Fix a Corrupted Windows Install

Using SFC and DISM is often done in haste and incorrectly. If you need to fix a corrupted install, then a special DISM command MUST BE issued.

[ChrisTitusTech]

Obviously, a clean install is faster and better, but this is for those that can't lose programs, data, or licensing. Also a good implementation for repair shops that can't wipe out customer data.

[KeshavSapra]

This is awesome stuff. +1 Explained so well.... +1 Thumbnail.... +1 "SFC - The Worthless Tool"

[shauryakumar]

"It's missing Windows Update"
That's a feature

[Raspredval]

well at that point you really should just pack ur data and reinstall the system. Way faster, way easier, and it's something that a less techy user can easily do on their own

[AlpayKunduz]

I don't think I will need it but I really love watching and listening to you tutorial videos

[kbg]

Could you please make a movie about how to create a Windows Lite ISO. I mean stripped from all unnecessary junk, bloatware, games, apps, etc. Just minimal Windows, that works !

[markusTegelane]

Thought this was going to be about fixing corrupted system registry, but I think that’s one of the situations where you actually have to reinstall Windows

[konstantinosalvertos]

I have actually had success with sfc /scannow as a Windows admin. Managed to get a lot of things fixed.

[matthewmcmurtry]

Please make a version of this video showing how to this for a system that will not boot because that is the more likely scenario people will encounter. The Windows Automatic Repair tool NEVER works either as we all know.

[GrdDog]

When you post the commands can you make the font larger on the screen to see, pretty please.

[GeekJohn]

Hey Chris, loved the vid! The DISM command has saved me countless times but admittedly the sfc commands have proven worthless repeatedly. Also, a heads up, on your website version of the tutorial, the DISM command is in the "copy" box twice back to back so that might confuse people and make them think it doesn't work. Cheers for your great work man :)

[tcntad]

Isnt /online targeting the live system and not the offline (mounted OS) or a WIM-source..?

[xaxoon]

These are really good tips if you don't have a system backup. The best you can do is to make a weekly backup using Windows Backup. It is preinstalled and very easy to use.

[bloomee]

The windows reinstall worked. It fixed my windows updating and start menu search problems! Thank you!

[ran_red]

I haven't used Windows in years now but my experience back then was that you can never 100% get out of messes like this. Even if you use tools and applications to fix things some errors/problems always remain.

Best way to fix Windows is to not be lazy, just retrieve your data (or be diligent with backups) then reinstall it or, better yet, move to Linux if at all possible

[dsouth]

I've done this before, and it's now my preferred method. I'm the sole weirdo that hates clean installs and the tediousness of reinstalling/reconfiguring software.

[Practical-IT]

Thanks for this Chris. I was successfully able to fix one of the "problem PC's" at work. Now I'm working on the second one. These two machines have been the bane of my existence for far too long. I had tried dism on themefore, but I hadn't hit on the right combination of options.

[seeithappen]

With all respect to his good intentions .... I repair computers for 15 years and in the real world it only works in 1% of the cases and a lot of luck. For the other 99% of the cases the only solution is to rescue all user data and do a reinstall.

[DaveSomething]

I've never seen SFC work. I fixed my corrupt windows by wiping the drive and installing a flavor of Linux.

[riggitywrckd]

Thanks for the guide. Was hoping you would do one about this after doing my NTLite iso install. What a cool trick to update debloated windows with NTLite itself. Super helpful.