Extract Files from Windows 7 Installation DVD

How to Extract Files from the Windows 7 Installation DVD​

   Information

This will show you how to extract original files from the retail Windows 7 installation DVD. You can then use these extracted files to replace missing or corrupted system files in your current Windows 7 installation.

   Note

Normally you will find out that you have corrupted system files that cannot be repaired after your run a sfc /scannow command and look at it's log report.

   Tip

If you do not have a Windows 7 with SP1 installation disc, then you can download the latest official Windows 7 with SP1 ISO file at the link below, then create an installation DVD or USB with it.

Microsoft: Windows 7 Direct Download Links

Here's How:
1. Download and install the same free 32-bit or 64-bit 7-Zip program version as your 32-bit or 64-bit Windows 7.

2. Use Compatibiliy Mode on the 7-Zip shortcut and check the Run this program as an administrator box.

3. Run 7-Zip, then click on Tools and Options on the menu bar. Next, select (highlight) .wim, and click on the plus button for All users, and click on OK. (See screenshots below)

4. Insert your retail Windows 7 installation disc into the DVD drive and wait for it to be recognized.

5. In 7-Zip, navigate to your DVD drive letter (ex: E: ) that has the Windows 7 installation disc in it, and double click on the Sources folder. (See screenshot below)

6. Scroll down and double click on the install.wim file. (See screenshot below)

7. You will now see this for a few seconds as it opens. (See screenshot below)

8. Each numbered folder is a different edition of Windows 7. They will vary depending on what type of Windows 7 installation DVD you have. To see what edition is for each numbered folder, select the 1.xml file and click on the Extract button on the toolbar. (See screenshots below)




9. Copy the 1.xml file to your desktop. (See screenshot below)

10. Open the 1.xml file on the desktop. Look for the <IMAGE INDEX="#"> entry and the <NAME>edition</NAME> entry a bit under it in the code (highlighted in red below) to see what Windows 7 edition is for each numbered folder in step 8. (See code box below with an example 1.xml file)
NOTE: This file will open in Internet Explorer by default.

