"Using SFC SCANNOW to detect damaged files but unable to fix them [Resolved]"

Updated by

Tracy King 

Last updated on April 19, 2024

6 Ways to Fix Errors That SFC/SCANNOW Can't Repair

We often run System File Checker to scan and fix corrupted Windows system files. What if you see this message at the end of the run: “Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them.” Details are in CBS.Log windir\Logs\CBS\CBS.log. Don't worry if you receive the message. You can find the solutions here to fix the SFC couldn't repair corrupted files error and make SFC run again.

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"SFC /SCANNOW found corrupted files but was unable to fix them."

SFC stands for System File Checker. This command scans all protected system files and checks for any damages. If it detects a corrupted file, it attempts to repair it by copying a cached copy from the \system32\dllcache folder.

Run SFC /SCANNOW:

Step 1: Press Win + X to open the Power User menu, and then choose Command Prompt.

Step 2: Type sfc /scannow and press "Enter".

However, some users reported that SFC can detect corrupted files but fails to fix them. They receive an error message that says: “Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them. Details are included in the CBS.Log file, located at windir\Logs\CBS\CBS.log.”

"I received this message on Windows 10. While running sfc /scannow to detect and fix corrupted files on my computer, I encountered an error: 'Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them. Details are included in the CBS.Log Windir\Logs\CBS\CBS.log, for example C:\Windows\Logs\CBS\CBS.log. Note that logging is currently not supported in offline servicing scenarios.' How can I resolve this issue and fix the corrupted files on my PC?"

To fix the SFC SCANNOW Not Working error, try the solutions provided below.

Read more: SFC /scannow Pending System Repair

Fix 1: Run SFC /scannow to scan and fix your hard drive

When you come across errors, first check the condition of your computer. If it fails to boot, you should repair the error and start from a WinPE bootable disk. Then run alternatives to SFC /SCANNOW – a disk partition tool.

If SFC/SCANNOW doesn't work, this software can check and fix hard drive errors. In addition, it can help you to < a href="/partition-master/partition-windows-10-free.html">partition hard drive and merge partitions in Windows 10</a> with simple steps. Boot from the Partition Master WinPE bootable disk. Then, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Right-click on the problematic partition.

Step 2. Select Advanced > Check File System.

Step 3. Choose whether to hide the partition.

Step 4: In the Check File System window, select the option to Attempt repair if errors are found.

Click "Start" to begin checking your partition for errors.

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Solution 2: Repair Errors with the Installation Disc That SFC/SCANNOW Can't Fix

If your computer fails to start after an error, you should create a Windows 10/8/7 Repair Disc. Windows 10 lets you create a Recovery Drive (USB) or System Repair Disc (CD or DVD) to diagnose and recover your computer. Both types of recovery media allow you access to Windows Advanced Startup options. The System Repair Disc has been available since Windows 7. It can restore your PC to the state it was in when you created the repair disc. Use this method immediately if your computer won't start and you're getting an SFC/SCANNOW couldn't fix error.

Step 1: Insert the CD/DVD into the DVD-ROM, or connect an external DVD drive to another bootable computer.

Step 2: On your computer screen, click Control Panel, and then click Backup and Restore.

Step 3: Click on "Create a system repair disc" in the left pane to open the System Repair Disc window. Follow the on-screen instructions to create the system repair disc.

Create a recovery drive

4. Place the disc in your DVD drive and restart your computer to boot from the DVD. If booting from CD/DVD is disabled in the BIOS, you may need to change your boot settings.

Step 5: On the Install Windows screen, select your language, time and keyboard layout, and then click Next.

Step 6. On the next screen, click on “Repair your computer.” Do not click on “Install now.” Then click “Next” and select “Command Prompt” or any option you want to apply.

Step 7. Type the following command and press Enter.

This command translates to: "Use the System File Checker utility to scan system files, specifying the boot directory as D:\ and the Windows system directory as D:\windows." It is a command used in the Windows operating system to check and repair system files.

D: refers to the drive letter for Windows. You can change this to any drive you need.

After that, you can start your computer as usual and try SFC /SCANNOW again to see if it works.

Fix 3: Run the DISM command if SFC can't fix corrupted files

System File Checker is a built-in utility in the operating system designed to scan for damaged system files. The command `sfc /scannow` checks the integrity of all protected OS files and replaces corrupted, faulty, altered, or damaged versions with the correct ones, if possible. When this command fails to fix the corruption, running DISM should be the next step to attempt repairing multiple errors as far as possible.

