The System File Checker (SFC) is a utility in Microsoft Windows that allows users to scan for and restore corruptions in Windows system files. It is a handy tool for troubleshooting and repairing issues related to missing or corrupted system files that can cause system instability or errors.

Examples:

1. Running SFC via Command Prompt:

   To use the System File Checker, you need to open the Command Prompt with administrative privileges. Follow these steps:

   • Press Win + S to open the search bar, type "cmd," right-click on "Command Prompt," and select "Run as administrator."

   • In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

     sfc /scannow

   • The SFC utility will begin scanning all protected system files and replace corrupted files with a cached copy located in a compressed folder at %WinDir%\System32\dllcache.

   • The process may take some time, so be patient. Once the scan is complete, you will receive a message indicating the results of the scan.

2. Interpreting SFC Results:

   After the scan is complete, you might encounter one of the following messages:

   • Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.

     • This means that no system files are missing or corrupted.

   • Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them.

     • This indicates that the utility found issues and fixed them. You can check the details in the CBS.Log file located at %windir%\Logs\CBS\CBS.log.

   • Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them.

     • In this case, you may need to perform additional troubleshooting steps, such as running the tool in Safe Mode or using the DISM tool to repair the Windows image.

3. Using SFC in Safe Mode:

   If SFC cannot repair files while Windows is running normally, you can try running it in Safe Mode:

   • Restart your computer and press F8 (or Shift + F8) during boot to access the Advanced Boot Options menu.
   • Select "Safe Mode with Command Prompt."
   • Once in Safe Mode, run the sfc /scannow command again.

4. Using DISM to Repair Windows Image:

   If SFC is unable to repair corrupted files, you can use the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool:

   • Open Command Prompt as an administrator.

   • Run the following command to check the health of the Windows image:

     DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth

   • If issues are found, run:

     DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

   • To repair the image, execute:

     DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

   • After completing the DISM process, run sfc /scannow again to verify that the issues are resolved.