Using the System File Checker
By Stephen Bucaro
Windows requires many different system files in order to start and run properly.
If your computer is not properly protected, a malicious program like a virus or
spyware might modify or delete a system file. Or if your system crashes, system
file might get corrupted. You can use Windows built-in "System File Checker"
utility to scan your computers system files.
1. Select Start | All Programs | Accessories and right-click on Command Prompt.
2. In the popup menu that appears, select Run as Administrator. If the User
Account Control message box appears, click on the [Continue] button.

3. At the command prompt, type sfc /scannow.
The message "Beginning System Scan" will appear along with a verification progress report.
The System File Checker scans all system files to verify that they are correct
for your version of Windows. If it finds a problem, it will attempt to replace the
problematic files from the DLL Cache (%WinDir%\System32\Dllcache\). If the file is
not in the DLL Cache or the DLL Cache is corrupted, the user will be prompted to
insert the Windows installation DVD.
4. When the System File Checker has completed its report, close the Command window
by typing exit next to the prompt.
More Maintain and Upgrade Your PC Articles: • Video: How to Install a Graphics Card in Your PC • Windows 7 Action Center Lets You Control Alerts • Fixing Stuck Windows 10 Update • Clean-up Your PC • Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) - Backbone of Your Small Business • How to Create an Emergency Repair Disk • Working With the Registry • How to Backup Your Hard Drive • Configure Windows Defender on Windows 10 • How to Use Windows Defender
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