Windows DISM Errors — Deployment Image Servicing Troubleshooting
About Windows DISM Errors
Guide to fixing DISM errors including Error 87, Error 1726, Error 0x800f081f, and 'The source files could not be found' in Windows image repair. This guide covers everything you need to know about this topic, including common causes, step-by-step solutions, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Here are the key things to understand: DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) repairs the Windows component store. Error 87: invalid command-line parameter syntax. Error 0x800f081f: source files could not be found or downloaded. Error 1726: the remote procedure call failed — indicates service issue. DISM downloads repair files from Windows Update by default. Understanding these fundamentals will help you diagnose and resolve this issue more effectively.
The most common reasons this occurs include: Incorrect DISM command syntax (Error 87) — typos or wrong switches. Windows Update connection blocked by firewall or proxy (Error 0x800f081f). Corrupted Windows Update components preventing download. DISM service crash during operation (Error 1726). Missing or damaged Windows installation media when using /Source switch. Identifying the root cause is the first step toward finding the right solution.
To resolve this, follow these recommended steps: For Error 87: verify exact syntax — DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth (note the forward slashes). For Error 0x800f081f: mount Windows ISO and use /Source:D:\sources\install.wim. Reset Windows Update components: net stop wuauserv && ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old && net start wuauserv. For Error 1726: restart the Windows Modules Installer service (TrustedInstaller). Run DISM from Windows PE if online repair consistently fails. If these steps do not resolve the issue, consider consulting additional resources or a qualified professional.
This article is part of our Windows Error Codes collection on Error Codes Wiki. We provide comprehensive, up-to-date information to help you find solutions quickly.
Quick Answer
What is the difference between DISM and SFC?
DISM repairs the Windows component store (the source files). SFC uses the component store to repair individual system files. DISM fixes the source, SFC fixes the files.
Overview
Guide to fixing DISM errors including Error 87, Error 1726, Error 0x800f081f, and 'The source files could not be found' in Windows image repair.
Key Details
- DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) repairs the Windows component store
- Error 87: invalid command-line parameter syntax
- Error 0x800f081f: source files could not be found or downloaded
- Error 1726: the remote procedure call failed — indicates service issue
- DISM downloads repair files from Windows Update by default
Common Causes
- Incorrect DISM command syntax (Error 87) — typos or wrong switches
- Windows Update connection blocked by firewall or proxy (Error 0x800f081f)
- Corrupted Windows Update components preventing download
- DISM service crash during operation (Error 1726)
- Missing or damaged Windows installation media when using /Source switch
Steps
- 1For Error 87: verify exact syntax — DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth (note the forward slashes)
- 2For Error 0x800f081f: mount Windows ISO and use /Source:D:\sources\install.wim
- 3Reset Windows Update components: net stop wuauserv && ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old && net start wuauserv
- 4For Error 1726: restart the Windows Modules Installer service (TrustedInstaller)
- 5Run DISM from Windows PE if online repair consistently fails