You’re trying to repair your Windows system image using the Deployment Imaging and Service Management (DISM) tool. You type what you think is the correct command, hit Enter, and instead of a progress bar, you see:
"Error: 87 – The option is unknown to this version of DISM."
Or sometimes:
"Error: 87 – The parameter is incorrect."
This error brings your repair process to a screeching halt. The good news? DISM error 87 is almost always a syntax mistake or a version mismatch — not a fatal corruption issue. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to fix error 87 quickly, plus how to prevent it from coming back.
Once you’ve fixed error 87, follow these best practices:
Mount a clean Windows ISO or USB drive, then run: dism error 87 fixed
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:WIM:D:\sources\install.wim:1 /LimitAccess
Replace D: with your mounted drive letter.
If your path contains spaces or unusual characters, wrap the path in double quotes and escape spaces properly.
Example:
DISM /Mount-Image /ImageFile:"D:\My ISO\install.wim" /Index:1
Missing quotes around paths with spaces will cause Error 87.
If you have tried all seven methods and the error persists, consider these edge cases:
DISM Error 87 is almost never a serious system problem—it’s a "syntax error" for command-line tools. Double-check your spelling, spacing, and slashes, and you’ll likely resolve it in under a minute. You’re trying to repair your Windows system image
If you’re still stuck, run:
DISM /?
This displays all valid options for your specific version of Windows. Match your command exactly to what’s listed, and you’ll be back to repairing your image in no time.
Need help with another DISM error? Check our guides for Error 0x800f081f, Error 0x800f0906, or Error 1392.
DISM Error 87 Fixed: A Step-by-Step Guide to Resolving the Issue
The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool is a crucial component of Windows operating systems, allowing users to service and manage Windows images. However, some users have been encountering the frustrating DISM error 87, which prevents them from using the tool effectively. In this blog post, we will explore the causes of DISM error 87 and provide a step-by-step guide on how to fix it.
What is DISM Error 87?
DISM error 87 is a common issue that occurs when users attempt to use the DISM tool to service or manage Windows images. The error message typically reads: "The DISM service failed. The base directory cannot be specified on the command line for online operations." This error can occur due to various reasons, including:
Causes of DISM Error 87
To resolve DISM error 87, it's essential to understand its underlying causes. Some of the common causes include:
How to Fix DISM Error 87
Fortunately, fixing DISM error 87 is relatively straightforward. Here are some step-by-step solutions to resolve the issue: