12 Ways to Fix Process1 Initialization Failed in Windows

'' Process1 Initialization Failed '' is a bug checking error which occurs when the boot files get corrupted. Most often this error is experienced after a software or hardware installation. 

Similar to other BSOD errors, this too can lead to the loss of important files. Whenever these types of blue screen errors appear, your PC usually restarts. Thus, the users will not be able to take any actions since the PC boots frequently. 

However, your troubleshooting steps should be easier depending on the cause. Al though this BSOD looks complicated to diagnose, there are general methods and solutions which will help you eradicate this error from your PC permanently. 

In this article, let's look at the 12 Ways to Fix Process1 Initialization Failed in Windows. This post contains all the instructions on how to solve this error.

Let's get started,

1. Check RAM

A faulty RAM can bring many BSOD errors onto your PC. Hence, there is also a possibility to fix this error by replacing the RAM memory. If you suspect the RAM to be defective, make sure to check them. And be sure to replace the RAM module according to the generation the PC uses. If you aren't sure which RAM is causing the problem, you can try testing them one by one.

2. Perform CHKDSK

In some instances, your hard drive may fail to work properly if it is with bad sectors. Similar to system files, bad sectors are most likely to cause Process1 initialization failed error. The command CHKDSK scans and corrects bad sectors on the hard drive. Scanning in essence is not just one partition. Each partition in the hard drive must be scanned individually.

To run CHKDSK,

1. Insert the installation media
2. Restart the PC
3. Boot from the installation media
4. Choose your language
5. Press Shift + F10
6. Type and press Enter after the command

                    CHKDSK x : / f / r  (x stands for the respective drive)

3. Perform SFC Scan

System files are essential components for running the operating system. There are various reasons for them to get corrupted. Once it becomes corrupted, no more it can be readable. As a result, you will encounter Process1 initialization failed and other errors. However, damaged system files can be corrected using a tool known as System File Checker (SFC).

To run SFC Scan,

1. Insert the installation media
2. Restart the PC
3. Boot from the installation media
4. Choose your language
5. Press Shift + F10
6. Type and press Enter after the command

                        '' SFC/Scannow ''

4. Perform DISM

Image files are nothing but ISO format files that replaces tradional DVD-R or CD-R. If these files get corrupted, it can cause several BSOD errors. Deployment Image Serving and Management (DISM) is a tool used to fix damaged image files. Besides that, it can be used to mount images as well. This tool can help you diagnose Process1 initialization failed error.

To perform DISM,

1. Insert the installation media
2. Restart the PC
3. Boot from the installation media
4. Choose your language
5. Press Shift + F10
6. Type and press Enter after the command

                        dism/online/cleanup-image/scanhealth

                        dism/online/cleanup-image/restorehealth

     

          After each command press Enter

     

      7. Again type, 

                       dism/online/cleanup-                image/restorehealth/source:wim:X:sourcesinstall.wim:1/Limitaccess

                  ( X refers to the drive mounted )

          After each command press Enter

5. Update Windows

Windows require updates for its continuous improvements. They provide new features as well as various fixes for the PC related problems. If one of those updates goes missing, your system is most likely to get Process1 initialization failed error. Therefore, it is essential to download all the missing updates. 

Your computer will most often search for updates automatically when its connected to the internet. Otherwise, you need to follow the manual method. 

6. Uninstall Antivirus

Not all the Antivirus programs are trustworthy. Some third party Antivirus programs are known to be incompatible with the system. The consequence of this is the Process1 initialization failed error. Therefore, depending on the priority uninstall or disable the Antivirus program. 

If that fixes the Process1 initialization failed error, try to use an Antivirus program different from that you previously used.

7. Disable Secure Boot

Secure boot is a process which makes sure that your PC only boots up using authorized softwares. This mechanism prevents virus and other forms of dangerous attacks. 

Sometimes due to hardware misconfigurations and other reasons, the functioning of secure boot can be hindered. As a result, you may end up getting Process1 initialization failed error. So you can temporarily get rid of this error by disabling secure boot in the BIOS.

8. Perform Startup Repair

Startup repair is a tool which allows you to fix most boot related problems. Since Process1 initialization failed is also a startup error this tool can be used to repair it. However, to use this tool successfully you will be needing a windows installation media.

To perform Startup repair,

1. Insert the installation media
2. Restart the PC
3. Boot from the installation media
4. Choose your language
5. Select troubleshoot
6. Select Automatic Repair

This process will repair your operating system.

9. Update Drivers

There are also chances for the new hardware devices connected to your computer to cause this problem. The reason of the problem may be the incompatible drivers of the newly connected device. Most often this happens if the driver installed is not from the official manufacturer. So to prevent this error, you need to update all the existing drivers.

10. Perform System Restore

Recent changes in the system can also trigger Process1 initialization failed error. Especially, if the windows registry gets corrupted. Such changes can be reverted easily using the system restore feature. System restore reverts your operating system back to a point where there was no error. In fact this method has proved to be effective even against some critical issues. For that reason, it is worth trying it in these types of failures.

To Restore System,

1. Insert the installation media
2. Restart the PC
3. Boot from the installation media
4. Choose your language
5. Select troubleshoot
6. Select '' System Restore ''

11. Delete BOOTCAT.CACHE File

Several users of Windows 7 with outdated service packs have reported to experience Process1 initialization failed error. Bootcat.cache file is usually located in the code integrity folder. There exists possibility for this error to occur if the Bootcat.cache file gets corrupted. Thus, you need to find a way to delete this file manually. 

To delete Bootcat.cache file,

1. Insert the installation media
2. Restart the PC
3. Boot from the installation media
4. Choose your language
5. Press Shift + F10
6. Type '' Diskpart ''
7. Type '' Exit ''
8. Type '' C '' ( C refers to the system partition )
9. Type '' cd windows\system32\codeintegrity ''
10. Type '' del bootcat.cache '' 

Type and Press Enter after each command.

12. Reinstall Windows

If you still cannot get rid of Process1 initialization failed error, then I would suggest you to perform a clean installation of windows. Once the installation procedure is over, you will be getting a new operating system without any errors. However, for this process of windows installation you will be requiring an installation media with the setup of current operating system. 

Be aware that reinstalling windows will make you loose files. Hence, before you start make sure that a back up is made.