Your operating system files control how your PC runs. If any of those (hundreds) of files becomes corrupted, your PC could start acting strangely. Fortunately, Microsoft has provided a program that inspects all of your system files and restores damaged files to the most up-to-date version for your system.
The program that I am talking about is called SFC (System File Checker). To run the program (usually a 5 to 10-minute process), do the following:
- Open the command prompt. (To do this, click on the Start button, choose “Run”, enter “cmd” (without the quotation marks) in the box and click the “OK button. Note: You must the run command prompt as a user that is an administrator of your PC.
- Once command prompt is open, type the following command and then press the Enter key:
sfc /scannow
Notes: Once operating, System File Checker verifies the integrity of every protected operating system file on your computer. In some situations, you may also need access to your original Windows installation CD or DVD.
Restart your computer after running System File Checker (even if you are not prompted to do so).
