DISM error 3 when trying to run a SCANHEALTH

Hello to all! Windows 7 user here. Not the best with computers but have some basic knowledge. I was using the DISM feature just fine for a while and when I went to use it recently to perform Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth I got the dreaded error 3: The directory C: windows does not appear to be a valid windows directory. Please ensure that the /Windir option that is specified is valid.

So, by any chance can any of my brilliant friends here let me know what happened or where things went wrong? The only change I made to the computer was downloading a couple windows updates but I restored my computer to a time before those updates were installed..and I still have the problem. I also tried reinstalling the system update readiness tool in case it may have been corrupted and still have the error.

Thank you so much for taking the time to help me because it's driving me insane and it seems as if the web is just a big runaround on this issue. Hopefully with some expert advice we can get this fixed

Hi

You sure it wasnt error 37.

DISM was introduced during the development of w7, but was not fully implemented on standard Retail W7 versions, it was however for Server versions.

DISM++ is NOT a Microsoft produced feature, DISM is


The Scan/Restore health options are NOT supported for mere mortals like us.

As Vineet said use SFC and SURT


Roy

Good morning and thank you kindly for the reply. I have ran the Sfc scannow several times prior to posting the thread and all comes back fine. I have indeed used the DISM in the past on this computer, it fixed errors and the scan health works on my windows 7 ..I'm positive it's error 3 ..and the last time I ran the scan health my results were this,
Summary:
Seconds executed: 2146
Found 106 errors
Fixed 98 errors
CSI Catalog Missing Total count: 8
Fixed: CSI Catalog Missing. Total count: 8
CSI C Mark Deployment Not Marked Total count: 8
CSI F Mark Bad Type Total count: 90
Fixed: CSI F Mark Bad Type. Total count: 90

DISM and SURT are the same KB after all. Just wondering why it decided to stop working. Appreciate your comments though, My problem continues, a saga

Hi Vineet

Vineet Garg said:

Update : Websites are saying DISM commands are not supported on Win 7. Why are you saying that ??

SURT was introduced on Windows Vista and 7 OSes as an optional extra. DISM became a feature of Windows 8 and 10 OSes. SURT did not include all the command-line options found in DISM, therefore many DISM commands are not available on Windows 7. SURT is not the full product that DISM has become.

I ran chkdsk too :) all good.

Hi thumpergirl,

What happens if you change the DISM command line parameters? Does this still result in Error 3?
Eg. Does Dism /Online /Get-Drivers produce Error 3?

I should mention when I say I'm not the best with computers I can however tell when I'm using DISM or not and if a number is 3 or 37 lol ...c'mon give me a little credit guys!! LOL

Hiya Iko22 ..I Still get the error 3 with Dism /Online /Get-Drivers...shucks.