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]

I wouldn't worry about it. They're not going to cause any issues, so there's no point in risking to delete the wrong file and cause an issue.

 

[shinyjanjan]

I wouldn't worry about it. They're not going to cause any issues, so there's no point in risking to delete the wrong file and cause an issue.

Hi shawn i still want to delete those GP files that youve seen on my CBS log, can you site all of them then i will manually delete them? The reason i want to delete those files is when i run SFC scan in the future and found corrupted files, i know that the default system files is corrupted.

 

[NeoMesal]

Hey Brink/Shawn!

Just saying thanks for all your great tutorials, especially this one which has helped me out. (It work on Win. 8 )

I used the admin account to replace a corrupt "amd64_microsoft-windows-advancedtaskmanager" files. - Not sure if it was that or the security policy changes that I made prior which allowed copying the new files into the Windows\winsxs directory

Many thanks!

 

[Brink]

You're most welcome Neo. I'm happy to hear it was able to help.

 

[notis]

***********************************************
* EASY * USEFULL * UNDERSTANDABLE * THANK YOU *
* *
***********************************************

 

[Rustydog]

missing psd file

This is the first time I have used this forum, so I hope I am following the correct format.
My Windows 7 Home Premium is missing the systems restore function. I have run sfc /scannow and found two corrupt files (clusapi.dll and RacEngn.dll) both of which I have identified in the windows system 32 folder.
But a third corrupt file (Symphony.psd) I cannot find in there.
It is my intention to use this tutorial to replace all these file but I have not been able to because of the missing third one.
The attachment is a copy of the sfc /scannow report which may help to identify the problem.
These are great tutorial's, I found them following links from Google, and have used one in the past to help cure a previous problem on my Brothers computer.

 

[Brink]

Hello Rustydog, and welcome to Seven Forums.

If you have not already, you might see if doing what's in the blue Note box under step 4 in Option One if the SFC tutorial below may help in repairing these files.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html

Hope this helps for now,
Shawn

 

[Rustydog]

Hi Shawn.
Thanks for your rapid response to my query, I was not expecting such a quick reply, that's another big plus to go with the excellent tutorials.
I've only been able to carry out the first of your recommendations but without success, and am at the moment push for time to do any more.
Would like to continue this thread at a later date when I have carried out some more of your advice.
Best Regards Rustydog

 

[Brink]

That's fine Rustydog. I'll be here when your ready.

 

[Rustydog]

Hi Shawn
I'm picking up this thread to let you know my current situation.
I followed your advice and ran the sfc /scannow around nine time, it did not cure the problem but it's log indicated constantly, two corrupt system 32 files and one file I could not identify nor find out where it was stored.
These files were clusapi.dll, RacEngn.dll and Symphony.psd.
Working on the assumption that two corrupt systems file were more a hindrance than a help, I used the tutorial to extract from an installation DVD, copies of the corrupt files and copied them into the system 32 folder after having first taken over the ownership plus total control as administrator of the two corrupt system 32 files.
And got a O/K result.
The System Restore function is now fully operational and can be used by not only me but programs like Windows Up-Date etc.
I have return ownership and total control to TrustedInstaller as shown in a thread followed from this tutorial.
The only thing I have not be able to do is return the permissions of the administrator to the default.
Does this matter if the owner is TrustedInstaller or can the administrator inadvertently change anything because it has still got full control permissions.
Best Regards Rustydog

 

[Brink]

Hi Shawn
I'm picking up this thread to let you know my current situation.
I followed your advice and ran the sfc /scannow around nine time, it did not cure the problem but it's log indicated constantly, two corrupt system 32 files and one file I could not identify nor find out where it was stored.
These files were clusapi.dll, RacEngn.dll and Symphony.psd.
Working on the assumption that two corrupt systems file were more a hindrance than a help, I used the tutorial to extract from an installation DVD, copies of the corrupt files and copied them into the system 32 folder after having first taken over the ownership plus total control as administrator of the two corrupt system 32 files.
And got a O/K result.
The System Restore function is now fully operational and can be used by not only me but programs like Windows Up-Date etc.
I have return ownership and total control to TrustedInstaller as shown in a thread followed from this tutorial.
The only thing I have not be able to do is return the permissions of the administrator to the default.
Does this matter if the owner is TrustedInstaller or can the administrator inadvertently change anything because it has still got full control permissions.
Best Regards Rustydog

Great news Rusty.

It really doesn't matter much to leave "Administrators" as the owner vs "TrustedInstaller". It's just better secured as "TrustedInstaller".

 

[Rustydog]

Hi Shawn
Thank for your help, once more a GREAT forum and First Class Tutorials
Rustydog

 

[Brink]

You're welcome.

