Error 0x80070716: Fix “Resource Name” Not Found

Updated 10 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

The message “The specified resource name cannot be found in the image file” with error 0x80070716 usually means Windows cannot find a resource it needs in a system image or component used by a repair or setup operation. The right fix depends on what triggered it; start by identifying the operation, then check system files and the Windows image before attempting more disruptive repairs.

What error 0x80070716 means

Error 0x80070716 corresponds to the Windows system error text “The specified resource name cannot be found in the image file.” In this context, an image is a structured file or store containing Windows files and resources, not necessarily a photograph. The error indicates that an expected resource name was not found where the operation looked for it.

It is not, by itself, proof that a particular file is missing or that Windows must be reinstalled. The message can appear in different circumstances, such as a Windows servicing task, an attempted repair, or software that relies on Windows components. The surrounding application, command, and event details are important clues. Record what you were doing and any additional text before changing system settings.

Identify what triggered the message

First determine whether the error appeared during Windows Update, a system repair command, an application’s installation or removal, or another task. If an installer displayed it, check whether the message names that program or a particular file. If it appeared in a command window, preserve the full command and output; a typo, incorrect source path, or mismatched installation media can cause a repair operation to look in the wrong place.

Restart Windows once, then repeat the action that produced the error. A temporary servicing or file-locking issue may not recur.
Note whether Windows can start normally and whether other updates or applications are failing.
Check the Windows Update history or the relevant application’s log for a more specific failure detail.
Do not download a replacement system file from an unfamiliar website. A file with the right name may be for a different Windows build or may be unsafe.

Run Windows image and file checks

When the issue appears related to Windows itself, use the built-in Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool (DISM) and System File Checker (SFC). DISM checks and repairs the Windows component store that supplies files used for servicing; SFC checks protected system files against that store. Open Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin) from the Start menu. Approve the User Account Control prompt, then run the commands below in order.

Run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. The operation can take a while and may appear to pause. Let it finish rather than closing the window.
After DISM reports completion, run sfc /scannow and wait for its verification to reach 100%.
Restart the PC and retry the original task.

These commands use the currently running Windows installation. DISM may need access to Windows Update or a suitable repair source to obtain files. If it reports that source files could not be found, do not guess a source path: repair media must match the installed Windows edition, language, and relevant build. For managed work devices, contact the administrator before changing servicing sources.

Check updates, storage, and the repair source

Install available Windows updates and restart, then check whether the original error remains. Updates can resolve component issues, but they may also require a restart to complete pending servicing. Ensure the system drive has enough free space for update and repair operations; a nearly full drive can prevent servicing from completing even though it is not the direct meaning of this error.

If you used installation media or specified a repair source, verify that it is accessible and appropriate for the installed Windows version. A source from a different language, edition, or release may not contain the expected component. Do not use an arbitrary image simply because it is labeled “Windows.” If you did not explicitly choose a source, do not add one as a first troubleshooting step.

If the error comes from an app or installer

If Windows checks complete successfully but only one application fails, focus on that application. Restart Windows, download a fresh installer from the software publisher’s legitimate distribution channel, and try its repair or reinstall option if available. For a built-in Windows feature, use the feature’s settings or Windows’ supported repair options rather than deleting files from system folders.

For a recurring failure, inspect the exact application log or Windows Event Viewer entry around the time of the error. The Event Viewer is available by searching for “Event Viewer” from Start; relevant details may be under Windows Logs or an application-specific log. A log can identify a component or operation, but it does not automatically make a file safe to delete or replace. If the message appears during a company-managed installation, ask IT for the approved package or repair source.

When to use recovery options

If DISM and SFC cannot repair the image, or several Windows features are failing, consider Windows’ built-in recovery options. Depending on the Windows version and device configuration, options may include uninstalling a recent update, using System Restore if a restore point exists, or performing a repair installation that keeps personal files and applications. Read each option’s summary carefully: available choices vary, and some recovery or reset paths remove apps or data.

Back up important personal files before a repair installation, reset, or other major recovery action. If Windows will not start, or the device is encrypted or managed by an organization, seek the device administrator or qualified support before proceeding. Avoid editing the registry or manually replacing files based only on this error string; those steps can make Windows less stable and are not a general fix for 0x80070716.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is error 0x80070716 a virus?
No. The code describes a Windows resource lookup failure, not a malware diagnosis. If you suspect malware for separate reasons, use Windows’ built-in security tools or trusted support; do not treat this error alone as evidence of infection.

Will DISM and SFC delete my files?
These commands are intended to repair Windows image and protected system files, not personal documents. Still, back up important data regularly, especially before later recovery actions such as a reset or repair installation.

What if DISM says the source files could not be found?
Windows may be unable to obtain the required repair files from its configured source. Check internet access and Windows Update, and use only repair media that matches the installed system. If you are unsure about the correct source, consult your administrator or Microsoft support documentation.

Should I download the missing DLL or resource file?
No. The error does not reliably identify a standalone file, and a file from another Windows build can be incompatible or unsafe. Use supported Windows repair tools or the affected application’s official repair method.

Does this error mean I need to reinstall Windows?
Usually, that is not the first step. Identify the failing operation, run DISM and SFC if Windows servicing is implicated, and try less disruptive recovery options before considering a reinstall.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.