Home
>
Personal Technology
>
System File Checker - A Maintenance Utility

System File Checker - A Maintenance Utility

System File Checker is a great utility that is typically not utilized by the average Windows XP User. What it does is scan system files that are protected by Windows File Protection (by default Windows File Protection is enabled), and it checks to make sure that the protected files have not been altered. If it finds that a protected file has been altered, it will replace the file with the proper file.

If you are troubleshooting a windows problem or error, running the System File Checker, should be first check. The nice thing about the System File Checker is that it is a tool that isn't as intrusive as doing a repair install or using the recovery console. Also, by design, it is utility that doesn't hurt to run, in fact it is a utility that should be run even when there are no problems. System File Checker is meant to ensure that files that are critical to Windows to operate properly are not deleted, overwritten or altered in any way... typically 3rd party software or malicious virus attacks are the culprits.

Taking this a step further, I have incorporated running this utility regularly as a maintenance tool, even when I am not experiencing any problems.

You might be saying to yourself, 'well, I haven't experienced any viruses lately and I don't think that any of the software on my computer has caused system files to be replaced and overall I my computer is running in tip top shape,...so I'm sure that my system files are fine and have not been replaced, renamed or altered.'

Well, think again?I have been using the System File Checker for a very long time, and to this day, I have NEVER had the utility not find anything. The way you can tell if the System File Checker finds a file on your system that has been replaced, deleted, or altered, is to run the utility without inserting your Windows XP Installation CD. If all of your files are good,?then you will not receive a prompt asking you to insert your Windows XP Installation CD?Here is how to run System File Checker?

Click Start, then Run, then type sfc /scannow then click OK

If you see a window pop up asking you to insert your Windows XP Installation CD, then the System File Checker utility has found a file on your system that has been replaced, deleted or altered.

Reasons To Run System File Checker:

?If a service won't start?
?If Basic Windows Functions not working properly?
?If a System File is Missing ?
?Program won't start?
?DLL File Missing or Corrupt?
?If you are experiencing problems while in windows?
?As a Maintenance Tool to Keep Windows Running Smoothly?

In conclusion, if you are troubleshooting, first try running the System File Checker. If you are not troubleshooting, I also urge you to run the System File Checker on a regular basis to keep Windows happy and running smoothly. After all, if Windows isn't happy, where does that leave you?

For More Great Articles & Tips like this visit my website: http://www.fixmyxp.com or consider purchasing my book, Windows XP POWERUPS.101 Tips Tricks & Tweaks to improve Windows XP Performance: http://www.fixmyxp.com

About the Author
Since 1990, I have been building and repairing computers. I am currently living in the Twin Cities Metro Area in Minnesota. In 1999, I earned my Bachelors Degree (in Mathematics and Computer Science). While school did give me a lot of knowledge, I really would accredit most of my expertise/knowledge to my Hands-on work (ie. life experience). I'm often told that I have a unique and effective way of explaining complicated computer related topics in ways that others can understand.

licensed cleaning services Park Ridge ..

In The News:

Scammers create fake Evite invitations that mimic legitimate event emails, requiring users to verify senders and use antivirus software for protection.

The new Apple Watch hypertension feature passively monitors blood pressure patterns over 30 days using sensors to detect chronic high blood pressure signs.

Chrome extension spyware disguised as a free VPN service highlights security risks after it captured private browsing data from trusted sites.

New research shows how fatty acids in cooking oil can safely dissolve and recover silver from circuit boards without harmful chemicals or environmental damage.

The Fox News AI newsletter gives you information on the latest AI technology advancements, and about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Anthropic investigates alarming AI abuse case where hacker automated entire cybercrime campaign using Claude, stealing sensitive data from defense and healthcare firms.

TikTok, Meta and YouTube restrict Charlie Kirk shooting videos with age gates and warnings while X faces criticism for allowing continued circulation.

Cybercriminals use fake troubleshooting websites to trick Mac users into running terminal commands that install Shamos malware through ClickFix tactics.

San Francisco startup Fable launches Showrunner, an AI platform dubbed the 'Netflix of AI' that generates animated episodes from text descriptions with Amazon support.

Apple raised iPhone prices for some models despite receiving tariff relief from President Donald Trump, with the new lineup starting at $799 for the base model.

A two-story 3D concrete printed home in Western Australia demonstrates faster construction methods that could reshape American housing amid rising costs.

Credit scores remain important during retirement for insurance rates and housing applications, while seniors become prime targets for identity theft and financial scams.

Scammers now send unexpected packages with QR codes that redirect victims to fraudulent websites or download malicious software to steal sensitive information.

Meeting AI tools record private conversations alongside work discussions, creating privacy risks that can be managed with proper settings and awareness.

Hotel privacy concerns are valid but rare, with methods to detect hidden tech using smartphone flashlights, mirror tests and scanning apps.

Improve your Wi-Fi speed and reliability with 10 simple router optimization tips that don't require special apps or expensive subscriptions.

A Columbia University breach exposed names, Social Security numbers and academic records of nearly 869,000 people, with notifications beginning in August.

Rental car drivers use AI-powered apps like Proofr to protect themselves from unfair damage fees as major companies deploy automated inspection tools.

Fox News' AI newsletter brings you the latest on technology advancements around artificial intelligence.

OnTrac data breach between April 13-15, 2025, exposed personal information of over 40,000 people including Social Security numbers and medical records.

A woman named Wika announces her engagement to an AI chatbot sparking worldwide debate about virtual relationships and technology.

The notorious people search site National Public Data relaunches despite a previous breach affecting 3 billion individuals, raising fresh privacy concerns.

Revolutionary TRAUMAGEL gel controls life-threatening bleeding from gunshot wounds and traumatic injuries, helping first responders prevent prehospital deaths.

Protect your home network by enabling proper encryption, creating strong passwords, checking connected devices and using VPN and antivirus software.

The Navy's solar-powered Skydweller drone flew nonstop for 73 hours in Mississippi, proving renewable energy can power long-endurance military missions.

System File Checker - A Maintenance Utility

Personal Technology