Troubleshooting Source files could not be found DISM – A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve ever tried to run the DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) tool on your Windows computer, you may have encountered an error message that reads, “Source files could not be found.” This error occurs when DISM is unable to locate the source files it needs to repair or update the Windows image. This can be frustrating, especially if you’re trying to troubleshoot a Windows issue or install updates.

The cause of the “source files could not be found” error can vary, but it’s usually due to one of the following reasons:

1. The Windows image is corrupt or damaged.
2. The location of the source files has been changed or is no longer accessible.
3. The DISM tool is unable to access the source files due to permission issues.

In order to fix this error, there are a few steps you can take:

1. Check the location of the source files: Make sure that the location of the source files hasn’t changed. If you’ve moved the source files to a different location, you’ll need to update the path in the DISM command you’re using. You can also try copying the source files to a different location to see if that resolves the issue.
2. Run the DISM tool with administrative privileges: If you’re running the DISM tool from a standard user account, try running it with administrative privileges. Right-click on the Command Prompt or PowerShell window and select “Run as Administrator.” This will ensure that the DISM tool has the necessary permissions to access the source files.
3. Use a different source: If the source files are corrupt or damaged, you may need to use a different source to repair or update the Windows image. This can be a Windows installation media, a recovery partition on your computer, or a network share that contains the Windows files.
4. Use the Windows Update Troubleshooter: If you’re trying to install Windows updates and encountering the “source files could not be found” error, you can try running the Windows Update Troubleshooter. This tool can detect and fix issues with Windows Update, including problems with the source files.
5. Perform a system restore: If all else fails, you can try performing a system restore to a previous point in time when the DISM tool was working correctly. This will revert your system to a previous state, which may help resolve the issue.

Here are step-by-step instructions for each of the five methods for source files could not be found DISM:

Check the location of the source files:

1. Open the Command Prompt or PowerShell window on your Windows computer.
2. Type the DISM command you’re trying to run and press Enter. For example, you might be trying to repair the Windows image with the following command:DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
3. If you receive the “source files could not be found” error, check the path of the source files in the command. For example, the path might be:/Source:C:\Windows\WinSxS
4. Check that the location of the source files hasn’t changed. If you’ve moved the source files to a different location, update the path in the DISM command with the new location.
5. If the source files are in the correct location, try copying them to a different location and update the path in the DISM command with the new location.

Run the DISM tool with administrative privileges:

1. Right-click on the Command Prompt or PowerShell window.
2. Select “Run as Administrator” from the context menu.
3. Type the DISM command you’re trying to run and press Enter.
4. If you receive the “source files could not be found” error, try running the command again with administrative privileges.

Use a different source:

1. Determine the source of the source files that DISM is trying to access. For example, it might be a Windows installation media, a recovery partition on your computer, or a network share that contains the Windows files.
2. Obtain the alternative source of the source files.
3. Type the DISM command you’re trying to run, but with the /Source option added. For example, if the alternative source is a Windows installation media on drive D, the command might look like this:DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:D:\sources\install.wim
4. Press Enter and let the command run.

Use the Windows Update Troubleshooter:

1. Open the Windows Settings app.
2. Go to “Update & Security” and select “Troubleshoot.”
3. Select “Windows Update” and click “Run the troubleshooter.”
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to detect and fix issues with Windows Update.

Perform a system restore:

1. Open the Windows Control Panel.
2. Go to “System and Security” and select “System.”
3. Click “System protection” on the left side of the window.
4. Click “System Restore.”
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to select a restore point and restore your system to a previous state.

In conclusion, the “source files could not be found” error can be frustrating when running the DISM tool on your Windows computer. However, by following the steps outlined above, you can troubleshoot and resolve the issue. If you’re still encountering the error after trying these steps, you may want to seek further assistance from a Windows support professional.