How to solve image file access failed

Question

image file access failed pleas keep the disk clean or try using another installation media

Answer 1

Hello  Deepan S，

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community forum.

When you encounter the error message "image file access failed, please keep the disk clean or try using another installation media" on a Windows system, it typically indicates a problem with the media or the file itself. Here are steps you can take to resolve this issue:

Cleaning the Disk

1. Physically Clean the Disk:
   • If you're using a CD or DVD, inspect the surface for dirt, smudges, or scratches.
   • Clean the disk using a soft, lint-free cloth. Wipe from the center outward in straight lines, rather than in a circular motion.
2. Check the Disk Drive:
   • Ensure that the disk drive is clean and free from dust. You can use a can of compressed air to blow out any dust particles that might be obstructing the drive.

Using Different Media

3. Try a Different Disk or USB Drive:
   • If you have another copy of the installation media (e.g., another CD/DVD or USB drive), try using that instead.
4. Re-download the Installation File:
   • If the installation file was downloaded, the file might be corrupted. Try downloading it again from a reliable source.

Check File Integrity

5. Verify the Hash:
   • Some installation packages provide hash values (e.g., MD5, SHA-1) to verify the integrity of the file. Compare the hash of your downloaded file with the provided hash to ensure it hasn't been corrupted.
6. Use Disk Imaging Software:
   • Use software like Rufus, Etcher, or UNetbootin to create a bootable USB drive. These tools often have more robust methods for handling disk images, which might bypass the issue you're encountering.

Hardware Check

7. Check for Hardware Issues:
   • If you're using a USB drive, try plugging it into a different USB port.
   • Test the disk or USB drive on another computer to see if the problem persists. If the problem exists on multiple machines, the issue is likely with the media rather than your computer.

Installation Procedures

8. Run as Administrator:
   • If you’re accessing the file on a computer, try running the installation program as an administrator. Right-click the file and select "Run as administrator."
9. Check for Bad Sectors:
   • Use the built-in "chkdsk" utility in Windows to check for and repair any bad sectors on the disk where the image file is stored. Open Command Prompt (run as administrator) and enter:

     
          chkdsk X: /f 
     
     

     Replace X with your disk drive letter.

Re-formatting USB Drive

10. Re-format the USB Drive:
    • If you're using a USB drive, try reformatting it before creating the bootable media again. Be sure to backup any important data first as it will be erased.

Additional Troubleshooting

11. Check for System Updates:
    • Ensure your operating system and drivers are up to date, as sometimes compatibility issues can cause errors.
12. Look for Different Installation Methods:
    • Some software or operating systems offer different installation methods, such as network-based installations, which might bypass the issue you're facing.

If you've tried all these steps and still encounter issues, there may be a deeper problem either with the installation media or with the hardware.  

I hope the information above is helpful.

If you have any question or concern, please feel free to let us know.

Best Regards,

Haijian Shan