Image Error (0xc000012f) occurs when you try to open, install, or use an application on Windows 11, 10, 8, or 7. This is an application-specific error that can cause problems with certain applications.

[icon name=”triangle-exclamation” prefix=”fas”] Error Message

xxx.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 or the software vendor for support. Error status 0xc000012f

Error code 0xC000012F – STATUS_INVALID_IMAGE_NOT_MZ

Cause

The main reasons behind this error are missing or corrupted DLL files, damaged system files, outdated drivers, or a missing/corrupted MSVCR package. In this troubleshooting guide, you will learn how to effectively address this type of error.

How to Fix it?

Fixing this issue is relatively straightforward. Below, you’ll find a step-by-step guide outlining troubleshooting methods to help you resolve it.

Solution 1: Repair and Optimize Windows OS

This error typically occurs when Windows experiences functionality issues caused by corrupted system files, missing DLL files, malware, or virus infections, outdated or incompatible drivers, and more. To address all these issues at once, consider using a trusted PC optimizer tool.

[widget id=”custom_html-7″]

Solution 2: Run the System File Checker Tool

To repair corrupted system files, Microsoft offers an inbuilt tool called ‘sfc,’ which can be accessed through the Windows command prompt.

[lightweight-accordion title=”System File Checker Tool – Step by Step” bordered=true]
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

open command prompt as administrator in Windows 8, 10 & 11

Step 2: Now run the following command.

sfc /scannow

Step 3: Let the process finish and then exit from the command prompt.
[/lightweight-accordion]

Solution 3: Repair the MSVCR package

To prevent the Bad Image Error (0xc000012f) on Windows 11/10, it’s crucial to repair the preinstalled Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Package (MSVCR). You can achieve this by following these steps:

[lightweight-accordion title=”Repair MSVCR Package” bordered=true]
Step 1: Open Settings. Go to Apps > Apps & Features.
apps & feature in windows 10/11
Step 2: Here, find all the installations with the name of “Microsoft Visual C++”, click on them and if Modify button is enabled, click on the Modify button.
modify_msvcr
Step 3: User Account Control dialog box will appear and will ask for your administrative permission. Click on the Yes button.
Step 4: The setup will start processing and you will see the following dialog box on the screen.
repair_msvcr_2
Step 5: After completing the repairing process, you will see the Setup Successful message on the screen.
repair_msvcr_3
Step 6: Do the same operation for all the MSVCR Installation which has enabled Modify button.
Step 7: Make a simple reboot and you have successfully repaired all your MSVCR Installation.
[/lightweight-accordion]

Solution 4: Install the latest version of MSVCR package

When your computer lacks the latest MSVCR package, certain DLL files required by applications may be missing, leading to the Bad Image Error (0xc000012f). In such cases, installing the latest MSVCR package can resolve this issue.

[lightweight-accordion title=”Install latest MSVCR Package” bordered=true]
Step 1: To download this file, just google “Download Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable” or open the following link. This library is free to download, install and use.
search_msvcr

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/cpp/windows/latest-supported-vc-redist?view=msvc-170

Step 2: Download the MSVCR Library file according to your System Architecture. If you don’t know what your System Architecture is, just click on Start Menu and search for “System Information”.
search_system_Information
Step 3: Open System Information and here, you can see your CPU architecture.
system_information
Step 4: Download MSVCR Library and double click on it to install it.
download_msvcr
[/lightweight-accordion]

Solution 5: Install complete Windows updates

Maintaining up-to-date Windows, including apps, drivers, BIOS, and system updates, is essential. This ensures that your system has all the required files and updates necessary for applications to function properly.

[lightweight-accordion title=”Update Windows, Drivers, and Apps – Step by Step” bordered=true]
[Update Windows]
Step 1: Go to Settings ➜ Windows Update. Click on the Check for updates button and if shows any pending updates, download, and install them.
windows update settings in windows 11 & 10
[Update Drivers]
Step 2: Go to the Device Manager. Find the outdated drivers, right-click on them, and select Update.
update_driver
[Update Apps]
Step 3: Open Microsoft Store. Go to the Library and click on the Get updates button.
update ms store apps
[/lightweight-accordion]

Solution 6: Run the DISM command to Repair Windows

DISM is a valuable tool for repairing corrupted Windows images. This tool scans Windows thoroughly, repairing corrupted files, and installing missing Windows files as needed.

[lightweight-accordion title=”DISM Command – Step by Step” bordered=true]
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

open command prompt as administrator in Windows 8, 10 & 11

Step 2: Now run the following command.

Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Step 3: Let the process finish and then exit from the command prompt.
[/lightweight-accordion]

Solution 7: Re-install the Program.

Reinstalling the program re-registers all its components with Windows. Ensure you download the software from the manufacturer’s official website and make sure it’s the latest version available.

Summary

The Bad Image Error (0xc000012f) is an application-related issue that arises when working with an application. In this article, we’ll discuss various methods to help you resolve this error and fix the problem.