Repository C:\Windows\System32\wbem\Repository

WMI repository (CIM database): the set of files forming the database of WMI classes and instances.

Updated on 12 November 2026 By AltF4 Formation

What it’s for

The WMI repository, or CIM repository, stores the definitions of WMI classes and their meta-information. It is not a single file but a set of files in the Repository folder (notably OBJECTS.DATA, INDEX.BTR and the MAPPING*.MAP files) that only make sense together.

What it contains

The CIM database files: data, indexes, mapping tables.
The WMI classes and namespaces registered by Windows and by software (compiled MOF).

Risks and best practices

Do not delete the repository as a first move: you risk damaging the system or applications that registered their classes in it.
Start with winmgmt /verifyrepository. If it reports an inconsistency, winmgmt /salvagerepository rebuilds the repository by merging the readable content.
winmgmt /resetrepository returns the repository to its install-time state. Keep it as a last resort, after a backup (winmgmt /backup): classes added by applications may disappear.
A faulty repository shows up as “Invalid class” or “Provider load failure” errors, or as WMI queries that fail.

Useful commands

:: Verify the repository (as administrator)
winmgmt /verifyrepository

:: If an inconsistency is reported: repair, keeping readable content (as administrator)
winmgmt /salvagerepository

:: Back up the repository before a last resort
winmgmt /backup C:\Temp\wmi-repository.bak

:: Last resort: return to the initial state (as administrator, after a backup)
winmgmt /resetrepository

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