Member Avatar for Knotty13

When I try to run sfc /scannow i need to insert my XP cd, but I don't have it! I didn't get a cd when I bought my computer. I do have that I386 folder, though. Is there any way around it? Help please!

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Dani AI

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A few practical options that build on suggestions already in the thread:

As and noted, the simplest route is official recovery media (manufacturer-created restore discs or vendor-supplied media). If you want to avoid ordering discs, 's general approach—making the installer files available locally—is correct. One small correction to that post: the registry value name is SourcePath. Export (backup) the key before editing.

If you only need one or two protected files, extracting them directly from the I386 source is often easier than a full registry edit. From an Administrator command prompt use the built-in expand tool to unpack the compressed file and place it into the Windows system folder. Example:

expand C:\i386\shell32.ex_ C:\Windows\System32\shell32.dll

Replace shell32 with the file you need. If Windows prevents replacement while running, perform the extraction from Safe Mode (or from a recovery environment). Verify the extracted file’s version/signature before overwriting.

Important notes and troubleshooting tips:

  • Make sure the I386 copy matches the installed Service Pack level — mismatched versions will fail.
  • If the I386 folder is incomplete or corrupted, request OEM recovery media rather than using random internet downloads.
  • Back up the registry and create a restore point before editing system settings.
  • After making changes, rerun the check/repair and confirm the problem files no longer fail.

These approaches let SFC (or manual replacement) find correct originals without an original retail CD. They balance safety (keep backups, use OEM media when possible) with practical fixes (local source or targeted expand extraction).

Recommended Answers

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Member Avatar for Serunson

You can mail Microsoft for one, are you sure no CD came with your computer, sometimes it's the 'restore' CD. you could try that

Member Avatar for hbk619

What model is it? Most come with a built in function to create your own CD for that sort of fixing.

Member Avatar for Member #160597

Hey Jus Copy the I386 folder to ur C Drive and Now you will need to tell your computer you now have the files on your PC. We do this is the registry (type regedit in the Run box on the start menu) by navigating to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\
CurrentVersion\Setup
You will see various entries here on the right hand side. The one we want is called:
SourcePath
It probably has an entry pointing to your CD-ROM drive, and that is why it is asking for the XP CD. All we need to do is change it to:
C:\
Simply double click the SourcePatch setting and a new box will pop up allowing you to make the change.
Now restart your computer and try scannow sfc again!...
Hope This Helps


Regards

Anand

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