![]() |
Personal Technology Information |
|
|
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? 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.windowsxppowerups.com About the Author
MORE RESOURCES: |
RELATED ARTICLES
15 Good Programming Habits 1. Before sitting down for coding, you must have formal or a paper-napkin design of the solution to be coded. Keeping Passwords Secure As the web has evolved, so have the methods of collecting personal information. A large number of websites require visitors to register to gain access or participate. Portable Technology: Getting to Know the Treo Up until the recent past, those who wanted to take advantage of a mobile phone, data organizer, wireless e-mail with text messaging, web browsing and a digital camera had to have separate units for each. With today's technology comes the Treo - offering all of those features in one small hand-held unit. SOBIG.F Virus Promises Ill Be Back On 21 August 2003 Symantec Security Response upgraded the W32.SOBIG. How To Safeguard Your Computer? The following practice, if done regularly, may help you to safeguard your computer to some extent.1. 10 Time Saving Keyboard Shortcuts Time is money. And when you constantly have to divide your time between your mouse and your keyboard, your workflow rate really slows down. Temporary Fixes to Spyware, Ad-ware, and Virus Infections So you've got some spyware, ad-ware, or viruses on your system. For whatever reason, you are unable to get ahold of a virus detection & removal program, or a good ad-ware scanner. A Tale of Two Regeds Tech support tells me to type 'regedt32' as opposed to 'regedit' to access the registry from the command line (Start > Run). I question the use of 'regedt32,' but he says to do it anyway. Passwords and the Human Factor Passwords have a strange dual nature. The stronger and safer the password the more likely it will be undermined by human weakness. Uninstall Windows Media Player 10 and Start Enjoying Your Media Again Windows Media Player 10 has been full of bugs from Microsoft since they offered it as a download from their site. Windows Media Player 9 was nice and simple. Cisco CCNA Candidate FAQ CCNA FAQQ. What exams do I have to take to get my CCNA?A. Why Build Your Own Computer System Have you ever thought about building your own computer system? Maybe you've heard friends talking about doing this sort of thing, but you were never sure what was involved. This article attempts to answer two questions. SmartCar Memory Stick for LapTop Transfer Data With the new technology used to transfer information to from your digital camera to your laptop or PC using memory sticks which hold significant amounts of data it appears such technology will be perfect for net-centric cars. Where all the data is stored in a black box situation as many cars now have these features already. A Beginners Guide to Avoiding Viruses "Aaaaaahhhhhh! I've been invaded by a virus!" Getting a virus means getting sick and no one in their right mind wants to be ill. Well, now that computers have become our close friends, it's a shock to learn that foreign bodies too can invade them with malicious intent. Is Your Web Browser Putting You At Risk? It's free, it comes with Windows and it's used by approximately 94% of the Internet population. It also poses an unacceptable security risk. Emulation Manual - A Complete Guide on How to Change Your Windows XP to Mac OS X IntroductionMac OS X is the most technologically advanced operating system by Apple. The use of soft edges, translucent colors and pinstripes (similar to the hardware of the first iMacs) brought more color and texture to the windows and controls on the desktop which is what windows lack. Portable DVD Players - Things To Know In my humble opinion nothing makes a long trip easier (especially if you have kids). A portable DVD player is the ideal solution for those long plane rides or endless drives in a car to keep everyone entertained, especially when you have new hit DVD to play. How I Started Working With 3D Modeling Programs So I'll start from the very beginning.One day I was surfing in the web and I found one site -- www. Toshiba Wins Hollywood Support for the HD DVD format What led them to this choice, as all four studios stated separately, is better performance for the price and copyright protection.The other standard in competition, the Blu-ray disc, unconditionally backed by Sony Pictures Entertainment, is also counting on support from Metro Goldwyn Mayer and Twentieth Century Fox (the latter has recently joined the Blu-Ray Disc Association Board). Internet Explorer Shortcuts for Mouse-o-phobes If you're like me, you occasionally find the ubiquitous mouse inconvenient. Here are keyboard shortcuts for Microsoft's Internet Explorer (I. |
| home | site map |
| © 2006 |