How to Recover .WIM Files Lost Due to Disk Partition Loss

Have files been deleted due to a user’s error or software error? Have you formatted a disk by accident and need to know how to recover the files? Read our .WIM file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2024.

How to Recover .WIM Files Lost Due to Disk Partition Loss

What is a .WIM file?

A WIM file is saved in a file-based imaging format that was introduced with Windows Vista. It allows a single disk image to be deployed to multiple computer platforms. WIM files are used to manage files such as drivers, updates, and components without booting the operating system image.

What Are Common Causes of ".WIM" Files Lost or Failure?

There can be several common causes of ".WIM" files being lost or experiencing failure. Some of these causes include:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete ".WIM" files while trying to free up storage space or during file management tasks.
  2. File system errors: Corruption or errors in the file system can lead to the loss or failure of ".WIM" files.
  3. Software or hardware issues: Problems with the software or hardware used to create, access, or manipulate ".WIM" files can result in their loss or failure. This can include issues with imaging software, storage devices, or the operating system.
  4. Virus or malware infections: Malicious software can infect and damage ".WIM" files, leading to their loss or failure.
  5. Power failures or system crashes: Sudden power outages or system crashes while working with ".WIM" files can cause them to become corrupted or lost.
  6. Improper handling or storage: Mishandling or improper storage of storage devices containing ".WIM" files can result in their loss or failure. This can include physical damage to the storage media or exposure to extreme temperatures or magnetic fields.
  7. Human error: Mistakes made by users, such as accidental formatting of storage devices or improper usage of imaging software, can lead to the loss or failure of ".WIM" files.

It is important to regularly back up ".WIM" files and take necessary precautions to prevent their loss or failure.

How to recover lost ".WIM" files?

Sometimes while working with a computer, laptop or other stationary or mobile devices, you may encounter various bugs, freezes, hardware or software failures, even in spite of regular updates and junk cleaning. As a result, an important ".WIM" file may be deleted.

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🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

By no means should you think that the only way to recover a ".WIM" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".WIM" files if a file was lost after accidental or deliberate deleting, formatting the memory card or the internal storage, cleaning the storage device, after a virus attack or a system failure.

Programs to recover ".WIM" files

Looking for a way to get files back? In cases when files were deleted and they cannot be restored by using standard operating system tools, use Hetman Partition Recovery.

Partition Recovery™ 4.9
The tool recovers data from any devices, regardless of the cause of data loss.
Download

Follow the directions below:

  1. Download Hetman Partition Recovery, install and start the program.

  2. The program will automatically scan the computer and display all hard disks and removable drives connected to it, as well as physical and local disks.

    File Recovery Software
  3. Double-click on the disk from which you need to recover ".WIM" files, and select analysis type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Analysis Type
  4. When the scanning is over, you will be shown the files for recovery.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Files that Can be Restored
  5. To find a file you need, use the program’s interface to open the folder it was deleted from, or go to the folder "Content-Aware Analysis" and select the required file type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Deep Scan
  6. Select the files you have been looking for and click "Recovery".

    File Recovery Software - Files List for Recovery
  7. Choose one of the methods for saving the files and recover them.

    Saving recovered files in Hetman Partition Recovery

How to open file with ".WIM" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo windows Imaging Format File image file file?

Programs that open ".WIM" files

Windows
File Viewer Plus File Viewer Plus
Microsoft ImageX Microsoft ImageX
WinMount International WinMount WinMount International WinMount
7-Zip 7-Zip
PeaZip PeaZip
ExtractNow ExtractNow

Additional Information

  • File type: Windows Imaging Format File

  • File extension: .WIM

  • Developer: Microsoft

  • Category: Disk Image Files

  • Format: Binary

  • HEX: 4D 53 57 49 4D

  • ASCII: MSWIM

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 12:37 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .WIM files after deleting, cleaning or formatting!
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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • What is the purpose of a ".WIM repair" file and how does it work?

