The importance of 'sfc /scannow'

Many clients have operating system problems after a major virus, trojan or spyware attack has hit them. Many of the aforementioned attacks change, remove or corrupt some operating system files rendering the system slow whilst causing issues with general use.

At this point, and after you have run the relevant virus and spyware/malware checks, it may be a good idea to use a command called 'sfc /scannow'.  This repairs protected windows operating system files, ensuring that the computer runs efficiently again.

To use the windows operating system repair file command -

1) Run command prompt in an elevated mode.  To do this click on Start-->search programs and files-->type in cmd-->right click on the cmd file that it finds-->click run as administrator.

This should take you to a windows command prompt (black screen).  Here you type 'sfc /scannow'.  Note there is a space between the 'sfc' and the '/'.

Windows will then continue to repair any system files that have been changed or altered.

NOTE - Users using XP may have to get to the command prompt via Start-->Programs-->Accessories-->Command prompt, but the principle of right clicking on the command prompt file and using it as administrator is the same.