[URL="file:///C:/Users/User-Name/Desktop/1.xml#"]-[/URL] <WIM>
  <TOTALBYTES>2860826557</TOTALBYTES> 
[URL="file:///C:/Users/User-Name/Desktop/1.xml#"][B][COLOR=red]-[/COLOR][/B][/URL][B][COLOR=red] <IMAGE INDEX="1">[/COLOR][/B]
  <DIRCOUNT>13290</DIRCOUNT> 
  <FILECOUNT>62943</FILECOUNT> 
  <TOTALBYTES>11500789302</TOTALBYTES> 
[URL="file:///C:/Users/User-Name/Desktop/1.xml#"]-[/URL] <CREATIONTIME>
  <HIGHPART>0x01CA0446</HIGHPART> 
  <LOWPART>0xE89FF88A</LOWPART> 
  </CREATIONTIME>
[URL="file:///C:/Users/User-Name/Desktop/1.xml#"]-[/URL] <LASTMODIFICATIONTIME>
  <HIGHPART>0x01CA045F</HIGHPART> 
  <LOWPART>0x3C8C7A24</LOWPART> 
  </LASTMODIFICATIONTIME>
[URL="file:///C:/Users/User-Name/Desktop/1.xml#"]-[/URL] <WINDOWS>
  <ARCH>9</ARCH> 
  <PRODUCTNAME>Microsoft® Windows® Operating System</PRODUCTNAME> 
  <EDITIONID>HomeBasic</EDITIONID> 
  <INSTALLATIONTYPE>Client</INSTALLATIONTYPE> 
  <HAL>acpiapic</HAL> 
  <PRODUCTTYPE>WinNT</PRODUCTTYPE> 
  <PRODUCTSUITE>Terminal Server</PRODUCTSUITE> 
[URL="file:///C:/Users/User-Name/Desktop/1.xml#"]-[/URL] <LANGUAGES>
  <LANGUAGE>en-US</LANGUAGE> 
  <DEFAULT>en-US</DEFAULT> 
  </LANGUAGES>
[URL="file:///C:/Users/User-Name/Desktop/1.xml#"]-[/URL] <VERSION>
  <MAJOR>6</MAJOR> 
  <MINOR>1</MINOR> 
  <BUILD>7600</BUILD> 
  <SPBUILD>16385</SPBUILD> 
  <SPLEVEL>0</SPLEVEL> 
  </VERSION>
  <SYSTEMROOT>WINDOWS</SYSTEMROOT> 
  </WINDOWS>
[B][COLOR=red]<NAME>Windows 7 HOMEBASIC</NAME>[/COLOR][/B] 
  <DESCRIPTION>Windows 7 HOMEBASIC</DESCRIPTION> 
  <FLAGS>HomeBasic</FLAGS> 
  <HARDLINKBYTES>4516930990</HARDLINKBYTES> 
  <DISPLAYNAME>Windows 7 Home Basic</DISPLAYNAME> 
  <DISPLAYDESCRIPTION>Windows 7 Home Basic</DISPLAYDESCRIPTION> 
  </IMAGE>
[URL="file:///C:/Users/User-Name/Desktop/1.xml#"][B][COLOR=red]-[/COLOR][/B][/URL][B][COLOR=red] <IMAGE INDEX="2">[/COLOR][/B]
  <DIRCOUNT>13539</DIRCOUNT> 
  <FILECOUNT>63997</FILECOUNT> 
  <TOTALBYTES>12012660212</TOTALBYTES> 
[URL="file:///C:/Users/User-Name/Desktop/1.xml#"]-[/URL] <CREATIONTIME>
  <HIGHPART>0x01CA0446</HIGHPART> 
  <LOWPART>0xE89FF88A</LOWPART> 
  </CREATIONTIME>
[URL="file:///C:/Users/User-Name/Desktop/1.xml#"]-[/URL] <LASTMODIFICATIONTIME>
  <HIGHPART>0x01CA045F</HIGHPART> 
  <LOWPART>0x5C029E16</LOWPART> 
  </LASTMODIFICATIONTIME>
[URL="file:///C:/Users/User-Name/Desktop/1.xml#"]-[/URL] <WINDOWS>
  <ARCH>9</ARCH> 
  <PRODUCTNAME>Microsoft® Windows® Operating System</PRODUCTNAME> 
  <EDITIONID>HomePremium</EDITIONID> 
  <INSTALLATIONTYPE>Client</INSTALLATIONTYPE> 
  <HAL>acpiapic</HAL> 
  <PRODUCTTYPE>WinNT</PRODUCTTYPE> 
  <PRODUCTSUITE>Terminal Server</PRODUCTSUITE> 
[URL="file:///C:/Users/User-Name/Desktop/1.xml#"]-[/URL] <LANGUAGES>
  <LANGUAGE>en-US</LANGUAGE> 
  <DEFAULT>en-US</DEFAULT> 
  </LANGUAGES>
[URL="file:///C:/Users/User-Name/Desktop/1.xml#"]-[/URL] <VERSION>
  <MAJOR>6</MAJOR> 
  <MINOR>1</MINOR> 
  <BUILD>7600</BUILD> 
  <SPBUILD>16385</SPBUILD> 
  <SPLEVEL>0</SPLEVEL> 
  </VERSION>
  <SYSTEMROOT>WINDOWS</SYSTEMROOT> 
  </WINDOWS>
  [B][COLOR=red]<NAME>Windows 7 HOMEPREMIUM</NAME>[/COLOR][/B] 
  <DESCRIPTION>Windows 7 HOMEPREMIUM</DESCRIPTION> 
  <FLAGS>HomePremium</FLAGS> 
  <HARDLINKBYTES>4931998179</HARDLINKBYTES> 
  <DISPLAYNAME>Windows 7 Home Premium</DISPLAYNAME> 
