How to check and repair corrupt system files in Windows Vista Home

If your computer is running slower than normal or if you are having applications freeze or stop working it is probably because of a corrupt system file. It is a simple procedure to check the system files and have Vista replace or repair any corrupted files.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Nothing

1. Click on the Start Button go to all programs click once.
   Find the accessories folder and click to open it.

2. Find the Icon for the Dos window and click it. You should see the window open at the C:\user\[your name]. From here you will need to go to the root directory. Type in cd c:\. This will bring you to the root directory at the c prompt which is c:\

3. Once at the c:\ type sfc/scannow and hit enter. You will see where it says verifying files and a number with a % sign behind it. Once the scan is finished it will give you a message that tells you if the system had any corrupted files and whether or it could be repaired. If it could not repair all files you should restart your system and go to Microsoft support to find the answer as to how to repair all files. It could even require an installation of the system files.

Tips & Warnings

• If the above steps does not help correct the problem you should contact a computer repair person. If you delete any system files by accident you will need a full format and reinstallation of Win Vista.

[nicholasc4]

on 10/2/2009 After all this, it says "Windows Resource Protection could not perform the requested operation."
I know what file it is, it is the "public" file under the "Computer>OS (C:)>Users" folder.
I can't open OR delete the folder.
I'm running windows vista basic. What do i do?

[yiorgos40]

on 4/30/2009 j1p9m5d2 this is the exact command line that worked for me... C:\Windows\System32\sfc.exe /scannowI hope this helps you.

[prajnith]

on 12/27/2008 oh thats a problem, well your cmd prompt application file has been deleted..
Just download my vista command prompt file from link below,dont worry its not virus

http://www.mediafire.com/?njyntuamjmn

just extract it to desktop,
you will find cmd.exe

or copy to c:\windows\system32 folder

right click on cmd.exe, select run as administartor,click continue

now type SFC /SCANNOW

this should work,else you can reinstall your windows.

[prajnith]

on 9/11/2008 try this
in vista start search type cmd
now at top you will find cmd(black icon).just right click on it and select run as administartor and click continue

now type

sfc /scannow

this should work

[prajnith]

on 9/11/2008 try this
in vista start search type cmd, now at top you will find cmd(black icon),right click on it and select run as administrator, and click continue

Now type

sfc /scannow

hopefull this solves ur problem