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Fix “Config Read Failed Config:18 Error: More Data Is Available”

October 17, 2025 No comments yet

You’re working with a Windows system or maybe setting up a server, and suddenly you see this error:

Config Read Failed Config:18 Error: More Data Is Available

Yikes. That’s a mouthful, and it’s also confusing. What does it mean? Why does it happen? And most importantly, how do you fix it?

No worries! We’ve got your back. This guide will walk you through what this error means, why it happens, and how to fix it—step by step. You don’t need to be a tech wizard. We’ll keep it fun, simple, and light. Ready?

What Does This Error Mean?

This error usually happens when reading configuration files on a Windows machine. You might be installing software, launching an app, or using PowerShell or the command line. And boom—this ugly little message appears.

“Config:18 Error: More Data Is Available” sounds like something mysterious. In truth, it’s just the system’s way of saying, “I expected something small and got something bigger.”

This happens because of how the config information is stored and read.

Think of it like this:

Your system tries to read a library book using a sheet of paper instead of a full page. When there’s more information than fits on the small sheet, it says: “There is more data available!”

That’s what’s going on here.

Why Could This Happen?

There are a few usual suspects:

  • An application is reading from the Windows registry incorrectly.
  • Your config file is corrupted or contains unexpected values.
  • There is a mismatch between expected data size vs. real data size.
  • Your software is outdated or not compatible with the current system.

Now that we understand the “why”, let’s flip the script and fix it!

Quick and Easy Fixes

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but here are a handful of common fixes that work like magic.

Fix #1: Check for Software Updates

This seems obvious, but people often forget this first step. Whether it’s a package installer, application, or system utility—make sure it’s up to date.

Why does this work?

Because newer versions often fix the bug causing the issue!

Fix #2: Check the Registry Path

If you’re using a command that pulls or writes information to the Windows registry, check the path.

Steps:

  1. Open the Registry Editor (hit Win + R, type regedit, hit Enter).
  2. Navigate to the path involved in your config or script.
  3. Make sure the keys and values exist and aren’t bloated with extra data.

Look for entries that are too long, corrupted, or contain weird characters. If in doubt, back up the key and try deleting or trimming values.

Fix #3: Increase the Buffer Size

Many tools that read from the registry or configuration files use something called a “buffer”.

This buffer is like a container. If the container is too small and the data overflows, the system throws our favorite error: “More data is available!”

How to fix it?

If you’re running a script or using an app that lets you set a “bufferSize” value, increase it. You may find this in a config file or within the script.

Fix #4: Use Process Monitor

This is a cool, free tool from Microsoft. It helps you track what a program is doing, especially what it reads or writes in the registry and file system.

Download it here: Process Monitor.

Steps:

  1. Launch Process Monitor.
  2. Start logging and recreate the error.
  3. Look for NAME NOT FOUND or BUFFER TOO SMALL issues.

This will tell you exactly where the error happens. You can then go to that registry key or config file and fix or adjust it.

Fix #5: Repair or Reinstall the Affected App

If one specific application is causing the trouble, it might just be broken.

Steps:

  1. Go to Control Panel → Programs → Programs and Features.
  2. Find the program, right-click, and choose Repair or Uninstall.
  3. If you uninstall, reinstall the latest version.

This refreshes all config settings and clears any corrupted parts.

Fix #6: Use PowerShell with Better Parameters

If you’re using PowerShell to read config data or registry paths, here’s a trick:

Use the -ErrorAction parameter.

This helps you handle errors more gracefully and find out where it fails. Example:


Get-ItemProperty -Path 'HKLM:\Software\MyApp' -ErrorAction Stop

Pair this with Try/Catch blocks to handle and debug the issue better.

Still Stuck?

Okay, so you’ve tried the steps above. But that annoying error still shows up?

Here are a few more ninja-level moves:

  • Try running the application or script as an Administrator.
  • Temporarily disable antivirus or security software (be careful here!).
  • Check Event Viewer for more detailed logs (search for “Application Logs”).

Sometimes this error is just the tip of the iceberg. Digging deeper helps uncover the real problem.

Good Practices to Avoid the Error in the Future

We’ve fixed it for now, but how do we prevent it from ever returning?

Try These Tips:

  • Keep Windows updated. New versions = fewer bugs.
  • Always code with flexible buffer sizes.
  • Use data validation when writing to the registry.
  • Back up before making changes to config files.

Bonus Tip:

Use tools like CCleaner to scan for broken registry entries. Just don’t go crazy with automated cleaning. Always back up first.

Conclusion

That “Config Read Failed Config:18 Error: More Data Is Available” message might sound terrifying at first. But now you know—it’s mostly about too much data in too little space or an unexpected registry hiccup.

By understanding what the error means, trying these proven fixes, and using tools like Process Monitor, you’ll become a troubleshooting superhero in no time.

And remember—when Windows says “More data is available,” it just wants to talk. All you need to do is listen, clean up the mess, and have fun solving the mystery.

Happy fixing!