I am unsure how, but at least a month ago or so my computer encountered an issue with corrupted system 32 files. I am running Windows 8.1 Enterprise (downloaded through my university) on a custom desktop computer. I concluded that some of my system 32 files were corrupted because I got several error messages saying that windows couldn't find explorer.exe and the message also had something about the .dll files. The appearance of these messages aren't consistent as I was unable to recreate the exact message after restarting my computer (which is why I don't have the exact message), but when one does pop up I can screenshot it or quote it if necessary. Ever since I have had the issue several programs haven't been able to work, I haven't been able to access the windows settings menu or use the search function, my printer won't work with my computer, I can't drag and drop desktop icons or files, the icon for my file explorer and some other programs shows up as a blank page, and there are a few other small things. I tried doing a system restore, but I could not restore to a back-up before I had the corrupted files. After this I tried running the SFC command and a program after (which i forgot which one it was) to repair my files, but this did not solve my issue. After this I wanted to proceed to do a system refresh, but couldn't because I was not able to access the proper settings menu to do so. So I was thinking that I can maybe manually reinstall windows somehow, since I was able to download the ISO file for windows 8.1 enterprise on to a flash drive through my university. I have no clue how to reinstall windows with an ISO file, so this is the part where I am going to need some guidance.

Try to run "cmd" as Administrator and run "sfc /scannow" - it should check integrity and fix problems with system protected files.

Hello,

As I stated before, I have completed these steps in my troubleshooting process, but they were unsuccessful in resolving my issues. In addition to running the sfc/scannow command I even used another utility program aimed at fixing corrupted files, but that also did not work. I can't even access my event viewer logs and at this point I want to wipe the slate clean and reinstall windows. However I only have a .ISO file/key to do so and I'm unsure how to do it with the file.

• Edited by AAS713 10 hours 37 minutes ago

The other program that you ran, did it happen to be DISM? If not, you should try and run DISM before doing a reinstall. You can find instructions for that here.

If that doesn't work and you need to reinstall from that ISO, make your USB drive bootable and put the ISO on it. Then set your boot priority to boot form the USB and run the install as normal.

okay, so I believe DISM was what I ran and was unsuccessful with. Thank you for the instructions and will update on my progress!

Hello,

As I stated before, I have completed these steps in my troubleshooting process, but they were unsuccessful in resolving my issues. In addition to running the sfc/scannow command I even used another utility program aimed at fixing corrupted files, but that also did not work. I can't even access my event viewer logs and at this point I want to wipe the slate clean and reinstall windows. However I only have a .ISO file/key to do so and I'm unsure how to do it with the file.

• Edited by AAS713 Wednesday, August 26, 2015 8:44 PM

Hello,

As I stated before, I have completed these steps in my troubleshooting process, but they were unsuccessful in resolving my issues. In addition to running the sfc/scannow command I even used another utility program aimed at fixing corrupted files, but that also did not work. I can't even access my event viewer logs and at this point I want to wipe the slate clean and reinstall windows. However I only have a .ISO file/key to do so and I'm unsure how to do it with the file.

• Edited by AAS713 Wednesday, August 26, 2015 8:44 PM

Hi AAS,

Thank you for your question. 

By this issue, we suggest you update Windows update to the lasted and do a clean boot by the following link to check if the issue persist:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/929135 

Then, delete current Windows profile and create a new account to check if the issue persist.

If not, post errors snapshot for our troubleshooting.

If there are any questions regarding this issue, please be free to let me know.

Best Regard,

Jim