BSOD: process1_initialization_failed

OS: Win7 Pro SP1 x86
Laptop: Dell Latitude E6410

Unable to boot into Windows and Safe Mode - both return the same blue screen. Most online resources explain that the bootcat.cache (in %windir%\system32\CodeIntegrity\) may be corrupt or the size of the file has unexpectedly changed.

Using a bootable Win7 USB drive and entering System Recovery Options, I can browse to this directory and see that there is no bootcat.cache file (even when looking at hidden system files). After all the attempts mentioned below were made, the machine does not create a new bootcat.cache file and, subsequently, will not boot into the OS.

I decided to create a valid copy of this file by recreating the OS using the same laptop. To do this, I removed the SSD from the laptop, inserted a new SSD, installed the same OS, booted into Windows (successfully), and copied the bootcat.cache file to a USB drive. I put the original SSD back into the laptop, put the new bootcat.cache file into the CodeIntegrity dir, and received the same BSOD.

This SU answer explains the {F750E6C3-38EE-11D1-85E5-00C04FC295EE} folder's relationship with the bootcat.cache file. I have completely replaced this folder with a copy from new SSD with no results.

This article instructs to replace the ntdll.dll found in %windir%\system32, which I have also copied from the new SSD with no results.

Other attempts made without results include,

• sfc /scannow /offbootdir=E:\ /offwindir=E:\windows (correct drive letter)
• delete McAfee from ProgramFiles
• delete APSDaemon.exe from Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Apple\Apple Application Support\
• run Startup Repair

"Windows cannot repair this computer automatically. Root cause found: Unknown Bugcheck: Bugcheck 6b. Parameters = 0x0, 0x0, 0x0, 0x0. Repair action: System files integrity check and repair. Result: Failed. Error code = 0x490"

• (there are no System Restore points available)
• run Windows Memory Diagnostics
• MemTest86 (no errors)
• rename %windir%\system32\config\components
• temporarily replace the catroot, catroot2 and CodeIntegrity folders from the new SSD
• run chkdsk
• run Bootrec. /FixMbr and /FixBoot completed successfully. /ScanOs and /RebuildBcd identify 0 Windows installations.

Solution 1:

This issue would go unsolved in this case. If you are stumbling upon this thread due to troubleshooting this error for yourself, I urge you not to get discouraged. Begin by following everything from the original post prior to the section labeled "Other attempts". There are a remarkable number of cases posted online exclaiming the bootcat.cache deletion/substitution is enough to boot the OS for further repair. I believe this particular laptop failed a system restore and went through the ringer with a local technician before reaching myself - it was a lost cause.

Let the original post in this thread serve as a conglomeration of resources and paths to troubleshoot when approaching this problem.

If stumped, do your due diligence and back up critical data and move on. Learn from my surprise - Nirsoft's portable key recovery application, Produkey, can run off a USB when using the command prompt from Startup Repair's advanced options. If nothing else, this will arm you with the original Windows key for reuse.

Solution 2:

The link by @magicandre1981 lists a bad disk as the main reason for this crash, which is logical as Startup Repair failed. SSD disks are fragile and may fail (especially low-cost ones).

An SSD normally has lots of spare capacity to replace worn-out sectors. When that capacity is exhausted the disk normally passes to read-only mode. If that happened to you and if some crucial disk data was only partially written to the disk, then data may be lost.

I suggest booting with the good SSD while installing the bad one as secondary internal disk or if impossible in an external enclosure (less recommended), then:

1. First backup all your data as much as possible, because this might be your last chance.

2. Install and invoke Speccy to review S.M.A.R.T. data for the disk. If too many errors exist the prognostic is not good. If you wish us to have a look, post a screenshot of this data.

3. Run chkdsk. If serious problems are found, either give up on the disk or try chkdsk /f - but be aware that this may just complete the destruction. For more information see this howtogeek.com article.

4. Repair corrupted system files with the SFC command:

   a. Boot from your Windows install disc
   b. Click on Repair your computer after selecting proper language, time and keyboard input.
   c. Select the Windows installation drive, which is usually C:\, and click Next
   d. Choose Command Prompt when the System Recovery Options box appears
   e. Write the following command and press Enter:

sfc /scannow /offbootdir=D:\ /offwindir=D:\Windows\

5. Boot via the F8 menu and choose the "Last Known Good Configuration".

6. In another Windows 7 computer (or boot with the good disk), create a System Repair Disc by: Start, type system repair, select Create a System Repair Disc, and follow the prompts, then boot with it on the bad disk.

7. If all has failed, the SSD might be irreparable, or at least the Windows installation is unsalvageable. As a last effort you might try a clean install.
   (Note: The solution taken by the poster was similarly to give up and re-purpose the disk).