How to fix corrupted system files in Windows 10 • [FULL GUIDE]

Sometimes an SFC scan can’t restore your files on Windows, but if this happens, try running the SFC tool in Safe Mode. Protected mode is a special mode that only uses standard drivers and applications.

By using secure mode, you eliminate potential interference from third party applications.

4. Perform an SFC scan before starting Windows 10.

1. Reboot the computer by following the first three steps of the previous solution.
2. If a list of options appears, select Troubleshooting.
3. Select Advanced Options and choose Command Prompt.
4. When your computer restarts, you may be prompted to enter your username and password, which you should do.
5. Find the drive letter of Windows 10. To do this, type the following command and press Enter: wmic logicdisk get deviceid, volume name, description
6. Note the title of the volume. In most cases, the Windows volume name is assigned to the letter D. This is perfectly normal if you run the command line before Windows starts, so you don’t have to worry about it.
7. Also check the backup disk of the system. In most cases it should be C.
8. Type the following command and press Enter (make sure you use the letters from the previous steps): sfc /scannow /offbootdir=C: /offwindir=D:Windows
9. Wait until the system files have been scanned.
10. When the scan is complete, close the command line and launch Windows 10 as normal.

Sometimes you need to scan and restore protected system files, but you can’t do that from Windows 10. To scan secure system files, you must perform an SFC scan before starting Windows 10, as described above in this solution.

5. Manually overwriting files

1. Open the command line as administrator, as described in the first solution.
2. Type the following command and press Enter: takeown /f C:corrupted-file-location-and-file-name Remember to replace C:corrupted-file-location-and-file-name with the actual location of the corrupt file. You must specify both the file name and the extension, not just the location of the folder (the pickup command takes possession of the damaged file).
3. Type the following command to get full administrator rights over the file and press Enter: icacls C:corrupt file location and filename /Grant Administrators:F Again, replace C:corrupt file location and filename with the actual location of the file.
4. You now need to replace the problematic file with a healthy file that you copied from another PC.
5. Type the following command and press Enter: copy C:health file location C:corrupt file location and file name
6. When prompted to overwrite the file, type Yes.
7. Repeat these steps for all damaged files.

PC Troubleshooting

Run a scan of the PC with the Restoro Repair Tool to find errors that cause security problems and delays. Once the scan is complete, the damaged files will be replaced with new Windows files and components.

Disclaimer : You’ll have to switch to a paid plan to help.

After replacing all damaged files, run the following command to check if the damaged files problem has been solved : CVS / Validation

Pay attention: This is one of the most advanced solutions, and if it seems a bit complicated, you should read it carefully a few times. We also advise you to be very careful when performing the steps.

First you need to open the SFC log and check which damaged files cannot be restored. We have already explained how to view the SFC log file in solution 1, so be sure to read it.

If you have found a damaged file, you should transfer a clean version of that file from another computer to your computer. Don’t forget that both PCs must have the same version of Windows 10.

To overwrite a damaged file manually, follow these steps

6. Use of system recovery

1. Press Windows + S, type a restore point and choose an option from the results. Data
2. Click on the System Restore button.
3. Select the Show more restore points check box. Select an available restore point and click Next.
4. Follow the instructions to carry out the restoration.

After the PC is restored, the system files must be restored to a previously healthy version.

System restore is a useful feature that allows you to restore your system to an earlier state. If you cannot repair the damaged files, you must perform a system restore.

Do you find the system recovery process difficult? Read more in our step-by-step guide.

7. Reset windows 10

1. Restart the computer as shown in Solution 3.
2. Select Troubleshooting and reset this PC.
3. You have two choices:
   • Save My Files restores Windows 10 but retains your personal files and settings.
   • Delete All deletes both personal files and settings (note that third-party applications and downloaded files will be deleted by the reset).
4. When asked if you want to delete the player, select Delete only my files.
5. Choose your user name and enter your password (if you are prompted to insert the Windows 10 installation media, you must do so).
6. Select your version of Windows and click Reset to get started.
7. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

If all else fails, you may need to restart Windows 10. This process will delete the installed applications and files and store important files.

You may need Windows 10 installation media to complete this process. So make sure you make it with a bootable USB stick.

If the reset process does not solve the problem, repeat the process but select the second option Delete All, then select the single disk on which Windows is installed and finally select the option Delete My Files simply.

If this does not solve the problem, perform a clean installation of Windows 10. You don’t have to wonder how, we have put together a complete guide for you.

Repairing damaged system files can sometimes be difficult. If you cannot repair the files using the SFC utility, use the DISM utility instead. If the problems persist, reboot your PC or perform a new installation.

You should also try a third party tool. We have a list of the best tools to repair damaged files in Windows 10.

Do you still have a problem? Fix them with these tools:

This software corrects common computer errors, protects you from file loss, malware and hardware errors, and optimizes your PC for maximum performance.
Troubleshoot PC problems and remove viruses in 3 easy steps:

1. Download this much appreciated PC recovery tool from TrustPilot.com (you can download it from this page).
2. Click the Start scan button to scan for Windows issues that may cause PC problems.
3. Click on Restore All to solve problems related to patented technologies (exclusive discount for our readers).

• Restoro has been downloaded by 0 players this month.

Editor’s comments : This article was originally published in December 2016 and revised and updated in January 2021 for timeliness, accuracy and completeness.

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