Windows 10: Running System File Checker Tool.

When I type sfc/scannow into command prompt and hit enter, all I get is:sfc/scannow : The term 'sfc/scannow' is not recognized as the name of a cmdlet, function, script file, or operable program. Check the spelling of the name, or if a path was included, verify that the path is correct and try again. At line:1 char:1 + sfc/scannow + ~~~~~~~~~~~ + CategoryInfo : ObjectNotFound: sfc/scannow:String [], CommandNotFoundException + FullyQualifiedErrorId : CommandNotFoundException

:)

 

System File Checker

To make a long story short, when I contacted Microsoft a few days ago about a problem I’ve been having, one of the possible solutions they gave me was to use the System File Checker tool. When I asked Microsoft’s Virtual Agent about it, she came
back with “…To run it:

• Select Start Windows logo Start button, and in the search box, enter
  Command Prompt. Press and hold (or right-click) Command Prompt (Desktop app) from the search results and select
  Run as administrator.
• Enter DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth (note the spaces before each "/").
• Enter sfc /scannow (note the space between "sfc" and "/").”

After the steps, she provided a link to learn more about the tool (https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us...em-files/bc609315-da1f-4775-812c-695b60477a93).
However, that did not help me much.

Regarding steps 2 and 3, do I have to press “enter” after “…Restorehealth,” or do I type “…Restorehealth sfc /scannow” AND THEN press “enter?”

 

System got shutdown while running System File Checker

Hello Emily,

I realize the inconvenience you are facing. We will help you.

To assist you better, I suggest you to answer the below questions.

• What issue were you facing in Windows to run the system file checker?
• Did you get any error message while shutting down?
• For which application were you getting as "elements not found"?

Please post to us with more information to help you better.

 

System file checker error

Hi,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



I understand that SFC scan doesn’t complete and give error. I’ll certainly assist you with the issue.



SFC scan checks the integrity of the system files that are required for the running of Windows. If certain system DLL files are causing issues, SFC scan will try to repair these files. However, you may refer the article
Use the System File Checker tool to repair missing or
corrupted system files where you will find more information.



Meanwhile, I would suggest you to perform DISM from the above mentioned article and see if that helps.



If you still see errors in SFC scan on running OS, then you can perform in-place upgrade to repair the system files.



An in place upgrade will repair the corrupted system files and will upgrade the computer to the latest version of Windows as well.



To perform an in place upgrade on the computer, refer the steps mentioned in the article
How to perform an In-place Upgrade
with Windows 10 Step-by-Step Guide by PaulSey…



Let us know the results, we will be glad to help you further.



Regards,

Nikhar Khare

Microsoft Community - Moderator