System File Checker tool to troubleshoot missing or corrupted system files: This article describes how to use the System File Checker tool (SFC.exe) to troubleshoot missing or corrupted system files on Windows Vista or on Windows 7.
If a Windows Resource Protection (WRP) file is missing or is corrupted, Windows may not behave as expected. For example, some Windows functions may not work, or Windows may crash. The System File Checker tool (SFC.exe) scans for missing or corrupted system files and repairs them.
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:
- Open an elevated command prompt.
To do this, click Start, click All Programs, click Accessories, right-click Command Prompt, and then click Run as administrator. If you are prompted for an administrator password or for a confirmation, type the password, or click Allow.
- Type the following command, and then press ENTER:
sfc /scannow
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:
Open an elevated command prompt.
Type the following command, and then press ENTER:
findstr /C:"[SR] Cannot repair member file" %windir%\logs\cbs\cbs.log >sfcdetails.txt
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.
Type the following command, and then press ENTER:
edit sfcdetails.txt
The Sfcdetails.txt file uses the following format:
Date/Time SFC detailIf the System File Checker tool cannot repair a file, follow this link, To Know How To Take Ownership Of The File.
