System File Checker
Windows XP is a much more stable operating system than 9X or ME. In the vast
majority of cases we will NOT use this utility. The system file checker in XP takes
time to run, and should only be used in the case of obvious operating system instability. As
always, there is a risk involved with altering system files and SFC should be used ONLY WHEN NECESSARY!
Always consult the escalation desk before running this utility.
1) Click start and then click run
2) In the run box type cmd and click ok or press enter
3) This will open an MS-DOS window. If sfc is typed at the command line, the following screen
will be displayed, showing command switches, and describing the action. the most applicable
switch command in our case will be: sfc /scannow. Press enter.
4) After enter is pressed, the progress bar will appear. SFC will take several minutes to run
and should not ask the user for any input. When the process has completed, the dialog box will
disappear.
