DISM Error 87: Causes, Fixes, and Prevention

As a seasoned IT professional with over 20 years of experience troubleshooting Windows systems, I’ve encountered DISM Error 87 countless times. This comprehensive guide will explain what causes this common error, how to fix it, and steps to prevent it from recurring in the future.

Understanding DISM Error 87

DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) is a built-in Windows tool used for servicing and preparing Windows images, including those used for installation and recovery. DISM Error 87 typically occurs when there’s an issue with the command syntax or insufficient permissions when running DISM commands.

Common causes of Error 87 include:

• Incorrect spacing in the command syntax
• Running commands without administrator privileges
• Outdated Windows versions with unresolved bugs
• Corrupted system files
• Using an incompatible DISM version

The impact of this error can be significant, as it prevents crucial system maintenance and repair tasks from executing properly. This can lead to ongoing system instability and performance issues if left unresolved.

Key Causes of DISM Error 87

Let’s dive deeper into the primary reasons you might encounter DISM Error 87:

1. Incorrect command syntax: This is the most common cause. Often, users forget to include spaces between parameters in the DISM command.
2. Lack of administrative privileges: DISM commands require elevated permissions to make system-level changes.
3. Outdated Windows version: Running an older Windows version may have unresolved bugs that trigger this error.
4. Corrupted system files: Damaged or missing system files can interfere with DISM operations. This can sometimes be related to other system errors, such as 0x80000003 or 0x00000050.
5. Incompatible DISM version: Using a DISM version that doesn’t match your Windows build can cause errors.

Understanding these causes is crucial for effective troubleshooting and prevention of DISM Error 87.

How to Fix DISM Error 87

Now let’s explore the step-by-step solutions to resolve DISM Error 87:

Correct the Command Syntax

The most straightforward fix is ensuring proper command syntax:

1. Use spaces between each parameter in the DISM command.
2. Double-check for typos or missing characters.

Correct format example:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

Incorrect format (will cause Error 87):

DISM/Online/Cleanup-image/Restorehealth

Run DISM with Administrative Rights

Always run the Command Prompt as an administrator when executing DISM commands:

1. Right-click on the Command Prompt icon.
2. Select “Run as administrator“.
3. Confirm any User Account Control prompts.

This ensures DISM has the necessary permissions to make system changes.

Update Windows

Keeping Windows up-to-date can resolve underlying issues:

1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Click “Check for updates“.
3. Download and install any available updates.
4. Restart your computer if prompted.

If you encounter issues with Windows Update, such as error 0x80072efe, you may need to troubleshoot your network connection or Windows Update components.

Use System File Checker (SFC)

The SFC tool can repair corrupted system files that may be causing DISM errors:

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Run the command: sfc /scannow
3. Wait for the process to complete (it may take several minutes).
4. Restart your computer.

If SFC doesn’t resolve the issue, you might be dealing with more severe system file corruption, which could be related to errors like 0x00000002.

Check Windows Modules Installer

Ensure the Windows Modules Installer service is running:

1. Press Win + R, type “services.msc“, and press Enter.
2. Locate “Windows Modules Installer” in the list.
3. If it’s not running, right-click and select “Start“.

If you’re experiencing high CPU usage from system processes, it might be worth checking the Desktop Window Manager as well, as this can sometimes interfere with system operations.

Reinstall Windows (Last Resort)

If all else fails, a clean Windows installation may be necessary:

1. Back up all important data.
2. Create Windows installation media.
3. Boot from the installation media and follow the prompts to reinstall Windows.

Note: This should only be done as a last resort after trying all other solutions. If you encounter error 0x80070652 during the reinstallation process, you may need to perform additional troubleshooting steps.

Preventing Future DISM Errors

To minimize the chances of encountering DISM Error 87 in the future:

1. Keep Windows updated: Regularly check for and install Windows updates.
2. Use proper command syntax: Always double-check DISM command formatting.
3. Run as administrator: Use elevated privileges for system maintenance tasks.
4. Maintain system health: Regularly run disk cleanup and antivirus scans.
5. Create system backups: Use built-in Windows backup tools or third-party software to create system images for easy recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can DISM Error 87 cause data loss? A: The error itself doesn’t cause data loss, but improper troubleshooting attempts might. Always back up important data before making system changes.

Q: How often should I run DISM commands for maintenance? A: For most users, running DISM commands isn’t necessary unless you’re experiencing specific issues. Regular Windows updates are usually sufficient for system maintenance.

Q: Are there any third-party alternatives to DISM? A: While there are some third-party tools for image management, it’s generally recommended to stick with Microsoft’s built-in DISM tool for Windows maintenance.

Q: Can antivirus software interfere with DISM operations? A: In some cases, yes. If you’re consistently encountering DISM errors, try temporarily disabling your antivirus software and re-running the command.

Q: Is it safe to use DISM commands found online? A: Be cautious with DISM commands from unofficial sources. Stick to Microsoft documentation or reputable tech support forums to avoid potentially harmful commands.

Q: Can DISM Error 87 be related to other Windows issues? A: Yes, sometimes DISM errors can be symptomatic of broader system issues. For example, if you’re experiencing problems with your Windows 10 PIN not working, it could indicate deeper system integrity problems that might also affect DISM operations.

Key Takeaways

• DISM Error 87 is often caused by incorrect command syntax or lack of administrative privileges.
• Always use proper spacing in DISM commands and run Command Prompt as administrator.
• Keeping Windows updated and maintaining system health can prevent many DISM errors.
• Use built-in Windows tools like SFC to repair system files before resorting to more drastic measures.
• If all else fails, a clean Windows installation may be necessary, but should be used as a last resort.
• Be aware that DISM errors can sometimes be related to other system issues, such as error 0x80040154 or problems with Windows components.

By following these guidelines and understanding the common causes of DISM Error 87, you’ll be well-equipped to troubleshoot and prevent this issue in the future. Remember, proper system maintenance is key to a smooth-running Windows experience.