Two Issues (perhaps related)

Jerry Gerber · Apr 2, 2026

Hello,

I am new to this forum, not new to Windows, I've been using it since the DOS days (OK, I'm old. ;>)

I'm having two issues on one of my Windows 11 computers: Windows Update fails and DISM restore health fails. SFC /scannow finds no corrupt files.

My internet and Ethernet connections are fine, I can connect to websites through a wireless router and to other networked computers using wired Ethernet.

I've tried DISM restore health but it cannot find the source files. I've looked in Win SxS, on a mounted Windows 11 iso file, even on one of the computers on my network. No matter where I look for the source files I get the error message saying DISM cannot find them.

When I try to use Windows Update I get the message "Error encountered, we'll try again later. We couldn't connect to the update service. We'll try again later, or you can check now. If it still doesn't work, make sure you're connected to the Internet."

Short of resetting Windows, anybody know what else I might try?

Thanks much for any help!

Jerry

Try3 · Apr 2, 2026

1 Reset WU.
Reset Windows Update - ElevenForumTutorials

2 Run that Dism command whilst connected to the internet as described in the notes of Option 1 of the SFC tutorial.
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
SFC - ElevenForumTutorials

Denis

Jerry Gerber · Apr 2, 2026

Try3 said:
Reset WU.
Reset Windows Update - ElevenForumTutorials

Denis

Hi Denis,

Thanks for replying. Might there be any other less drastic solution? Reset Windows means having to install all the apps and utilities again, yes?
Jerry

Try3 · Apr 2, 2026

Jerry,

I'm not saying
Reset Windows
I'm saying
Reset WU [Windows update}

I was adding a comment on the Dism problem when you replied so you might not have seen it.

Denis

Jerry Gerber · Apr 2, 2026

Try3 said:
Jerry,

I'm not saying
Reset Windows
I'm saying
Reset WU [Windows update}

I was adding a comment on the Dism problem when you replied so you might not have seen it.

Denis

Ah, yes, got it. OK I'll try that.

Jerry Gerber · Apr 2, 2026

Jerry Gerber said:
Ah, yes, got it. OK I'll try that.

Unfortunately, that didn't fix either the Windows Update issue or the DISM issue.

It's starting to look like resetting Windows might be necessary. I don't know what else to try.

I did notice when running the batch file you directed me to that at some point it said that it could not find certain Registry entries, but it concluded by saying the Update repair was successful. I restarted the computer but neither issue was resolved.

allan · Apr 2, 2026

Try an in-place upgrade: How to run In-place upgrade in Windows 11 - Microsoft Q&A

Your settings and apps will remain intact.

Try3 · Apr 2, 2026

Jerry Gerber said:
at some point it said that it could not find certain Registry entries

Yes, it can show that but it is not significant.
[Windows does vary and the batch file covers multiple locations to cope with those variations.]

There is one further choice - a Repair install [which is a repair operation not a reinstallation]
I always make a new system image & update my backups of my own files before running it [even though it is unlikely to make things worse].
Repair Install Windows 11 with an In-place Upgrade - ElevenForumTutorials
I can see somebody else has posted an alternative source for this procedure. Personally, I always choose ElevenForumTutorials procedures.

Denis

Try3 · Apr 2, 2026

Try3 said:
2 Run that Dism command whilst connected to the internet as described in the notes of Option 1 of the SFC tutorial.
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
SFC - ElevenForumTutorials

Jerry Gerber said:
Unfortunately, that didn't fix ... the DISM issue.

You used the exact command syntax I suggested?
Were there any Dism error messages?

Denis

Jerry Gerber · Apr 2, 2026

I downloaded the Win11 iso file and reinstalled Windows. I didn't know there was the option to leave all my apps, settings and data in place, that's very useful. DISM now works correctly. But Windows Update still isn't working. Since I just reinstalled Windows, I wonder if there's an issue on Microsoft's end. I'll wait a week or see and check again.

FreeBooter · Apr 2, 2026

Use Windows Update Troubleshooter.

Right-click on Start button and pick Settings
Go to System > Troubleshoot
Click on Other Troubleshooters > Windows Update and click Run button.

Download Windows updates manually.

Go to the official Microsoft update catalog;
Enter a specific update code, for example, KB4481031
Select the correct version and click Download
Click on the link and Windows will update your computer

Resetting the Windows Update components can usually solve these types of issues.

Reset Windows Update in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to completely reset Windows Update components and policies to default in Windows 10 and Windows 11. Windows Update keeps Windows 11 updated by automatically downloading and installing the latest updates, drivers, and hotfixes released by Microsoft. Sometimes you...

www.elevenforum.com

Jerry Gerber · Apr 2, 2026

Thank you Freebooter. Windows Update Troubleshooter doesn't work either, but I downloaded the Reset-Reregister-Windows Update batch file so hopefully that will work.

Jerry

FreeBooter · Apr 2, 2026

You are very welcome!

joeandmarg0 · Apr 2, 2026

Are there any entries in Reliability History ?
To access it,type in ---reliability --- in the Search box.

Jerry Gerber · Apr 2, 2026

Everything is working now, DISM and Windows Update.
Thanks so much joeandmargo, freebooter, try3 and Allan for taking the time to respond to my issue!

Jerry

Composer/Arranger - classical-electronic music - Jerry Gerber

Classical-electronic compositions by Jerry Gerber. MP3 files and compact discs for download and purchase. Virtual symphonies.

www.jerrygerber.com

Astrophotographic Music Videos

Welcome to my YouTube Astrophotographic Music Video Channel. Here you can explore the wonders of the cosmos in full color set to original, evocative music. Enjoy watching my videos and please subscribe for news of newly posted works. Jerry

www.youtube.com

FreeBooter · Apr 3, 2026

You are very welcome!

Try3 · Apr 3, 2026

Jerry Gerber said:
Composer/Arranger - classical-electronic music - Jerry Gerber

Classical-electronic compositions by Jerry Gerber. MP3 files and compact discs for download and purchase. Virtual symphonies.

www.jerrygerber.com

Jerry,

Given your interests, can I take please advantage of you for a moment.
Do you know what this mp3 is an extract from?
I think it's a cello.
It was the theme music of a BBC radio comedy twenty years ago that I recently found an old recording of. Artists was never so popular that it generated a fans' website where I might have found the information.

Denis

Jerry Gerber · Apr 3, 2026

Try3 said:
Jerry,

Given your interests, can I take please advantage of you for a moment.
Do you know what this mp3 is an extract from?
I think it's a cello.
It was the theme music of a BBC radio comedy twenty years ago that I recently found an old recording of. Artists was never so popular that it generated a fans' website where I might have found the information.

Denis

Hi Denis, I do not know where that theme from. Yes, it's a cello.
Jerry

Try3 · Apr 4, 2026

Jerry,

Thanks for listening to it.

Denis

Two Issues (perhaps related)

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