Fixing DISM Error 87 Quickly: Get Your System Back on Track

Have you ever encountered a cryptic error message when using DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management)? If so, you have seen the message “DISM Error 87” appear on your screen, you are not alone.

Moreover, this error can be frustrating, especially because it doesn’t always provide a clear explanation of what went wrong.

Here are few methods you can try to resolve the DISM error 87 issue:

• Double-Check the DISM Command

• Run Command Prompt as Administrator

• Check for Windows Updates

• Run System File Checker (SFC)

• Consider a DISM Repair Source

Read the blog further to know the detailed steps to fix the issue. Additionally, In this blog post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about DISM error 87.

Furthermore, we’ll explain what it means, what might cause it, and most importantly, how to fix it and get your system back on track.

How to fix DISM error 87 in Windows 10 and Windows 11 ?

Certainly! DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) tool is a powerful command-line tool in Windows that helps repair system image files, manage drivers, and more. If you encounter Error 87 while running the DISM tool command, here are some methods to resolve it:

Make Sure You Type the Correct Command

• The most common reason for Error 87 is incorrect command syntax. Ensure that you’ve typed the DISM command correctly, with a single space between parameters. For example:

• DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

• First, correct any typos or missing spaces in your command.

Run Command Prompt as Admin

Some commands, including DISM, require administrative privileges to function properly. To begin with, launch Command Prompt as an administrator:

• First, open the Start menu.

• Next, search for “Command Prompt.”

• Then, right-click on “Command Prompt” and select “Run as Administrator.”

• After that, confirm by clicking “Yes” in the “User Account Control” prompt.

• Finally, now run your DISM command, and it should work as expected.

Update Windows

Outdated or buggy Windows versions can cause system commands to malfunction. As a result, to update Windows:

• On Windows 11: Go to Settings > Windows Update, click “Check for Updates,” and install any available updates.

• On Windows 10: Navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, and check for updates.

• Subsequently, after updating, restart your PC and try the DISM command again.

Fix Corrupted System Files

Corrupted system files can lead to DISM errors. Therefore, use the built-in Windows source protection command to find and fix broken files. Open the search box, type the correct syntax, and run the command in the prompt window:

• First, open the Start menu.

• Then, search for “Command Prompt.”

• Next, right-click on “Command Prompt” and select “Run as Administrator.”

• After that, run the following command: sfc /scannow

• This will scan and repair any corrupted files.

• Finally, restart your PC and retry the DISM command.

Consider a DISM Repair Source (Advanced Option)

If the above methods don’t work, you might need a DISM repair source – a healthy copy of Windows files used for repairs. This can be a bit technical:

Instructions for using a repair source with DISM can get complex. If you’re not comfortable, consider seeking help from a tech-savvy friend or searching online for detailed guides on using a DISM repair source specifically for error 87.

Steps to repair DISM source 

Obtain a Repair Source

There are two ways to get a repair source:

• Installation Media: If you have a USB drive or DVD containing your Windows version (Windows 10 or 11), you can use that as the repair source.

• Download Windows ISO: You can download the Windows ISO file corresponding to your version from Microsoft’s website: for (Windows 10) and for (Windows 11).

Mount the ISO (if using downloaded ISO)

Once you have the ISO file, you’ll need to mount it. This makes the ISO file accessible like a virtual disc drive. Here’s how:

• First, right-click on the downloaded ISO file and select “Mount.”

• Alternatively, double-click the ISO file, and it should mount automatically.

Run DISM with Repair Source

• Now you have the repair source ready. Open Command Prompt as administrator (refer to Method 2) and type the following command, replacing <drive letter> with the drive letter of your mounted ISO (or the drive letter of your installation media if using that):

• DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /Source /RecoveryDir=C:\<drive letter>\sources /RestoreHealth

Important Note

• Replace <drive letter> with the actual drive letter of your mounted ISO or installation media. Make sure you enter the correct drive letter to avoid errors.

Wait and Restart

• Running DISM with a repair source can take a significant amount of time. Be patient and let the process complete. Once finished, restart your computer and see if the DISM error 87 is resolved.

Also Check: How to fix the download error-0x80248007 ?

How to fix DISM error 87 in Windows 7 ?  

