System File Checker valuable Windows 7 tool

I seldom recommend utility programs particularly if they include a registry cleaning feature. There are two reasons I’m reluctant to do so one, a novice attempting to clean their Registry is a disaster waiting to happen and two, if a Good Booter purchases the utility program and is not happy I take the heat.

So why am I going to recommend a particular Windows optimization and tweaking software program?

Here’s why.

Recently a Good Boot novice insisted I take her through the steps necessary to execute her System File Checker tool (SFC.exe) that scans for missing or corrupted Windows 7 system files and repairs them.

Apparently she had been told how important a utility it was and she should include it in her monthly computer housekeeping. I’m not sure it’s necessary to make it a monthly housekeeping activity, but the System File Checker is a valuable Windows 7 and Vista tool. One I’ll wage few novices are aware of.

Be as it may, I tried to walk her through on the phone the steps necessary to execute her System File Checker.

The steps were:
1. Open an elevated command prompt by clicking on Start, All Programs, Accessories, right-clicking Command Prompt and click Run as administrator.
2. If you’re prompted for an administrator password or for a confirmation, type the password or click Allow.
3. Type sfc /scannow (sfc, space, forward slash, scannow) and press Enter.

The sfc /scannow command scans all protected system files and replaces incorrect versions with correct Microsoft versions.

To determine which files could not be repaired by the System File Checker tool, follow these steps:
1. Open an elevated command prompt.
2. Type findstr /C:“[SR] Cannot repair member file” %windir%\logs\cbs\cbs.log >sfcdetails.txt and press Enter.
3. Type edit sfcdetails.txt and press Enter.

Although the scan was accomplished, trying to talk her though the steps necessary to determine the files that could not be repaired was as you might expect, unsuccessful.

The point is this. If she had a quality Windows optimization and tweaking software program she could have executed the System File Checker tool with two clicks of her mouse.

My favorite Windows optimization program is Windows 7 Manager as was my Windows Vista Manager and Windows XP Manager by Yamicsoft (www.yamicsoft.com).

Space does not allow a detailed list of features, but know it bundles more than 30 optimization and tweaking utilities to include SFC.exe.

Note: There’s a 15 day trial version.

Here’s wishing you a Good Boot.