System File Checker (SFC) is a vital tool in Windows that checks the system for corruptions and if any, restores them. Using this tool might seem complicated at first, but is actually a simple process that you can use anytime after doing it once. Using this command you can scan, check and repair all corrupted or damaged files on Windows 7. When a corrupt file is found, this command prompts the system to remove and replace that file with a newer version. In this article, we will discuss a few methods to repair Windows 7 with Sfc /Scannow.
How To Use Sfc /Scannow to Repair Windows 7
The first step is to open an elevated command prompt window. For Windows 7, click on Start and type cmd in Search box. Right click on cmd to get a drop down list. In the list, click on Run as administrator.
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Once the Command Prompt Window opens, type sfc /scannow and press enter.
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The process of scanning the files for corrupted files takes about 10- 15 minutes. Do not close the command prompt window during this time.
After the system performs 100% scan, there could be two outcomes. In case, no errors found, a message will flash “Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations. ”
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In case of an error found, the system will find the errors and repair them.
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There is also a possibility that the window shows a message that Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them.
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In such cases, sfc /scannow command requires added information about the location of the drive where Windows 7 is installed.
Method 1 : Restart Your Computer In Safe mode and Enter Command Again
Restart your computer While the system boots, press F8 key several times, until the Windows 7 logo appears on screen. Click on Repair Your Computer.
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Select keyboard and language
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In System Recovery Options click on Startup Repair
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When the command prompt window opens, type the following command:
Format :Sfc /scannow /offbootdir=”letter of the drive where Windows 7 is installed” /offwindir=”letter of the drive where your Windows 7 is installed”windows.
For example, for Windows 7 installed in D:, type:
sfc /scannow /offbootdir=d:\ /offwindir=d: \windows
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Method 2 : Use Recovery Disc
If the above method does not work, you can use the recovery disc and followed by the sfc command.
Install the original Windows 7 DVD in the disc tray. The system will prompt to press any key to boot from the CD or DVD. Select the language and keyboard option.
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- Click on Repair your computer
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- A window named System Recovery Options will open. Choose the first option and click on Next
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- You will be asked to Choose a recovery tool. Click on Command Prompt at the end of the list
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- Once the Command prompt window opens type
Format: Sfc /scannow /offbootdir=”letter of the drive where Windows 7 is installed” /offwindir=”letter of the drive where your Windows 7 is installed”windows.
Example: Assuming the Windows 7 is installed in D: you will type,
sfc /scannow /offbootdir=d:\ /offwindir=d: \windows
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Next Read: How to Fix Blue Screen of Death Error in Windows 7
Try any of these methods, next time you come across errors in your Windows 7 computer. Do let us know it this article was helpful.
