📅 February 1, 2025

Windows

Alex Ruben

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How to Fix the REAGENTC.EXE Operation Failed Error in Windows

This guide provides a step-by-step approach to resolving the “REAGENTC.EXE Operation failed” error that can occur when enabling the Windows Recovery Environment using the reagentc command. Following these methods will help you troubleshoot and fix boot issues on your Windows PC effectively.

Step 1: Check the Recovery Folder

Ensure that the Winre.wim file is present and not corrupted. This file is critical for the Windows Recovery Environment:

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows\System32\Recovery.
2. Enable the view of hidden files and folders.
3. If the Winre.wim file is missing or damaged, obtain a new copy from a healthy computer or installation media.
4. To find the Winre.wim file:
   • Download the Windows ISO using the Windows Media Creation Tool.
   • Mount the ISO and open the Sources folder.
   • Locate the install.wim or install.esd file.
   • Extract the file using a tool like 7-Zip and find the Winre.wim at Windows\System32\Recovery.
5. Copy this file to the affected computer and try enabling the Windows Recovery Environment again.

Step 2: Repair Your System Image Files

Use built-in tools to repair any corrupted system image files:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Run the following command to check for and repair system files:
3. sfc /scannow
4. Additionally, use the DISM tool:
5. Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
   

Step 3: Disable Legacy BIOS and Enable Secure Boot

Enter the BIOS settings of your computer and make the following changes:

1. Disable Legacy BIOS mode.
2. Enable Secure Boot. Refer to your computer’s user manual for specific instructions as the steps vary by manufacturer.

Step 4: Assign a New Letter to the Recovery Partition

To ensure the Recovery Environment is accessible, you may need to assign a new letter to the recovery partition:

1. Open the Windows Search and type diskpart to launch the Diskpart utility.
2. Enter the following commands:
3. list disk

select disk # (replace # with the correct disk number)
   
   list volume

select volume # (replace # with the correct volume number)
   
   assign letter=K
4. Then execute the command:
5. reagentc /setreimage /path K:\Recovery\WindowsRE
6. Verify the BIOS mode and ensure it is set to UEFI, then enable Secure Boot.
7. Restart your computer and check if you can enable the Windows Recovery Environment.

Step 5: Assign the Correct ID to the System Partition

This step requires using Command Prompt to ensure the system partition has the correct ID:

1. Launch Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Input the following commands:
3. diskpart

list disk

select disk # (replace # with the correct disk number)
   
   list partition

select partition * (replace * with the system partition number)
   
   detail partition
4. Check if the GUID of the System Partition matches c12a7328-f81f-11d2-ba4b-00a0c93ec93b. If not, execute:
5. set id=c12a7328-f81f-11d2-ba4b-00a0c93ec93b
6. Exit Diskpart.

Step 6: Perform an In-Place Upgrade or Clean Installation of Windows

If all else fails, consider performing an in-place upgrade or a clean installation of Windows:

1. Follow the guidelines for performing an in-place upgrade or refer to related resources for a clean installation.

Extra Tips & Common Issues

Here are some additional tips to streamline the process:

• Ensure that you have administrative rights before making changes to system files or BIOS settings.
• Back up important data before performing demanding actions such as a clean installation.
• Consult the manufacturer’s support documentation if you face issues specific to your hardware.

By following these methods, you should be able to resolve the REAGENTC.EXE operation failed error successfully and enable the Windows Recovery Environment on your PC.

Related Guides:

• How to Increase WinRE Partition Size in Windows 11
• How to Fix the “Selected File is Not a Proper BIOS” Error
• How to Fix ‘The Application Was Unable to Start Correctly’ Error on Windows
• Essential Windows Commands to Fix Common PC Issues on Windows 10 and 11