2 Easy Ways to Perform DISM Offline Repair Server 2016

DISM overview

DISM, short for Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM.exe), is a command-line tool that can be used to service and prepare Windows images (with .wim or .vhd or vhdx format), including those used for Windows PE, Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE) and Windows Setup.

In general, it will download the necessary files from Windows Update to replace the bad file. But if there are problems or you are not connected to the internet, DISM may fail to repair the corrupted image. In this case, you can try DISM offline command line with the source option.

If your Server cannot boot normally, you can perform DISM offline repair Server 2016, and the detailed steps are in the next section.

2 Easy ways to repair Windows Server 2016

When you prepare to execute Windows Server 2016 DISM offline repair, it generally implies that there’s something wrong with your operating system or corrupted image files exist.Then you can consider the below two ways.

Way 1. Run DISM Command with /Image Switch from Recovery Environment

When your Server not boot to Windows, you can use DISM to repair your operating system via this method.

Step 1. Boot Windows Server 2016 into the recovery environment.

♥Tip: if you don’t know how to boot your server computer into recovery mode, please refer to this article How to Enter Windows Server 2016 Recovery Mode (3 Ways).

Step 2. Then in the Choose an option window, choose Troubleshoot > Command Prompt.

Step 3. To run Command prompt, click the user name with administrative privilege. Then enter the according password and click Continue.

Step 4. The next step is to determine the drive with your Windows installation. Type the command below. Then hit Enter.

DIR c:

♥Caution:
If the drive has a folder called Windows, it is likely where your Operating System is installed.
But if drive C: does not have a Windows folder, try DIR d:, then DIR e: until you know where your OS is installed.

Step 5. After that, you need to execute DISM repair Windows Server 2016, just type the command below. Then press Enter.

DISM.exe /Image:C:\ /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

♥Note: Replace C with the drive letter for your Windows installation

Step 6. When DISM command completes, type exit and press enter.

Step 7. Then click Continue to boot your Server to Windows.

Way 2. Run DISM Command with /Image Switch from Safe Mode

Before you start, you still need to boot your Windows Server 2916 into recovery mode as # method 1.

Step 1. Then in the Choose an option screen, you need to click Troubleshoot > Startup Settings.

Step 2. Then when Startup Settings opens, click Restart.

Step 3. Then you will enter Advanced Boot Options, locate and choose Safe Mode and hit Enter.

Step 4. Then your Server will boot to the login screen. Login with your normal admin account.

Step 5. Now Windows Server 2016 is now in Safe Mode. Right-click Start menu and click File Explorer.

Step 6. When File Explorer opens, click This PC. Then navigate to C:\Windows\System32 folder.

Step 7. Locate cmd and right-click it. Then select Run as administrator.

Step 8. When command prompt opens, type the command below. Then press enter.

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /Restorehealth

Step 8. Wait for the command to complete. Then restart your server in normal mode.

Recommended: create a system backup after DISM repair Windows Server 2016

A Windows image is crucial for your computer to start up correctly. If something goes wrong, your computer might not boot, and all your data could be lost. Dealing with this can be a headache, especially for beginners.

To avoid potential system failures or major issues, it's a good idea to create a system image after executing DISM offline repair server 2016. Reliable free backup software like AOMEI Backupper Server can help you create a comprehensive system image that includes the operating system, system files, drivers, custom settings, personal data, and more. This way, you'll be better prepared to tackle any problems that might come your way.

Various backup options: you can backup files and folders, also disks and partitions. Additionally, you can backup C drive Windows 11 to enhance your PC security.
Ingenious backup mode: you can create a full copy of your data the first time, and then backup the only changes via incremental and differential backup as you like to avoid duplicates. You can enjoy this differential backup feature in the advanced version.
Multiple backup choices: you can choose to backup Windows to external hard drive, USB disk, cloud drive, network share/NAS, etc.

Please download AOMEI Backupper via the below link and install it on your PC. Then I will show you how to backup your Sever with several steps.

Step 1. Open this software choose Backup and then System Backup in sequence.

Step 2. By default, the system partition and all the boot partitions will be selected.

Step 3. Please choose a place to store your image backups. If you want to backup to external disk or USB drive, please insert it into your computer.

Step 4. (Optional) If you want to automatically backup your device, you can click Options, Schedule Backup and Backup Scheme to customize your backup mode. You can back up in daily/ weekly/ monthly/ event triggers and USB plug-in mode as you want.

Step 5. Now please click Start Backup to initiate the backup process.

Final words

Perform DISM offline repair Server 2016 can be executed in recovery environment and safe mode. In case of data loss danger, we kindly recommend you to backup your server PC. Although there are built-in backup utilities in Windows, it will be time-consuming and laborious, especially for non-technical users. Hence, AOMEI Backupper, one of the best backup and restore software can help you safeguard your PC with resourceful and professional technical support.