Manually replacing corrupted system files can be a complex process. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to identify, access, and replace these files using a built-in Pc Scan And Repair Tool – the System File Checker (SFC). While the SFC often automatically repairs files, sometimes manual intervention is required.
The System File Checker (SFC) is a powerful command-line tool that scans for and replaces corrupted system files in Windows. It compares your system files against a cached version and restores them if necessary. If the SFC can’t automatically repair the files, this guide outlines the manual process to replace them. This process involves gaining ownership and access permissions to the corrupted file before replacing it.
Identifying and Replacing Corrupted Files Manually
Before proceeding, use the System File Checker (SFC) to scan your system. Review the log file to identify the corrupted file that couldn’t be repaired. This log provides the exact location of the corrupted file you need to replace. Once you have this information, follow these steps:
Step 1: Take Ownership of the Corrupted System File
Open an elevated command prompt (run as administrator). Then, execute the following command to take ownership of the corrupted file:
takeown /f <path and file name>Replace <path and file name> with the actual path and name of the corrupted file identified in the SFC log file.
Example:
takeown /f C:windowssystem32jscript.dllStep 2: Grant Full Access Permissions
After taking ownership, grant administrators full access to modify the file using this command:
icacls <path and file name> /grant administrators:FAgain, replace <path and file name> with the correct information.
Example:
icacls C:windowssystem32jscript.dll /grant administrators:F
Command Prompt with administrator rights
Step 3: Replace the Corrupted File
Obtain a known good copy of the system file. This could be from a backup or another computer running the same version of Windows. Ensure the source file is not corrupted by running the SFC on the source computer.
Finally, replace the corrupted file with the good copy using the copy command:
copy <source file path and name> <destination file path and name>Replace <source file path and name> with the location of the good copy and <destination file path and name> with the location of the corrupted file.
Example:
copy E:tempjscript.dll C:windowssystem32jscript.dllReinstalling Windows
If the manual replacement doesn’t resolve the issue, reinstalling Windows might be necessary. This ensures all system files are restored to their default state. More information on recovery options can be found on the Microsoft Support website: Recovery options in Windows. Remember to back up your data before proceeding with a reinstallation.
