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System File Checker without Vista installation DVD (2005 Views)
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Tutor
jerzymichal
Posts: 19
Registered: ‎05-25-2009
Message 1 of 5 (2,005 Views)
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System File Checker without Vista installation DVD

Hello,

Recently I have been fixing some problems with operating system (Vista 64 Home Premium) on my computer (HDX 1180ew). In an email containing possible problem solution, Microsoft support person suggested that it would be advisable to run System File Checker (sfc /scannow command) which 'revives' broken system files, restoring their correct versions.
Unfortunately, SFC requires a Vista installation DVD to be present in order to restore files. I have obtained my computer with pre-installed OS and do not have such DVD.
Is there any workaround allowing to run SFC and fix system files? Perhaps HP recovery disks might contain necessary files?

regards,

--
Jerzy
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Distinguished Professor
Kalt
Posts: 3,005
Registered: ‎11-19-2008
Message 2 of 5 (1,988 Views)

Re: System File Checker without Vista installation DVD


jerzymichal wrote:
Hello,

Recently I have been fixing some problems with operating system (Vista 64 Home Premium) on my computer (HDX 1180ew). In an email containing possible problem solution, Microsoft support person suggested that it would be advisable to run System File Checker (sfc /scannow command) which 'revives' broken system files, restoring their correct versions.
Unfortunately, SFC requires a Vista installation DVD to be present in order to restore files. I have obtained my computer with pre-installed OS and do not have such DVD.
Is there any workaround allowing to run SFC and fix system files? Perhaps HP recovery disks might contain necessary files?

regards,

--
Jerzy

The Vista System File Checker shouldn't require the installation disc like Windows XP did....  Have you already tried running SFC?

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Tutor
jerzymichal
Posts: 19
Registered: ‎05-25-2009
Message 3 of 5 (1,978 Views)

Re: System File Checker without Vista installation DVD

Well, actually I haven't because I read a lot of articles and messages saying that it is impossible without a DVD. Even the Microsoft guy said I needed the disc.
But if you say otherwise - I will check it out, thanks.

One more thing, is there any risk that running SFC will mess up my installed programs or system configuration?

regards

--
Jerzy
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Distinguished Professor
Kalt
Posts: 3,005
Registered: ‎11-19-2008
Message 4 of 5 (1,991 Views)

Re: System File Checker without Vista installation DVD


jerzymichal wrote:
Well, actually I haven't because I read a lot of articles and messages saying that it is impossible without a DVD. Even the Microsoft guy said I needed the disc.
But if you say otherwise - I will check it out, thanks.

One more thing, is there any risk that running SFC will mess up my installed programs or system configuration?

regards

--
Jerzy

Yeah, you'll be fine w/o the disc.  It will not mess up your installed programs/system config...It just scans your Windows files to make sure they're not corrupt....then replaces/repairs any damage files it finds.

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Tutor
jerzymichal
Posts: 19
Registered: ‎05-25-2009
Message 5 of 5 (1,947 Views)

Re: System File Checker without Vista installation DVD

You were right - SFC did not require an installation disc. However, the final message was "some files could not be repaired" - I wonder if I should worry about this.

Thanks for the help - I am marking your post as a solution.

--
Jerzy
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