While the methods to fix DISM error 87 are quite similar across Windows versions, there are a few key things to remember for Windows 7:

DISM Functionality in Windows 7

First of all, DISM functionality in Windows 7 is more limited compared to Windows 10 and 11. It might not offer the same level of repair capabilities through DISM commands alone.

In such cases, you may need to use additional repair services. When working with an installation image, ensure you avoid syntax errors in your commands.

Issues can also arise from a problematic filter driver, an inadequate backup scheme, bad sectors, or corrupt files. Always run DISM commands from an elevated command prompt for best results.

Recommended Methods for Windows 7

Here’s what you can try to fix DISM error 87 on Windows 7:

Double-Check the DISM Command

• First, as always, ensure you’ve typed the command accurately (including spaces and slashes):

• DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Run Command Prompt as Administrator

• This is crucial for DISM to have the necessary permissions. Right-click “Command Prompt” in the Start menu and select “Run as administrator.”

Verify Supported Platforms

• DISM commands vary based on the Windows version.

• Windows 7 supports some DISM commands, but not all.

• Therefore, refer to the official documentation to check which commands are supported for Windows 7.

Check for Windows Updates

Additionally, outdated system files can contribute to errors. Go to Start > Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Update and install any available updates. Restart your computer after updates.

Run System File Checker (SFC)

Furthermore, SFC can repair corrupted system files. Open Command Prompt as administrator and type sfc /scannow. Let the scan complete and restart your computer if it finds and fixes issues.

System Restore (Consider if Applicable)

Alternatively, if you suspect a recent system change might have caused the error, consider using System Restore to revert to a previous point in time.

Additional Tips for Windows 7

• Limited DISM Repair: Remember, DISM repair capabilities in Windows 7 might be limited. If the above methods don’t resolve the issue, consider exploring alternative solutions like reinstalling system files from a Windows 7 installation disc (if available).

• Professional Help: If you’re not comfortable with advanced troubleshooting, seeking help from a computer technician might be a good option.

Note: Microsoft ended mainstream support for Windows 7 in January 2020. It’s highly recommended to upgrade to a supported Windows version (Windows 10 or 11) for better security and functionality.

Also Check: How to fix the Windows update error 0x80070643 ?

What is DISM error and its causes ?

DISM error 87 is an error message you might encounter while using the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool in Windows.

To begin with, DISM is a handy utility for maintaining the health of the Windows system image, which is essentially a collection of files and settings that make up your operating system. You can use the clean-up image option to repair the system image, even for an offline image.

Ensure you’re using the correct version of DISM and the correct DISM command. For troubleshooting, refer to the DISM log file. If there are any issues, a pop-up window might appear to alert you.

Let’s break down the DISM error and explore what might be causing it:

DISM Error 87

First of all, this specific error code (87) doesn’t provide a detailed explanation of the issue. It generally indicates that DISM encountered a problem during an operation, but the exact reason remains unclear.

Potential Causes

There are several reasons why you might see DISM error 87:

Corrupted System Files: Firstly, damaged or missing system files within the Windows image can prevent DISM from functioning properly. These corruptions could be caused by various factors like malware infections, unexpected shutdowns, or faulty hardware.

Incorrect DISM Command: Secondly, typos or mistakes while entering the DISM command can lead to errors. Make sure you’ve typed the command accurately, including spaces and slashes.

Insufficient Permissions: Thirdly, DISM requires administrator privileges to perform certain actions. If you’re not running Command Prompt as administrator, you might encounter error 87.

Windows Update Issues: Additionally, outdated system files delivered through Windows Updates can sometimes cause conflicts with DISM.

Problems with the DISM Repair Source (Advanced Scenarios): Finally,if you’re using a DISM repair source (like an installation media) to repair the system image, issues with the source itself can also trigger error 87.

Also Check: How to download KB2267602 cumulative update ?

Conclusion

In conclusion, firstly, resolving the DISM Error 87 might seem daunting, but with the right approach, it’s definitely manageable.

Secondly, by following the step-by-step methods outlined in this blog, such as checking your command syntax, running Command Prompt with administrative privileges, keeping Windows updated, and using the System File Checker, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle this issue head-on.

Moreover, remember, if the initial methods don’t work, you can try using a DISM repair source as an advanced option.

Additionally, don’t hesitate to seek help from tech-savvy friends or professionals if you feel stuck.

Reference:

Frequently Asked Question’s (FAQ’s)