If a Windows Resource Protection file were to go missing or get corrupted, then Windows may not behave properly. Erratic behavior such as non-working of some functions, or even crashing of the operating system may occur. This is where The System File Checker tool comes into the picture. The program scans for any missing or corrupted files and repairs them.
HOW TO USE THE SYSTEM FILE CHECKER TOOL
To use the System File Checker tool to correct any errors in the system files, follow these steps
- Click Start, go to All Programs, click Accessories, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as Administrator. If you have to enter a password, then do so, or else click Allow.
- Type in the field sfc /scannow and press ENTER. This initiates scanning of all protected system files, and the ones which are corrupted or missing are replaced with the correct Microsoft versions.
To get to know which files could not be fixed by the tool, simply follow these steps
- Open Command Prompt.
- Type in the field findstr /C:”[SR] Cannot repair member file” %windir%\logs\cbs\cbs.log >sfcdetails.txtand press ENTER.
(The Sfcdetails.txt file is a text file that acts like a log file, making note of every time the System File Checker Tool has been run on the system. The information that is included in this file is basically regarding those files which could not be repaired by means of the System File Checker Tool. By having such a record, you can verify the precise time and date of the entries, to determine the files which caused problems the last time that the System File Checker Tool was run.)
- Now type edit sfcdetails.txt and press ENTER. The text file that is called up will follow the format – Date/Time SFC detail.
This file is a log containing entries for files that could not be repaired.
WHAT TO DO WHEN SYSTEM FILE CHECKER TOOL FAILS
If the System File Checker tool fails to rectify the problem, then proceed to the following
- In Command Prompt, type in the field takeown /f Path_And_File_Name and press ENTER. (As a sample,takeown /f E:\windows\system32\jscript.dll)
- Type in the field icacls Path_And_File_Name /GRANT ADMINISTRATORS:F. and press ENTER to grant administrators full access to the file. (As a sample, icacls E:\windows\system32\jscript.dll /grant administrators:F)
- Type the command Copy Path_And_File_Name_Of_Source_File Path_And_File_Name_Of_Destination to replace the file with a good copy of it. ( As a sample, copy E:\temp\jscript.dll E:\windows\system32\jscript.dll)
So this is how you make use of the System File Checker tool to get missing or corrupted system files fixed up in Windows Vista or even Windows 7. Do not ignore the warning signs when they occur. Just follow the above easy steps and your computer should be running fine in no time.