Step 1: Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box, then type cmd to open the Command Prompt.

Step 2. Type the following command and press Enter.

Check health status:

• Check your health:

• Restoring health:

Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Step 3: Restart your computer to save all changes and run SFC again.

After running DISM, you can run SFC again to check for issues.

Fix 4: Run SFC in Safe Mode if it fails to fix the issue

If Windows Resource Protection found corrupted files but was unable to fix some of them, you can try running SFC in Safe Mode to fix the errors.

1. Hold down the Windows key and press R to open the Run dialog box.

Step 2: Type msconfig in the box and press "Enter" to continue.

Step 3. Go to the "Boot" tab, check the "Secure Boot" option, and click "OK" to proceed.

4. Restart your computer to apply the changes. Click Restart to proceed.

5. Your computer will boot into Safe Mode, where you can run the “SFC /scannow” command again to see if the “Windows Resource Protection could not perform the requested operation” issue has been resolved.

Solution 5: Check the Log Files to Fix SFC/SCANNOW Not Running Issue

The Microsoft Windows System File Checker (SFC.exe) utility generates a log file in Windows. Open the CBS.log file to view detailed information about any corrupted files, and manually replace bad files with known good copies. Navigate to C:\Windows\Logs\CBS, where you'll be able to see and open the CBS.log file. Check for any errors or messages. Then, manually replace corrupted system files with known good copies.

You might be able to get a good copy of the system files from another computer that is running the same version of Windows as your computer. You can run the System File Checker process on that computer to make sure that the system files you plan to copy are good copies.

Step 1. Take ownership of the corrupted system file. To do this, type or copy and paste the following command at an elevated Command Prompt, and then press Enter:

takeown /f Path_and_file_name

Step 2: Copy and paste the following command to access the corrupted system files, then press 'Enter'.

Path_and_file_name /GRANT: ADMIN ALL

Note: In this example, Path_And_File_Name represents the path and name of the damaged file. For example, type icacls C:\windows\system32\jscript.dll /grant administrators:F.

Step 3: Replace corrupted system files with known good versions. Type or copy and paste the following commands:

Copies the source file to the destination location.

If none of the above steps work, you may need to reset or reinstall Windows. Was this guide helpful? Share it below to help more users.

Fix 6: Try Resetting This PC or Fresh Start on Windows 10

This method works if your computer can boot normally, and will fix most system problems without requiring a clean install.

Step 1: Click the “Start” button, then go to “Settings” > “Update & Security” > “Recovery.”

Step 2: Click the “Get started” button under “Reset this PC.”

Step 3: Click "Keep my files" or "Remove everything," depending on whether or not you want to keep your data files. Either way, your settings will be reset to default, and apps will be uninstalled.

4. A window will appear warning you that all apps will be removed. Tap “Next” to continue.

5. On the “Get ready to reset this PC” screen, click the “Reset” button to reinstall Windows 10 without a CD and without losing your personal files.

You can also start over by installing Windows 10 from USB.

Conclusions

SFC is a handy tool to check for corrupted system files. However, if it's not working as it should, you might receive the error message “Windows Resource Protection could not perform the requested operation.” You can fix this error with the solutions above.

"Troubleshoot issues related to the System File Checker (SFC /Scannow)"

If you still have questions, please consult this section. You will find your answer here.

How to Fix SFC /Scannow?

It depends on the state of your computer. If it won't boot, the only way to fix the error is with the installation disc. If it boots fine, you can safely ignore an SFC/SCANNOW error; however, it is recommended that you run the CHKDSK command to avoid further issues.

How to fix corrupted SFC Scannow file in Windows 10?

These are log files, and you don't need to fix them. You can simply delete or ignore the corrupted parts.

What is "SFC Scannow"? "SFC Scannow" is a command in the Windows operating system used to run the System File Checker utility. This tool scans for and repairs any corruption or missing system files to ensure the stability and integrity of the system. It is run through the Command Prompt and is typically utilized to address system issues or restore damaged system files.

SFC stands for "System File Checker." This command scans all protected system files and checks for corruption. If it finds any corrupted files, it attempts to repair them by copying cached copies from the \system32\dllcache folder.

What should I do before running the SFC Scannow?

Run SFC/SCANNOW:

Step 1: Press the Win + X keys to open the “Super User” menu, then choose “Command Prompt.”

Step 2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.