  <DISPLAYDESCRIPTION>Windows 7 Home Premium</DISPLAYDESCRIPTION> 
  </IMAGE>
[URL="file:///C:/Users/User-Name/Desktop/1.xml#"][B][COLOR=red]-[/COLOR][/B][/URL][B][COLOR=red] <IMAGE INDEX="3">[/COLOR][/B]
  <DIRCOUNT>13625</DIRCOUNT> 
  <FILECOUNT>64487</FILECOUNT> 
  <TOTALBYTES>11910752928</TOTALBYTES> 
[URL="file:///C:/Users/User-Name/Desktop/1.xml#"]-[/URL] <CREATIONTIME>
  <HIGHPART>0x01CA0446</HIGHPART> 
  <LOWPART>0xE89FF88A</LOWPART> 
  </CREATIONTIME>
[URL="file:///C:/Users/User-Name/Desktop/1.xml#"]-[/URL] <LASTMODIFICATIONTIME>
  <HIGHPART>0x01CA045F</HIGHPART> 
  <LOWPART>0x79D2BCF7</LOWPART> 
  </LASTMODIFICATIONTIME>
[URL="file:///C:/Users/User-Name/Desktop/1.xml#"]-[/URL] <WINDOWS>
  <ARCH>9</ARCH> 
  <PRODUCTNAME>Microsoft® Windows® Operating System</PRODUCTNAME> 
  <EDITIONID>Professional</EDITIONID> 
  <INSTALLATIONTYPE>Client</INSTALLATIONTYPE> 
  <HAL>acpiapic</HAL> 
  <PRODUCTTYPE>WinNT</PRODUCTTYPE> 
  <PRODUCTSUITE>Terminal Server</PRODUCTSUITE> 
[URL="file:///C:/Users/User-Name/Desktop/1.xml#"]-[/URL] <LANGUAGES>
  <LANGUAGE>en-US</LANGUAGE> 
  <DEFAULT>en-US</DEFAULT> 
  </LANGUAGES>
[URL="file:///C:/Users/User-Name/Desktop/1.xml#"]-[/URL] <VERSION>
  <MAJOR>6</MAJOR> 
  <MINOR>1</MINOR> 
  <BUILD>7600</BUILD> 
  <SPBUILD>16385</SPBUILD> 
  <SPLEVEL>0</SPLEVEL> 
  </VERSION>
  <SYSTEMROOT>WINDOWS</SYSTEMROOT> 
  </WINDOWS>
  [B][COLOR=red]<NAME>Windows 7 PROFESSIONAL</NAME>[/COLOR][/B] 
  <DESCRIPTION>Windows 7 PROFESSIONAL</DESCRIPTION> 
  <FLAGS>Professional</FLAGS> 
  <HARDLINKBYTES>4804037542</HARDLINKBYTES> 
  <DISPLAYNAME>Windows 7 Professional</DISPLAYNAME> 
  <DISPLAYDESCRIPTION>Windows 7 Professional</DISPLAYDESCRIPTION> 
  </IMAGE>
[URL="file:///C:/Users/User-Name/Desktop/1.xml#"][B][COLOR=red]-[/COLOR][/B][/URL][B][COLOR=red] <IMAGE INDEX="4">[/COLOR][/B]
  <DIRCOUNT>13655</DIRCOUNT> 
  <FILECOUNT>64636</FILECOUNT> 
  <TOTALBYTES>12070211908</TOTALBYTES> 
[URL="file:///C:/Users/User-Name/Desktop/1.xml#"]-[/URL] <CREATIONTIME>
  <HIGHPART>0x01CA0446</HIGHPART> 
  <LOWPART>0xE89FF88A</LOWPART> 
  </CREATIONTIME>
[URL="file:///C:/Users/User-Name/Desktop/1.xml#"]-[/URL] <LASTMODIFICATIONTIME>
  <HIGHPART>0x01CA045F</HIGHPART> 
   <LOWPART>0x97ECC597</LOWPART> 
  </LASTMODIFICATIONTIME>
[URL="file:///C:/Users/User-Name/Desktop/1.xml#"]-[/URL] <WINDOWS>
  <ARCH>9</ARCH> 
  <PRODUCTNAME>Microsoft® Windows® Operating System</PRODUCTNAME> 
  <EDITIONID>Ultimate</EDITIONID> 
  <INSTALLATIONTYPE>Client</INSTALLATIONTYPE> 
  <HAL>acpiapic</HAL> 
  <PRODUCTTYPE>WinNT</PRODUCTTYPE> 
  <PRODUCTSUITE>Terminal Server</PRODUCTSUITE> 
[URL="file:///C:/Users/User-Name/Desktop/1.xml#"]-[/URL] <LANGUAGES>
  <LANGUAGE>en-US</LANGUAGE> 
  <DEFAULT>en-US</DEFAULT> 
  </LANGUAGES>
[URL="file:///C:/Users/User-Name/Desktop/1.xml#"]-[/URL] <VERSION>
  <MAJOR>6</MAJOR> 
  <MINOR>1</MINOR> 
  <BUILD>7600</BUILD> 
  <SPBUILD>16385</SPBUILD> 
  <SPLEVEL>0</SPLEVEL> 
  </VERSION>
  <SYSTEMROOT>WINDOWS</SYSTEMROOT> 
  </WINDOWS>
  [B][COLOR=red]<NAME>Windows 7 ULTIMATE</NAME>[/COLOR][/B] 
  <DESCRIPTION>Windows 7 ULTIMATE</DESCRIPTION> 
  <FLAGS>Ultimate</FLAGS> 
  <HARDLINKBYTES>4963044302</HARDLINKBYTES> 
  <DISPLAYNAME>Windows 7 Ultimate</DISPLAYNAME> 
  <DISPLAYDESCRIPTION>Windows 7 Ultimate</DISPLAYDESCRIPTION> 
  </IMAGE>
  </WIM>

