When Windows protected files get corrupted, your Windows OS may start generating .DLL errors, or programs may fail to load. If that happens, Microsoft’s System File Checker will help restore those protected system files .

The system file checker will scan all of the protected files to make sure that they haven’t been corrupted. If it finds a corrupted file it will attempt to replace it by automatically restoring the file from the Windows XP dllcache directory, or by asking you to insert your Windows XP install disk.

Although there are no guarantees that the System File Checker will correct your system issues, it is nonetheless a great tool to have in your magic bag of geek tricks and has helped me a number of times with system issues. Below is an overview of the steps needed to run the System File Checker:

1. Click Start > Run
2. Type ‘cmd’ into the run box without the quotations and hit enter
3. The command prompt will Launch
4. Type the following: sfc /scannow and hit enter
5. The WFP program will launch and verify that your system files are not corrupted
   
6. If WFP detects a problem it may ask you to insert your Windows XP install disk
   
7. Were you expecting something more? Well sorry to disappoint you, cause there is no more