Win 10 BSOD: process1 initialization failed, sfc and dism won’t run

Resolving Windows 10 Blue Screen of Death (BSOD): “process1 initialization failed” and Troubleshooting SFC & DISM Errors

Experiencing a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) on your Windows 10 PC can be an alarming experience, especially when the error message points to critical system failures like “process1 initialization failed.” For users with custom-built systems, such issues can lead to significant data loss or system instability if not addressed promptly. This guide aims to help you understand common troubleshooting steps and solutions when traditional repair tools like System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) fail to execute successfully.

Understanding the Scenario

Suppose your PC encounters a BSOD with the error “process1 initialization failed.” Attempts to perform a system restore might fail, and the system may report no available restore points—an unusual situation suggesting underlying corruption or configuration issues. Booting from a Windows 10 recovery USB created via the Media Creation Tool is a prudent step, allowing access to advanced repair options through the recovery environment.

Initial Troubleshooting Attempts

Running SFC /scannow:
When executing the System File Checker, you receive a message indicating that “a system repair is pending.” This message usually means some prior operations haven’t completed or require task completion before further repairs.
Using DISM /restorehealth:
Attempting to run DISM commands, particularly with the syntax:
dism /image:d:\ /cleanup-image /restorehealth /source:d:\windows
results in an error 87, indicating “the cleanup image is unknown.” Error 87 often points to command syntax issues or incompatible command options.

Key Points and Troubleshooting Tips

Verify Command Syntax:
Ensure that your DISM commands are correctly formatted. The /source parameter must point to a valid, accessible Windows image. Typically, when repairing an offline Windows image, you might use the mounted Windows installation image.
Example syntax:
DISM /Image:C:\ /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:C:\Sources\install.wim /LimitAccess
Adjust paths according to your environment.
Check Pending Operations:
Since SFC reports a pending repair, you might need to clear pending operations using the Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool:
“`
DISM /Cleanup-Image /Re