 

[jraju]

Hi This article is much more useful than some of the articles by microsoft in their help article. It clearly says that sfc /scannow checks and repair the corrupted files as given in the top of the tutorial.
But i want to know, how to know the files that are repaired by this scan and the files that are not repaired by this tool.
Because txt shows repairing and at the last of the text file, scan which is 100 percent complete, it shows that all the error shown in this scan have been successfully repaired. How to know these things.
The command also shows that some files could not be repaired in the command prompt
Hope somebody would reply

 

[Brink]

Hello Jraju,

OPTION THREE in the SFC tutorial below can help show you how to view the SFC details from the CBSLOG file to see what files SFC could and could not repair.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html

Hope this helps,
Shawn

 

[jraju]

Hi Thanks Brink
But what about the message at the end that all the files used by this tool has been successfully repaired. There are some files found that cannot repair member file and a long path. But at the end it shows that all has been successfully repaired. Is there any command to get exclusively what are those entries in the cbs log or sfcdetails.txt that pertain to the problematic lines in the scannow option/
Should we try to copy those files,from the method you prescribed. It would be easy if the files having problem alone could be copied using this method.
From your article i understand that sfc /scannow command tries to repair those files which are found in the installation directory or source from the computer directory. If not , we have to get from the dvd as per your tutorial. But how to know, which files are not repaired. I read an article in msoft article that repairing or repaired means that sfc can may copy these files, without an assertion of the facts on the instructions. cannot repair files , what should be done how to know the path of the file from the dvd. Please your tutorial is the best that could be found in the surfing
Use the System File Checker tool to troubleshoot missing or corrupted system files on Windows Vista or on Windows 7. This article could not describe what these commands at step is doing. Totally confusing, how it will fix some files by taking owner ship in the total sfc text
How to analyze the log file entries that the Microsoft Windows Resource Checker (SFC.exe) program generates in Windows Vista by refering this article , in entry, data, explanation, the description is totally confusing as how to find . They could have given samples.
Your article is the best on the subject, as the msoft article lacks in explanation to the fact that sfc command does not actually repair anything, eventhough it shows as repaired as given in the red lined note.
I hope no one would be willing to reinstall windows as it is a last step. You have to loose all the programs and it takes huge efforts. Thanks for listening
expecting your reply

 

[Brink]

Jraju,

Yes, the sfcdetails.txt file from OPTION THREE will give specific details on what was and was not repaired by SFC. If you like, upload your sfcdetails.txt file, and I'll be happy to take a look at it. It most certainly can be a bit overwhelming if your not used to reading it.

 

[jraju]

Ok. I have done 3 scans and my system could be repaired oby sfc for most of the files. But some of the files , like desktop.ini and music , jpeg files could not be repaired. Anyhow for your perusal , i am sending the latest sfc details.txt.
But let me know clearly the repairing is repaired files from resource
repaired is repaired files from resource
cannot repair means that is not in the resource store.

But pl tell me that by taking ownership, how the sfc problem could be fixed as i have detailed in my link STEP2. Should it mean that c: instead of E as usual. Because mostly os is installed in c:
Please, i substitued c: in place of e, it allowed the permission, but the last command did not work. Please try and give me your considered opinion on how to go further about it.
Thank you for your excellent coverage with easy to understand. Yesterday only i tried the sfc three times and most of the problem have gone.
My wpfiles have been deleted by generic trojan and it was removed from using malware bytes. SFc could not complete then.Now it runs 100%. Could the trojan remove the protected files as easily as found in the mcafee article
Generic.dx!A0CD0A91A611 | Virus Profile & Definition | McAfee Inc.
It simply removes 20 files eh. Expecting reply

 

[Brink]

There's just to many files to list and go over one by one, but they are nothing to worry about either. They are sample files from these folders:

• C:\Users\(user-name)\Music\Sample Music
• C:\Users\(user-name)\Photos\Sample Photos
• C:\Users\(user-name)\Videos\Sample Videos
• sample .mp4 and .mpg files in: C:\Windows\Performance\WinSAT

Yes, a virus can do just about anything once allowed to be infected by it. Personally since a virus was involved, I would recommend to do a clean install of Windows to help make sure your system is clean.

 

[jraju]

Hi Thank you Brink for pointing me. But, the analysis you could do may kindly be detailed, so that any could do it. I am really fascinated by your replies and tutorial. Daily i visit this site for tutorial .
What about my question on the 2nd step. How it will be helpful to the files that sfc could not repair. You are a valuable person and you could thro some light on the above subject.

How to find that these files are related to c:users. expecting