We have many clients come into SDM complaining that their computer is misbehaving. The symptoms are often so random and seemingly unrelated, that it is hard to imagine how to approach the problem. The system file checker is a tool that might be useful in cases like that.
Read on to learn how to run the Windows system file checker to make sure your computer is healthy and performing well.
What do I use the Windows System File Checker for?
Sometimes operating system files get corrupted and cause essential Windows processes to malfunction.
Common examples of this are when the start menu, or search function, cease to work properly, or won’t open at all.
If this, or any other part of the operating system, seems to be acting strange, the first step is to check for updates and restart the computer.
If the problem persists, then you can run the Windows System File Checker.
How does it work
You will need to open the command prompt while logged into a user with administrator privileges.
Next, type “sfc /scannow” exactly as shown, without the quotation marks. There is a space between sfc and /scannow.
This will start a scan of all the protected system files that windows needs to verify. This process often finds and fixes corrupted files, and can often be the solution to a problem.
Here is a link to the Microsoft description of Windows System File Checker.
If you would like more information, or help with this process, just call or email and we’ll be happy to assist you! If you have specific questions, or if our terminology isn’t clear, please use our contact form to send us a message. Thank you!