11. Now open the numbered folder (step 8) that is the same edition as your currently installed Windows 7 edition, and navigate to the Windows\System32 folder. You can now select and extract the system files that you need to your desktop. (See screenshot below)

12. Verify that each extracted file is unblocked. You can now use the extracted files to copy and replace your missing or corrupted system files in your currently installed Windows 7.

   Tip

You will need to take ownership and set permissions to "Allow" your account "Full Control" of the original file in your current installation before you will be allowed to replace it with the extracted copy.

If the system file is in use and you are unable to replace it with the extracted copy, then:

• Open a Command Prompt at boot.
• Do steps 4B to 4D in this tutorial first to verify the drive letter of your Windows 7 drive. It's not always C: at boot.
• Type in the command below to copy and replace the original file with the extracted replacement file.

Copy /Y "full path of extracted replacement file" "full path of original Windows 7 system file"

For example:
If the extracted replacement uDWM.DLL is on my desktop, then I would use type this in the command prompt at boot and press enter.

Copy /Y "C:\Users\User-name\Desktop\uDWM.dll" "C:\Windows\System32\uDWM.dll"

That's it,
Shawn

Related Tutorials

---

• How to Repair Windows 7 System Files with System File Checker
• How to Run Disk Check in Windows 7
• How to Do a System Restore in Windows 7
• How to Do a Repair Install to Fix Windows 7
• How to Create a Windows 7 System Repair Disc
• How to Extract Files from Windows 7 System Image using Virtual PC
• How to Extract Windows 7 System Image Files Using Disk Management
• How to Manually Extract Files from a Backup in Vista and Windows 7
• How to Extract Files and Folders from System Restore Points in Windows 7 and Vista

 

[Brink]

Instead of trying to open the .wim file from a mounted ISO, see if you are able to open the ISO from within 7-Zip instead to then open the .wim from.

 

[lehnerus2000]

Slightly Different Error

Instead of trying to open the .wim file from a mounted ISO, see if you are able to open the ISO from within 7-Zip instead to then open the .wim from.

I was able to open the W8.1 Enterprise ISO the same way I opened the W7 ISOs.

Your suggestion almost worked.
It started extracting "install.wim", but when it finished I got slightly different error message:
The same thing happened with b9926 ISO (downloaded) and b10041 ISO (converted from ESD).

 

[Brink]

Interesting. Are you using the latest 9.38 beta build of 7-Zip?

