Utilizing the DISM Command Tool to Repair Windows 10 Image

Encountering a missing or corrupted file on Windows 10 can be resolved through the application of DISM and SFC command tools. Below, we’ll delve into how to employ these tools effectively.

Understanding DISM Tool

The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool on Windows 10 serves administrators by facilitating the preparation, modification, and repair of system images. This encompasses Windows Recovery Environment, Windows Setup, and Windows PE (WinPE). Moreover, DISM can be wielded with the local recovery image to rectify system malfunctions.

When troubleshooting specific errors, boot failures, or performance issues, the System File Checker (SFC) tool aids in replacing missing or corrupted system files utilizing the recovery image. However, if system files within the local image are damaged, SFC may prove ineffective. In such instances, resorting to the “install.wim” image file with DISM becomes imperative to repair the image, followed by employing the SFC tool to rectify the setup sans OS reinstallation.

In this guide, we’ll elucidate the steps to utilize DISM and SFC tools to transition a computer from a dysfunctional state to a seamlessly operational one without resorting to OS reinstallation.

Utilizing DISM to Rectify Windows 10 Image

The DISM command tool encompasses various features crucial for repairing a system image, notably “CheckHealth,” “ScanHealth,” and “RestoreHealth,” which are best employed sequentially. Additionally, contingent on the issue at hand, the “RestoreHealth” option can be utilized to rectify the locally available image employing diverse source files.

DISM Command with CheckHealth Option

The “CheckHealth” option within DISM is instrumental in identifying any corruptions within the local Windows 10 image. However, it doesn’t execute any repair actions.

To conduct a quick check for image issues using DISM, adhere to these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select “Run as administrator.”
3. Execute the following command to conduct a rapid check:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth

Once the process concludes, DISM will verify any data corruption necessitating rectification within the local image.

DISM Command with ScanHealth Option

The “ScanHealth” option facilitates a comprehensive scan to unearth any prevailing image issues.

To scrutinize image problems utilizing the ScanHealth option, adhere to these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select “Run as administrator.”
3. Execute the following command to perform an advanced DISM scan:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

Upon completion, the scan will identify whether the image necessitates any rectification.

DISM Command with RestoreHealth Option

In cases where system image issues surface, leveraging DISM alongside the “RestoreHealth” option can automatically detect and repair common anomalies.

To address Windows 10 image problems via DISM, follow these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select “Run as administrator.”
3. Execute the following command to initiate Windows 10 image repair:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Note: Temporary stagnation of the command is anticipated. The process will culminate successfully after a brief interval.
Upon completion, DISM will access “Windows Update” servers to procure and substitute damaged files as deemed necessary.

Troubleshooting with DISM using install.wim Image

While the Deployment Image Servicing and Management commands typically don’t incite issues, complications may arise if the tool encounters difficulties replacing damaged files or if the system lacks internet connectivity. In such scenarios, providing an alternative image via the “Source” option is indispensable. Typically, an “install.wim” or “install.esd” file sourced from another device, installation media, or ISO file suffices. It’s imperative to ensure that these files align with the version, edition, and language of the Windows 10 version necessitating repair.

Download Windows 10 ISO File

Should an alternative file source be required, the Media Creation Tool offers a convenient means to procure a fresh Windows 10 copy.

To download the Windows 10 ISO file, adhere to these steps:

1. Visit the Microsoft support website.
2. Click the “Download Now” button.
3. Launch the setup by double-clicking the MediaCreationToolxxxx.exe file.
4. Accept the terms by clicking “Accept.”
5. Opt for the “Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC” option.
6. Proceed through subsequent prompts, selecting preferred language, architecture, and edition.
7. Choose the ISO file option.
8. Designate the destination to store the Windows 10 ISO file.
9. Save the file and access its location via File Explorer.
10. Mount the image by double-clicking the Windows.iso file.

Upon completion, continue with the DISM tool, employing the “Source” option to rectify the local image.

Rectifying Windows 10 Recovery Image

To execute the Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool with an alternate source (install.wim) image, adhere to these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select “Run as administrator.”
3. Execute the following command to repair the Windows 10 image:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:G:\Sources\install.wim

Substitute “G” with the mount point drive letter in File Explorer.

Optionally, execute the following commands to restrict Windows Update usage:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:G\Sources\install.wim /LimitAccess

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:wim:G:\Sources\install.wim:1 /LimitAccess

Substitute “G:\Sources” with the path to the “install.wim” file.

Upon completion, the command will scan and rectify issues utilizing the specified “install.wim” file as an alternative source.

Resolving Issues with DISM Using ESD Image

In scenarios where an encrypted “install.esd” image is available, it can be leveraged to address damaged system files on Windows 10.

To employ DISM with an “install.esd” image file as the source for Windows 10 repair, adhere to these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select “Run as administrator.”
3. Execute the following command to repair the image using an “install.esd” file:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:C:\ESD\Windows\sources\install.esd

Substitute “C:\ESD\Windows\sources” with the path to the “.esd” file if it differs.

Optionally, execute the following commands to limit Windows Update usage or specify an alternative file location:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:C:\ESD\Windows\sources\install.esd /LimitAccess

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:esd:C:\ESD\Windows\sources\install.esd:1 /

LimitAccess

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:E:\Sources\install.esd

Substitute “E:\Sources” with the path to the “install.esd” file.

Upon completion, the tool will rectify damaged files utilizing those included in the “install.esd” image.

Utilizing SFC to Rectify Windows 10 Problems

The preceding steps are aimed at rectifying issues with the system image, not Windows 10 problems per se. Upon restoring the image to a healthy state, the System File Checker command tool becomes instrumental in repairing the existing Windows 10 setup.

To employ the SFC command tool for system problem resolution, follow these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select “Run as administrator.”
3. Execute the following command to repair the installation:

SFC /scannow

It’s advisable to run the command approximately three times to ensure comprehensive rectification.

Upon completion, the System File Checker tool will address system files using local image files, with log files stored at “%windir%/Logs/CBS/CBS.log” and “%windir%\Logs\DISM\dism.log” for detailed insights into the process.