Quick Summary
The error code 0x800f081f in Windows DISM typically indicates that DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) is unable to find the source files it needs to perform the requested operation, such as installing features or repairing the operating system. This often happens when the specified source path is incorrect or inaccessible.
Common Causes
- Incorrect Source Path: The specified source path in the DISM command is incorrect, does not exist, or is inaccessible. This is the most common cause. The path may be mistyped or the source files may not be present at that location.
- Corrupted Source Files: The source files themselves are corrupted or incomplete. This can happen if the Windows installation media is damaged or the files were not copied correctly.
- Missing Required Files: Some required files are missing from the source location. DISM operations depend on specific files and components being available.
- Permissions Issues: The user account running DISM does not have the necessary permissions to access the specified source location. This is more common when the source is on a network share.
Step-by-Step Fixes
Method 1: Verify Source Path
Step 1: Double-check the source path specified in the DISM command. Ensure it is typed correctly and points to the correct location containing the Windows installation files (usually a mounted ISO or a Windows installation DVD/USB).
Step 2: If the source is an ISO image, make sure it is properly mounted. If using a USB drive, ensure it's properly connected and recognized by the system.
Step 3: Confirm that the source directory contains the 'sources' folder and other necessary files for Windows installation.
Method 2: Specify the Source Index
Step 1: If the source is a Windows Installation ISO or WIM file containing multiple editions, you need to specify the index of the correct edition.
Step 2: Use the following command to list available indexes:DISM /Get-WimInfo /WimFile:"X:\sources\install.wim" (Replace X: with the drive letter of your mounted ISO or USB. Replace install.wim if your installation media includes install.esd, and use that instead.)
Step 3: Add the /Index: <index_number> parameter to your DISM command, replacing <index_number> with the appropriate index from the previous step. For example: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:wim:X:\sources\install.wim:<index_number> /limitaccess
Method 3: Copy Source Files Locally
Step 1: Copy the entire 'sources' folder from the Windows installation media (ISO or USB) to a local directory on your computer (e.g., C:\Sources).
Step 2: Modify the DISM command to point to the local directory you just created.
Step 3: For example: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:C:\Sources /limitaccess
Method 4: Use Windows Update as a Source
Step 1: Try removing the /Source parameter altogether from the DISM command. This will force DISM to use Windows Update as the source for the repair.
Step 2: For example: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Step 3: Note that this requires a stable internet connection.
Method 5: Check and Repair System File Corruption (SFC)
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
Step 2: Run the System File Checker (SFC) tool: sfc /scannow
Step 3: Allow the scan to complete. It will attempt to repair any corrupted system files. After the scan completes, reboot your computer and rerun the DISM command.
Method 6: Check DISM Log Files
Step 1: DISM creates log files that can provide more detailed information about the error. These are typically located in C:\Windows\Logs\DISM.
Step 2: Examine the DISM.log file for specific errors or warnings related to the source files. This information may offer clues as to why DISM is unable to find or access the files.