 

[lehnerus2000]

Interesting. Are you using the latest 9.38 beta build of 7-Zip?

I have 7-Zip v9.22 installed.

I assume it works with 7-Zip v9.38?

 

[Brink]

As a test, see how it does with the 9.38 build. That's the one I'm using where it works fine for me. Hopefully, it will for you as well.

 

[lehnerus2000]

OK

As a test, see how it does with the 9.38 build. That's the one I'm using where it works fine for me. Hopefully, it will for you as well.

I've downloaded the msi, but I'm in LM17.1 at the moment, so I'll have to test it later today (it's 1:50 AM here now).

 

[Brink]

Okey doke. I'll be here when ready.

 

[lehnerus2000]

Thanks Brink

Okey doke. I'll be here when ready.

Thanks Brink.
7-Zip v9.38 was able to open the W10TP ISOs.

 

[Brink]

Perfect.

 

[paragbhandari]

error on step 6

on step 6 tried to open the install.wim as u mentioned but getting error message " can not open the file 'I:\source\install.wim' as archive"

what can be done....?

 

[Brink]

Hello Paragbhandari, and welcome to Seven Forums.

Is this a retail installation DVD, and not OEM?

For now, double check through the steps to see if you may have made a mistake somewhere.

 

[StuStar]

Here's an ideal add-on to the original solution:

1. Copy all files from the OEM DVD in either of the following locations:
D:\sources\$OEM$\system32\OEM
D:\sources\$OEM$\$$\system32\OEM
To:
C:\Windows\System32\OEM (You may want to remove the original files from this location first)

2. Follow steps 1-11 from this post but only extract the "required folder":
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/42776-extract-files-windows-7-installation-dvd.html

The "required folder" (would be the folder or folders found in the root of this location):
#\Windows\System32\spp\tokens\skus\

3. Copy the extracted "required folder(s)" to the following location:
C:\Windows\System32\spp\tokens\skus

4. If the files do not copy properly, use the right click "Takeown" registry function to take ownership on the destination location:
Add "Take Ownership" to Explorer Right-Click Menu in Windows

Once ownership is taken, rename/move/delete the folder. Perform step 3 again.
Make sure to reboot the computer to check the license.

I believe this should work for all OEM manufacturer DVDs and versions.
However, you will still need an OEM key which can be entered with the following script:
cscript %windir%\system32\slmgr.vbs -ipk XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX

 

[helpful55]

In searching for a fix for what seemed to be errors in my OS I found a way that seems to repair at least some of the files. I'm sure this is no secret and in the forums here somewhere. This would be a surgical strike as opposed to a war (upgrade install) or the nuclear option (clean install). I boot to the install disc and run a sfc /scannow CMD so the disc can be accessed for the repairs. This is where I found this info: How to Repair a Faulty Windows Installation Without Reformatting - Maximum PC

 

[feetand nches]

I'm struggling to Repair my system files using this tutorial, but the new version of 7zip don't look like the old one. It don't have the "Select All" option under "tools">"options" at the bottom. It only has Two "Plus" (+) signs at the Top of the Options window.

 

[Brink]

Hello Nasty7,

I have updated step 3 to help. You should be fine with only .wim selected (plus) to open with 7-Zip by default.

 

[feetand nches]

Thank you Brink!

 

[Brink]

You're most welcome.

 

[Airwind]

I have a problem with the xml file

When I open the xml file, it open with notepad not in internet explorer and I dont know what to do with that please help me . and I dont know what to in the contents, please help me Im so depressed because of this problem.

