The Windows Organisation File Checker (SFC) is a nifty tool for repairing corrupted files. Hither's a quick guide on how you can restore your files and get your PC running normally again.

Run SFC

First, you will need to open an elevated Command Prompt (CMD). Basically, you will demand to run Command Prompt equally an administrator.

Open an Elevated Control Prompt

Run Search and type Control Prompt. Find Command Prompt from the results, correct-click information technology, so select Run equally Ambassador.

Run DISM (Windows 8 and higher)

Windows 8, Windows eight.1, and Windows 10 users, you will need to run the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool before launching SFC.

Note: Windows 7 users can skip ahead to the side by side step.

In the Command Prompt, type the following command then printing enter:

              DISM.EXE /ONLINE /CLEANUP-IMAGE /RESTOREHEALTH

DISM will use Windows Update to detect files that volition replace or repair the corrupted versions. This process could take several minutes.

Run SCANNOW

At present we tin can scan the arrangement for corrupted files. On the Command Prompt, type the command:

              SFC /SCANNOW

With this command, Windows volition go through your files and replace the corrupted files. Scanning will have some time. Information technology'south important that y'all do not close the Command Prompt until the scan is 100% complete.

Review the Results

Once the scan is finished, you will receive one of the following letters:

  • Windows Resource Protection did non find any integrity violations – Windows was unable to observe corrupt files in your hard disk
  • Windows Resource Protection could non perform the requested operation – This means you have to run Organization File Checker using Safe Mode
  • Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them – Windows found the cleaved files and fixed them
  • Windows Resources Protection institute decadent files merely was unable to ready some of them — Windows institute corrupt files but was unable to practise anything near information technology

View SFC details

Y'all tin can open the sfcdetails.txt file to view or copy the data gathered from the scan. Use the instructions beneath to locate the aforementioned text file.

Open up an elevated Control Prompt and type the following command:

              FINDSTR /C:"[SR]" %WINDIR%\LOGS\CBS\CBS.LOG >"%USERPROFILE%\DESKTOP\SFCDETAILS.TXT"

This will create a re-create of the file on your desktop. Open the file and scan through the results. Practice note that the file will show all the data, including ones that were gathered from previous SFC runs.

You will need to check the time and the appointment to find specific entries.

Replace Corrupt Files Manually

If SFC fails to supersede the broken Windows file, you can endeavor doing and then manually. This is possible as long as y'all know where the decadent file is located. You will as well need a proficient copy of that file then it tin can be replaced.

Open an elevated Command Prompt and type the following command:

              TAKEOWN /F <FILE LOCATION>

Remember to supplant <File Location> with the path of the corrupt file. This control will allow you to take ownership of the infected file. CMD will inform you if the takeover is a success.

Once finished, give administrators access to the corrupt file. Do so by typing the post-obit command:

              ICACLS <FILE LOCATION> /GRANT ADMINISTRATORS:F

Again, remember to replace <File Location> with the corrupt file path.

At present you can replace the bad file with the proficient version. Yous will need to copy the good file and paste information technology where the old one is. Blazon the following command:

              Copy <SOURCE> <DESTINATION>

Replace <Source> with the file location of the skilful copy and supervene upon <Destination> with the path of the corrupt version.