    The purpose of a ".WIM repair" file is to provide a mechanism for repairing or restoring a Windows operating system installation. WIM stands for Windows Imaging Format, which is a file-based disk image format used by Microsoft for deploying and maintaining Windows installations.

    A .WIM repair file contains a compressed image of the Windows installation files, including the operating system, system files, and software packages. It is typically used in scenarios where the Windows installation becomes corrupted or damaged, and traditional repair methods like system restore or startup repair fail to resolve the issues.

    To use a .WIM repair file, you need to boot from a Windows installation media or recovery disk. During the repair process, the system accesses the .WIM repair file and extracts the necessary files to replace or repair the damaged components of the Windows installation. This can include system files, drivers, registry settings, or other critical components.

    The repair process using a .WIM repair file is typically automated and guided by the Windows recovery environment. It allows users to restore their Windows installation to a previous working state without losing personal files or applications. It is a useful tool for troubleshooting and fixing various issues, such as startup problems, system errors, or major software conflicts.

  • What are the common issues that can be resolved using a ".WIM repair" file?

    A ".WIM repair" file, also known as a Windows Imaging Format repair file, is used to resolve various issues related to the Windows operating system. Some common issues that can be resolved using a .WIM repair file include:

    1. System file corruption: If system files get corrupted or damaged, it can lead to various errors and malfunctions. A .WIM repair file can help restore the original system files and fix the issue.
    2. Boot problems: When the Windows operating system fails to boot properly, it may be due to missing or damaged boot files. Using a .WIM repair file, these boot files can be repaired, allowing the system to boot successfully.
    3. Blue screen errors: Blue screen errors, also known as BSOD (Blue Screen of Death), can occur due to various reasons such as faulty drivers, incompatible software, or hardware issues. A .WIM repair file can help resolve these errors by restoring the necessary system files.
    4. Windows update issues: Sometimes, Windows updates can fail or cause problems, resulting in issues like update errors or system instability. Using a .WIM repair file, the Windows update components can be repaired, allowing updates to be installed properly.
    5. System restore failures: If the system restore feature fails to work properly, it may be due to corrupted system files or other issues. A .WIM repair file can help fix the underlying problems and allow system restore to function correctly.
    6. Malware or virus infections: Malware or virus infections can damage system files and cause various issues. By using a .WIM repair file, the infected or damaged files can be replaced, helping to eliminate the malware and restore system stability.

    It is important to note that using a .WIM repair file requires advanced technical knowledge, and it is recommended to create a backup of important data before attempting any repairs.

  • How can one create or obtain a ".WIM repair" file for repairing Windows operating system?

    To create or obtain a ".WIM repair" file for repairing a Windows operating system, you can follow these steps:

    1. Obtain a Windows installation media: You can download the ISO file for the specific version of Windows you want to repair from the official Microsoft website or obtain it from a physical installation disc.
    2. Mount the Windows installation media: If you have a physical installation disc, insert it into your computer's DVD drive. If you have downloaded an ISO file, you can mount it as a virtual drive by right-clicking on the file and selecting "Mount" from the context menu.
    3. Open Command Prompt as an administrator: Right-click on the Start menu and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "Windows PowerShell (Admin)".
    4. Determine the index number: In the Command Prompt, type the following command and press Enter:

    ```

    dism /get-wiminfo /wimfile:

    ```

    Replace `` with the path to the Windows installation media. This command will display information about the available editions of Windows. Note down the index number of the edition you want to repair.

    Create the repair WIM file: In the Command Prompt, type the following command and press Enter:

    ```

    dism /export-image /sourceimagefile: /sourceindex: /destinationimagefile:

    ```

    Replace `` with the path to the Windows installation media, `` with the index number you noted down, and `` with the desired path and filename for the repair WIM file.

    Wait for the process to complete: The DISM tool will extract the necessary files from the Windows installation media and create the repair WIM file. The time taken will depend on the speed of your computer and the size of the Windows installation media.

    Once the process is complete, you will have a ".WIM repair" file that can be used for repairing Windows operating systems.

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