System File Checker (SFC)

System File Checker is a utility in Microsoft Windows that allows users to scan for and restore corruptions in Windows system files. This utility is available on Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows
Server 2003. Windows Vista, although in the Windows NT family of operating systems, scans files using Windows Resource Protection.

In Windows Vista and Windows 7, System File Checker is integrated with Windows Resource Protection, which protects registry keys and folders as well as critical system files. Under Windows Vista, sfc.exe can be used to check specific folder paths, including the Windows folder and the boot folder.

Scanning and fixing Windows System files will improve the function and speed of your computer.

Use the System File Checker tool (SFC.exe) to determine which file is causing the issue, and then replace the file. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Close any open programs on your Desktop
2. Click on the Start button
3. Click Run
4. Type this command in the Run box: sfc /scannow and then press ENTER:

Tip: The sfc /scannow command scans all protected system files and replaces incorrect versions with correct Microsoft versions.

To determine which files could not be repaired by the System File Checker tool, follow these steps:

1. Click on the Start button
2. Click Run
3. Type this  command "findstr /C:"[SR] Cannot repair member file" %windir%\logs\cbs\cbs.log>sfcdetails.txt"
4. Type the command "edit sfcdetails.txt"
5. The Sfcdetails.txt file uses the following format: Date/Time SFC detail
   
   
   Note: The Sfcdetails.txt file contains details from every time that the System File Checker tool has been run on the computer. The file includes information about files that were not repaired by the System File Checker tool. Verify the  date and time entries to determine the problem files that were found the last time that you ran the System File Checker tool.

If the System File Checker tool cannot repair a file, follow these steps:

1. Click on the Start button
2. Click Run
3. Type the command "takeown /f Path_And_File_Name"
4. Type the command, "icacls Path_And_File_Name /GRANT ADMINISTRATORS:F" and then press ENTER to grant administrators full access to the file:
5. Type the command
   
   Copy Path_And_File_Name_Of_Source_File
   Path_And_File_Name_Of_Destination
   
   to replace the file with a known good copy of the file: