Computer Repair Tips for everyday users

Before you attempt to do anything mentioned here or elsewhere, please remember to always back up your data.

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Sunday, August 21, 2005

Corrupt files in Microsoft Windows

The SFC tool
I have found that you have a built in tool that may be helpful to you. It is called the System File Checker (sfc.exe). This is a great tool for troubleshooting Windows XP problems. So when you suspect that your problem is with Windows XP system files all you have to do is run this tool.

For example, you get a dialog box informing you of a problem with a .dll file, or your program will just not load anymore. This would be a good time to run the System File Checker and rule out corrupt system files.
To do this:
Go to the Run box on the Start Menu and type in:
sfc /scannow
This command will immediately open the Windows File Protection service and scan all protected files. It will go through all your windows system files and verify their integrity, replacing any files with which it finds a problem. It does not fix anything but your windows system files so don’t be disappointed if your problem is not fixed. It will just mean that it is not you windows system files.
Now in some instances I have had it prompt me for the CD for it has not cached all .dll files on your hard drive or they are missing. And in some instances this may be because the cached files are corrupt.
I like to keep a copy of the I386 folder on my hard drive, why not, they are huge now days. To copy the I386 file to your hard drive you need to find this folder on your Windows CD and do a copy and paste to your C:\ drive. So after it copies the folder to your hard drive the path will be C:\I386.
Now that you have done this you will need to tell your PC that you have the files on your PC and to changed the path for which it looks for presently.
To do this you need to run regedit and go to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Setup
You will see various entries on the right hand side. The one we want is called:
SourcePath
It is probably pointing to your CD-ROM drive, and that is why it is asking for the XP CD. All you need to do is change it to the drive letter you have pasted the I386 file in. Which in this case we have copied it to:
C:\
To do this just double click the SourcePatch setting and a new box will pop up allowing you to make your changes.
Now restart your computer and try running the sfc /scannow again!
Remember to backup your registry before making any changes. If you don’t know what you are doing I suggest you let a professional do it.

Disclaimer: Modifying the registry can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. I cannot guarantee that problems resulting from modifications to the registry can be solved but I know that is has worked for me. Use the information provided at your own risk.


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