Repairing corrupted Windows system files can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right tools and knowledge, you can repair most corrupted Windows system files in no time. To start, understand that there are two types of corrupted Windows system files – hard and soft. Hard corruption generally requires you to reinstall the operating system to fix, while soft corruption can often be fixed using online tools or system recovery options. In this article, we’ll review five methods for repairing corrupted Windows system files, from basic troubleshooting to more advanced restore methods.
1. Check the File System
The first step in repairing corrupted Windows system files is to check the file system for errors. Open up File Explorer, right click on the drive that contains the corrupted files, and select Properties. On the General tab, click on the “Check now…” button. In the pop-up that appears, select the option to Automatically Fix File System Errors. This will attempt to repair any errors it finds in the file system.
2. Run a System Scan
If the file system check didn’t work, try running a full system scan with your anti-virus program. Many viruses and malicious programs can cause system files to become corrupted, and running a scan can help identify and remove them. Even if there isn’t a virus present on your system, running a scan is always a good idea to make sure everything is as it should be.
3. Restore Lost Files
If you had a backup of your system before corruption occurred, you may be able to restore lost files using the backup. Many backup programs allow you to restore individual files and folders, so this is an excellent way to repair corrupted Windows system files without having to reinstall the entire operating system.
4. System Restore
If you don’t have a backup or the backup didn’t work, you can try using the System Restore feature to roll back your system to a point before the corruption occurred. This method works best if the corruption occurred recently and you remember when it happened. To use System Restore, open the Control Panel, go to System and Security, and then choose System. On the left side of the window, click on System protection. You’ll be presented with a list of recent restore points; select one that is just prior to when the corruption occurred and follow the prompts to complete the process.
5. Repair Install
If all else fails, you can try a repair install of Windows. This will keep your existing settings and data intact, while reinstalling any missing or corrupted system files. To do a repair install, boot from your Windows installation media (such as a CD or USB drive) and follow the prompts to start the installation process. When you reach the “Where do you want to install Windows?” screen, select the drive where Windows is installed, but DO NOT FORMAT IT. Select the “Repair your computer” link at the bottom-left of the window, and then select “Troubleshoot”, “Advanced Options”, and finally “Startup Repair”. This will reinstall Windows and any corrupted system files.
Conclusion
Repairing corrupted Windows system files can be a difficult endeavor, but it doesn’t have to be. Through a combination of basic troubleshooting, file system checks, system scans, restore points, and repair installs, you can often fix corrupted Windows system files and get your system back up and running.