Every time Windows acts up in use, DISM (Deployment Image Service and Management) is one of the things that may bring things back to normal. By taking advantage of DISM, Windows users could effectively and efficiently take care of issues on their computers. However, it’s worth pointing out that the use of DISM is not always smooth sailing. Read to the end if you cannot run DISM commands and keep seeing the message about “the DISM log file can be found at C:\Windows\Logs\DISM\dism.log”
The Usual Suspects
Antivirus Program
Antivirus programs keep computers out of harm’s way but they could cause a number of issues as well. For instance, antivirus programs may overreact and complicate operations on your computer. Thus, regarding DISM errors and “the DISM log file can be found at C:\Windows\Logs\DISM\dism.log”, you should give antivirus programs some thought.
Corruption
DISM is able to address corruption in the system files of Windows but if the corruption is severe, there’s a chance that it would fail. You come across errors time and again as you run DISM commands on your PC? In that case, it’s wise to take corruption into account.
Troubleshooting
Refresh DISM
By refreshing DISM, you could restore the performance of DISM commands and take care of corrupted files on your PC. To refresh DISM, go through the following steps:
- Step 1: Go to Search bar, type CMD and click Run as administrator.
- Step 2: In Command Prompt (Admin), run the command “dism.exe/image:C /cleanup-image /revertpendingactions”.
- Step 3: After you finish, restart your computer.
- Step 4: Open Command Prompt (Admin) again.
- Step 5: Run the command ‘dism.exe /online/Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup”. Last but not least, restart your computer.
Disable Antivirus Programs
Overreacting antivirus programs can complicate the running of DISM commands. Thus, once it comes to “the DISM log file can be found at C:\Windows\Logs\DISM\dism.log”, you may want to temporarily disable your antivirus program.
- Step 1: Open Windows Defender.
- Step 2: Go to Virus & threat protection.
- Step 3: Under “Threat protection settings“, Hit Manage settings.
- Step 4: Under “Real-time protection“, toggle the switch to Off.
- Step 5: Close Windows Defender, open Command Prompt with administrator privileges and run DISM commands one more time.
Use Disk Clean-Up
As Windows users write and delete data, data fragments could fill the hard drive and result in problems. To get rid of data fragments, it’s strongly recommended that you use Disk Cleanup.
- Step 1: Type “Disk Cleanup” into the search bar and press Enter.
- Step 2: Select the disk to clean up. By default, the drive will be your drive (C:).
- Step 3: Choose the types of files you want to delete. The options will vary depending on the drive you’re cleaning up. Next, select OK.
- Step 4: Proceed to choose Run Cleanup to begin the process.
- Step 5: The moment the process is complete, you should see a message telling you how much space you freed. Click OK to exit.
Reset
If none of the above works, resetting the operating system is going to be your last resort. For good measure, you need to back up important information before initiating the process.
- Step 1: Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Step 2: Select “Update & Security“, choose “Recovery” and hit Reset this PC.
- Step 3: Pick “Keep my files“.
- Step 4: Choose “Next”.
- Step 5: Select “Reset” and wait for the reset process to wrap u[. Your PC might restart several times during the reset. After the screen comes back, follow the on-screen instructions to set up Windows.
Lessons
- Back up your files and folders before performing invasive processes.
- Update Windows every now and then
- Only install apps from reputable sites
Should I Run SFC or DISM First?
It is best to run SFC first and if SFC cannot fix the problem, you can then run DISM. However, if you are comfortable using the DISM tool, you can skip SFC altogether.
How Do I Check My DISM Version?
You can check your DISM version with these two steps.
- Step 1: Open the Command Prompt with administrator rights.
- Step 2: Type “dism.exe /?” followed by entering. This will display the version number next to the “DISM.exe” text.
Can I Update Windows 10 Using DISM?
Yes, you can update Windows 10 using DISM. However, you must ensure that you have the correct update file for your system. Otherwise, you may end up with an unstable system.
What DISM Commands Should I Use To Repair Corrupted Files?
- Step 1: Open the Command Prompt with administrator privileges.
- Step 2: Type “DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth” and press Enter.
- Step 3: Type “DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Scanhealth” and press Enter.
- Step 4: Type “DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth” and press Enter.
- Step 5: Close Command Prompt (Admin) and restart your computer.
Hoang Tu is a seasoned Microsoft Windows expert with a strong IT background. Studying at Hanoi Bach Khoa University, he gained valuable experience at Hanoi Computer and FPT Soft before joining Milagro Mobile Marketing. Specializing in providing tips and tutorials on Windows for global users, Hoang Tu’s expertise covers various Windows versions. With a talent for clear communication, he offers practical solutions and advice to users of all skill levels. His dedication to empowering individuals in their Windows experience has earned him recognition in the tech community, making him a trusted resource for optimizing system performance and resolving technical issues.