On paper, these features are great, because they also allow you to recover without using the installation DVD or USB drive. I said “on paper”, because in my experience it doesn’t work as smoothly as you would expect, many users, including me, are seeing at the time to reset or refresh the messages: “Insert Media” — “Some files are missing. Your Windows installation or recovery media will provide these files.” or “Couldn’t find necessary files” and it also asks you insert an installation media.
For most of us this is not a big deal, because we created an installation media after purchasing the OS or because we just simply bought the physical installation DVD. But why you should have to supply the files when you shouldn’t have to? You should be able to reset or refresh your PC without DVD or USB drive, besides having everything automated makes everything so much easier. This behavior occurs in most cases after upgrading Windows 7 to Windows 8, because either system files are corrupt in some way or simply the necessary files just aren’t there. To fix this issue there are three things you can do (I would recommend you to try them all):
How to fix the missing files issue on Windows 8
Method one: Run the System File Checker (SFC)
The first thing you should do is to run the System File Checker (SFC) scan. This utility will repair (replace) any damage file in the operating system: The /scannow switch is to scan all protected system files and to replace any incorrect version. Depending on your system configuration this may take some time. Once the scan completes try again to restore your system.
Method two: Create a new Windows account
One other thing you can do is to create a new user account, then try to reset or refresh and see if the problem continues. If neither of these options work, do the following.
Method three: Use the Reagentc command-line utility
This option should certainly solve the problem. Essentially what we do here is to provide Windows with all the files needed to successfully complete re-installation and we also tell the operating system where to find those files. SEE ALSO: How to download the Windows 8 ISO again after upgrading your system Finally, exit the Command Prompt and try once again to Reset or Refresh your PC. Now you should be able to reset or refresh your PC without a USB drive or DVD.
Now, this part is a bit tricky, because depending on how you obtained the installation media, you’ll find an install.wim or an install.esd file in the Source folder. And you must register a recovery image that is a Windows image (.wim) format. If you have an install.esd, you should try creating a custom refresh point (image) when you know your system is in a good working condition. This method will create an install.wim with your current system files that you can use to refresh your PC, but keep in mind that you cannot use this method “Remove everything”.
It’s worth noting that if you don’t have an installation media because, for example, you did the upgrade from the desktop using the “Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant”; it will also work if you ask a friend for a retail DVD and make a copy of the install.wim. Update: If you recently updated to Windows 8.1 from the Windows Store, here is a new approach to resolve the “missing files” problem. Update: You can now easily fix this issue by download and creating your own Windows 8.1 installation media and simply insert the USB drive or DVD when you’re prompted “Insert Media” — “Some files are missing. Your Windows installation or recovery media will provide these files.” or “Couldn’t find necessary files”. All the instructions you need are in this how-to guide I have created. All content on this site is provided with no warranties, express or implied. Use any information at your own risk. Always backup of your device and files before making any changes. Privacy policy info.
