When Windows users need to troubleshoot errors on their system, SFC (System File Checker) is by all accounts one of the handiest commands. To take advantage of SFC, all people have to do is to enter SFC /scannow in Command Prompt and the system would handle the rest. However, it’s worth pointing out that SFC could act up and report errors on occasions. When SFC fails to work as expected, Windows users could get a general idea about the situation after using the “findstr /c:”[sr]” %windir%\logs\cbs\cbs.log >”%userprofile%\desktop\sfcdetails.txt” command.
A Summary Of The Command
To put it plainly, when you run the “findstr /c:”[sr]” %windir%\logs\cbs\cbs.log >”%userprofile%\desktop\sfcdetails.txt” command, your computer going to create a file called sfcdetails.txt. The file contains information about the use of SFC on your computer as well as files that SFC fails to repair. Therefore, by checking out sfcdetails.txt, you should be able to determine what might have gone wrong and act accordingly. In the case that you cannot fix the trouble on your own, you may send the text file to experts for analysis.
SFC Not Working: Causes
Windows Modules Installer
For the SFC command to restore missing or corrupted system files, Windows Modules Installer services need to be running. Naturally, if the service is not running for some reason, it’s natural for SFC to fail.
Corrupted Disk
Generally speaking, SFC scan could locate and deal with disk errors like disk corruption. However, if the disk features too many damaged sectors, there is a chance that SFC is incapable of running.
Security Descriptors
In Windows, the security descriptors are used to store the permissions that one item has over other items. Hence if SFC scan won’t run, it’s strongly recommended that you give the security descriptors some thought.
Third-Party Programs
All in all, third-party programs allow Windows users to improve their computer experience. However, some of the programs can complicate operations on your PC and the running of commands is not an exception.
How To Get SFC Running Again
Run SFC In Safe Mode
- Step 1: Open Start menu, hit Power then press and hold Shift as you click Restart.
- Step 2: Pick Troubleshoot, go to Advanced options, select Startup Settings and choose Restart.
- Step 3: Once the PC restarts, follow the on-screen instructions to boot your computer in Safe Mode.
Once in Safe mode, press Windows + X, choose Command Prompt and determine whether SFC could run smoothly.
Apply Changes To Security Information
- Step 1: Press Windows + R to open Run.
- Step 2: Type cmd then hit Enter to open launch Command Prompt.
- Step 3: In Command Prompt, type ICACLS C:\Windows\winsxs then hit Enter.
- Step 4: Once the process wraps up, restart your computer.
Enable Windows Modules Installer
- Step 1: Press Windows + R to open Run.
- Step 2: Type services.msc then hit Enter to open Services.
- Step 3: Navigate to Windows Modules Installer, right-click it and select Properties.
- Step 4: In General tab, set Startup type as Manual, and if Service status says “Stopped”, hit Start
- Step 5: Click Apply, choose OK and close Services.
- Step 6: Restart your computer then run the SFC scan when the screen comes back on.
Run CHKDSK
If errors plague your hard disk and the SFC scan has failed to tackle them, you should perform a Check Disk (CHKDSK) scan. CHKDSK is a utility by Windows that verifies the file system integrity of a volume and attempts to fix logical file system errors.
- Step 1: Press Windows + R to open Run.
- Step 2: Type cmd then hit Enter to open Command Prompt.
- Step 3: In Command Prompt, type chkdsk /r then hit Enter to run the command.
- Step 4: You will receive a message “Chkdsk cannot run because the volume is in use by another process. Would you like to schedule this volume to be checked the next time the system restarts?” Type Y to continue.
- Step 5: Restart your computer and it should initiate the disk checking.
- Step 6: Once the process concludes, launch CMD and run a SFC scan to see how things turn out.
System Restore
If none of the above helps, System Restore is your last resort. As the name suggests, System Restore permits Windows users to revert their system to a point in the past.
- Step 1: Press Windows + R to open Run, type rstrui and hit Enter.
- Step 2: In System Restore, select Next then choose a restore point from a list of restore points. Afterward, feel free to hit “Next”.
- Step 3: Follow on-screen instructions to restore your device.
- Step 4: Restart your computer then perform an SFC scan to see if the problem persists.
What Do I Do After Performing A SFC Scan?
Assuming that SFC scan runs smoothly, there is no need to do anything with the exception of restarting. You will have to restart your computer to effect the changes that the scan made.
What Is The Difference Between SFC And DISM Scans?
Both commands are designed to check and restore corrupted or missing system files in Windows. Normally, you run the SFC command to solve the corrupt files first but if it fails, you can give Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) a go.
Suggestions
- While troubleshooting errors, you should run CHKDSK then SFC and lastly, DISM.
- To minimize the odds of system corruption, use UPS (Uninterruptible Power Source) to protect your computer during unexpected power outages.
Michael Kan has been with Ginno Security Lab since October 2017, covering a wide range of topics, including consumer electronics, cybersecurity, social media, networking, and gaming. Prior to working at Ginno Security Lab he was a foreign correspondent in Beijing for over five years, covering the tech scene in Asia.
Areas of Expertise: Michael Kan has been working as a journalist for about 15 years— He start as a schools and cities reporter in Kansas City. Amazingly he is still here. Lately, he has been following SpaceX’s Starlink network, emerging online cyber threats, and the PC graphics card market (which led him to camp out in front of a Best Buy to get an RTX 3000). He is always eager to learn more, so please jump in the comments with feedback and send he tips.
The Best Tech he has Had:
- First video game console: a Nintendo Famicom
- Sega Saturn despite PlayStation’s popularity.
- The iPod Video received as a gift in college
- Xbox 360 FTW
- The Galaxy Nexus was the first smartphone he was proud to own.
- The PC desktop he built in 2013, which still works to this day.
