How to Repair a Windows Server 2016 Installation: Step-by-Step Guide

If your Windows Server 2016 installation is experiencing issues, such as boot failures, system crashes, or corruption errors, you may need to perform a repair operation to restore its functionality. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of repairing a Windows Server 2016 installation using various methods, including the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool, System Image Recovery, and third-party backup and restore solutions.

Repairing Windows Server 2016 Using DISM

One of the most effective ways to repair a Windows Server 2016 installation is by using the DISM tool. DISM allows you to scan, check, and restore the Windows image, which can help resolve various issues related to system files and settings. Here’s how to use DISM to repair your Windows Server 2016 installation:

1. Open an elevated command prompt by right-clicking on the Command Prompt icon and selecting “Run as administrator”.
2. Run the following commands in the command prompt, pressing Enter after each:

    dism /online /cleanup-image /scanhealth dism /online /cleanup-image /checkhealth dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth 

3. Mount the Windows Server 2016 ISO as a drive (e.g., E:) and run the following command:

    dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth /source:WIM:E:\sources\install.wim:1 /limitaccess 

4. Run the System File Checker (SFC) tool by executing the following command:

    sfc /scannow 

5. Restart your Windows Server 2016 machine and check if the issues have been resolved.

It’s important to note that the index number (1 in this case) may vary depending on your specific ISO file. You can use the following command to determine the correct index:

 dism /Get-WimInfo /WimFile:E:\sources\install.wim /index:1 

Repairing Windows Server 2016 Using System Image Recovery

If you have a system image backup of your Windows Server 2016 installation, you can use System Image Recovery to restore your server to a previous state. Here’s how to use System Image Recovery:

1. Insert the Windows Server Essentials installation DVD or bootable media into your server and boot from it.
2. Choose your language and other preferences, and then click “Next”.
3. Click “Repair your computer”.
4. On the “Choose an option” page, click “Troubleshoot”.
5. Select “System Image Recovery” and follow the on-screen instructions to restore your server from the system image backup.

After the restoration process is complete, your Windows Server 2016 installation should be repaired and restored to the state it was in at the time of the backup.

Using Third-Party Backup and Restore Solutions

If you don’t have a system image backup or prefer a more comprehensive solution, you can use third-party backup and restore tools to repair your Windows Server 2016 installation. One such tool is AOMEI Backupper Server, which offers features like:

• Backup of system, disks, partitions, and individual files
• Scheduled backups (daily, weekly, monthly, or based on events)
• Automatic deletion of obsolete backup versions
• Flexible and quick restore options, including Universal Restore for dissimilar hardware

To use AOMEI Backupper Server for repairing your Windows Server 2016 installation:

1. Create a bootable media using AOMEI Backupper on a functioning computer.
2. Boot the problematic server from the bootable media.
3. Open Command Prompt from the AOMEI Backupper interface.
4. Navigate to the AOMEI Backupper installation directory (e.g., “cd C:\Program Files (x86)\AOMEI Backupper”).
5. Run the following command to restore the system from a backup image:

    AMBackup /r /t system /s "D:\path\to\backup\image.ab" /d C: 

6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the restoration process.

Using a third-party backup and restore solution like AOMEI Backupper Server provides an additional layer of protection and flexibility when repairing your Windows Server 2016 installation.

In conclusion, repairing a Windows Server 2016 installation can be a straightforward process when you have the right tools and knowledge. By using DISM, System Image Recovery, or third-party backup and restore solutions, you can resolve various issues related to system files, settings, and data corruption. Remember to always have a reliable backup strategy in place to ensure the integrity and recoverability of your Windows Server 2016 installation.