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Repair Minor System Files Corruption

Corrupted System Files


If you are experiencing erratic Windows behaviour, you will have a good reason to suspect that your system files could be corrupted. System files are a set of files that are required for loading important procedures of an operating system or software program. And having corrupted files in your computer could spell big trouble when they are not correctly rectified, resulting in further complex situations.


The System File Checker is an inbuilt utility that checks the core system files for errors. When it detects a corrupted or missing system file, you will be prompted to replace it with working copies in your Windows CD. CHKDSK is another utility that scans your disk and corrects minor file system errors and bad sectors.


Please take note that if you suspect your hard disk is failing and your data is valuable, performing the following repair function will stress your failing disk and cause permanent loss of data. Do take extreme care and consider if you should proceed with this attempt.


Scanning For Corruption


To scan using CHKDSK or SCANDSK, follow these steps:


For Windows XP/2000 Users,


  • Ensure that all files and programs are closed
  • On the desktop, double click on My Computer
  • Right click on the corrupted drive and select Properties
  • Click on the Tools tab
  • Under Error Checking, select Check Now



For Windows 98 Users


  • Click on Start, point to Accessories
  • Point to System Tools and select Scan Disk
  • Check Thorough and the option to Automatically Fix Errors




To scan using System File Checker, follow these steps: For Windows 98, ME Users,


  • Click Start and select Run
  • Type in: sfc and hit Enter



  • Check Scan For Altered Files and click Start

For Windows 2000, XP Users,


  • Insert your Windows CD into your computer
  • Click Start, point to Run
  • Type in: sfc /scannow and hit Enter