This error frequently occurs when there is a mismatch between the DISM tool you are running and the Windows image you are trying to service. For example, if you are running a 32-bit version of DISM (perhaps from a WinPE environment or a recovery drive) against a 64-bit Windows installation, the tool will be unable to parse the request correctly.

If a path contains a space: ✅ DISM /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth /source:"E:\sources\install.wim":1 ❌ DISM /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth /source:E:\sources\install.wim:1 (no quotes but path has space – error 87)