Microsoft 365 Endpoint AdministratorDeploy Windows client (25-30%)Medium
A technician is troubleshooting a Windows 11 device that is unable to boot. The device displays a 'Critical Process Died' error during startup. The technician suspects a corrupted system file is preventing successful boot. Which command-line utility, accessible from the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), should the technician use first to attempt to repair corrupted system files?
- ASFC /scannow
- BDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- CBOOTREC /fixboot
- DCHKDSK
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. SFC /scannow
SFC (System File Checker) with the /scannow parameter is the primary tool for scanning and repairing corrupted or missing Windows system files. This is the most direct approach when suspecting system file corruption.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. DISM /RestoreHealth is used to repair the Windows image itself, often used when SFC fails, or for deeper corruption, but SFC is the initial go-to for running system issues.
- C. BOOTREC /fixboot addresses boot sector issues, not corrupted OS system files.
- D. CHKDSK checks and repairs file system errors on a disk, not corrupted system files within the OS installation.
System File Checker (SFC)
A command-line utility in Windows that scans for and restores corrupted, damaged, or missing protected system files with correct versions from the system's component store.
- Primary tool for repairing corrupted system files.
- Accessible from Windows Recovery Environment.
- Command: `sfc /scannow`.
Memory trick: SFC first for corrupted system files.