CONTENTS:
<WIM><TOTALBYTES>3406721036</TOTALBYTES><IMAGE INDEX="1"><DIRCOUNT>9384</DIRCOUNT><FILECOUNT>47447</FILECOUNT><TOTALBYTES>8471060645</TOTALBYTES><CREATIONTIME><HIGHPART>0x01CA0443</HIGHPART><LOWPART>0x6568BDF8</LOWPART></CREATIONTIME><LASTMODIFICATIONTIME><HIGHPART>0x01CA397A</HIGHPART><LOWPART>0xAE4066D0</LOWPART></LASTMODIFICATIONTIME><WINDOWS><ARCH>0</ARCH><PRODUCTNAME>Microsoft® Windows® Operating System</PRODUCTNAME><EDITIONID>Ultimate</EDITIONID><INSTALLATIONTYPE>Client</INSTALLATIONTYPE><HAL>acpiapic</HAL><PRODUCTTYPE>WinNT</PRODUCTTYPE><PRODUCTSUITE>Terminal Server</PRODUCTSUITE><LANGUAGES><LANGUAGE>en-US</LANGUAGE><DEFAULT>en-US</DEFAULT></LANGUAGES><VERSION><MAJOR>6</MAJOR><MINOR>1</MINOR><BUILD>7600</BUILD><SPBUILD>16385</SPBUILD><SPLEVEL>0</SPLEVEL></VERSION><SYSTEMROOT>WINDOWS</SYSTEMROOT></WINDOWS><NAME>Windows 7 Ultimate x86</NAME><DESCRIPTION>Windows 7 ULTIMATE</DESCRIPTION><FLAGS>Ultimate</FLAGS><HARDLINKBYTES>3504554899</HARDLINKBYTES><DISPLAYNAME>Windows 7 Ultimate</DISPLAYNAME><DISPLAYDESCRIPTION>Windows 7 Ultimate</DISPLAYDESCRIPTION></IMAGE><IMAGE INDEX="2"><DIRCOUNT>13655</DIRCOUNT><FILECOUNT>64636</FILECOUNT><TOTALBYTES>12070211908</TOTALBYTES><CREATIONTIME><HIGHPART>0x01CA0446</HIGHPART><LOWPART>0xE89FF88A</LOWPART></CREATIONTIME><LASTMODIFICATIONTIME><HIGHPART>0x01CA397B</HIGHPART><LOWPART>0x0D2A7F50</LOWPART></LASTMODIFICATIONTIME><WINDOWS><ARCH>9</ARCH><PRODUCTNAME>Microsoft® Windows® Operating System</PRODUCTNAME><EDITIONID>Ultimate</EDITIONID><INSTALLATIONTYPE>Client</INSTALLATIONTYPE><HAL>acpiapic</HAL><PRODUCTTYPE>WinNT</PRODUCTTYPE><PRODUCTSUITE>Terminal Server</PRODUCTSUITE><LANGUAGES><LANGUAGE>en-US</LANGUAGE><DEFAULT>en-US</DEFAULT></LANGUAGES><VERSION><MAJOR>6</MAJOR><MINOR>1</MINOR><BUILD>7600</BUILD><SPBUILD>16385</SPBUILD><SPLEVEL>0</SPLEVEL></VERSION><SYSTEMROOT>WINDOWS</SYSTEMROOT></WINDOWS><NAME>Windows 7 Ultimate x64</NAME><DESCRIPTION>Windows 7 ULTIMATE</DESCRIPTION><FLAGS>Ultimate</FLAGS><HARDLINKBYTES>4963044302</HARDLINKBYTES><DISPLAYNAME>Windows 7 Ultimate</DISPLAYNAME><DISPLAYDESCRIPTION>Windows 7 Ultimate</DISPLAYDESCRIPTION></IMAGE></WIM>

 

[Brink]

Hello Airwind, and welcome to Seven Forums.

That's ok if it opened in Notepad. You will still be able to do step 10 to know what to use in step 11.

I bolded in red your posted XML content to help with step 10.

 

[jraju]

Hi, Brink,
There is some problem in windows explorer. I tried some fixes but i do not know, sometimes it hangs and sometimes it stopped working.
i tried to regsvr32 exploreframe.dll in elevated command prompt. But i get errors, that module exploreframe.dll is failed to load . I tried sfc /scannow, which reports no error. i read this to replace the corrupted . Can i get the dll files from the OS DVD. please say, how to install the particular file. Normally i find the last extension of file letter is missing in the compressed form in dvd. How to copy this file. I am wary of copying from third sites.