Member Avatar for shawn_michael

I want to check which windows files are missing or corrupted. Surely there is a program to do this? Chkdsk only checks the integrity of the disk, not of the files that might be missing and neccesary for windows. Any help?

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Short answer: use the built‑in DISM and System File Checker (SFC). As suspected there’s a Windows tool for this; the supported workflow for modern Windows is to let DISM repair the component store and then run SFC to scan and restore protected system files. If the machine won’t boot or you’re on an older OS the steps differ — ’s question about which Windows version is relevant. (support.microsoft.com)

Run these from an elevated Command Prompt (Run as administrator). First check/repair the image, then run SFC:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

sfc /scannow

DISM normally pulls repair files from Windows Update; if Windows Update is broken provide a local source (mounted ISO or install media) with /Source: and /LimitAccess. (support.microsoft.com)

If Windows won’t boot, run SFC from WinRE or bootable install media and point SFC to the offline Windows folder (find the correct drive letter with diskpart first):

sfc /scannow /offbootdir=D:\ /offwindir=D:\Windows

Use the offline flags exactly as WinRE reports drive letters. The sfc command reference documents the offline options. (learn.microsoft.com)

To see what SFC actually tried to fix, extract the SFC entries from the CBS log:

findstr /c:"[SR]" %windir%\Logs\CBS\CBS.log > "%userprofile%\Desktop\sfcdetails.txt"

If SFC reports files it could not repair, Microsoft documents how to manually replace them (take ownership, grant access, copy a known-good file from install media or another identical system) or to perform an in-place repair / reinstall if needed. Avoid random third‑party “repair” utilities; older XP-era helpers may demand the original CD, but modern Windows usually uses DISM/Windows Update or mounted install media as the source. Back up important data before manual replacements or repair installs. (support.microsoft.com)

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Member Avatar for GrimJack

There is a proggy that does that - it comes with windows. Can't for the life of me remember what it is called but it tests your system file and reports on corrupted and/or missing files

I will poke around and see if I can trigger my memory. It is late and I have to hit the sack - if you don't have an answer when I get back, I will look around.

Member Avatar for yousufbilaal

you can download a software " winxp manager" from "".you click on repair "repair center" then click on "scan".it is important that you have your CD of windows, as the program will ask you so as to repalce the corrupted windows files.

Member Avatar for hughv

What OS?

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