CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202)Software TroubleshootingMedium
A user's Windows 10 desktop is experiencing random application crashes and system instability, but there are no signs of malware or hardware failure. Event Viewer shows frequent errors related to corrupted system files. Which command-line utility should a technician use FIRST to attempt to resolve this issue?
- Adism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
- Bchkdsk /f
- Cbootrec /fixmbr
- Dsfc /scannow
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. sfc /scannow
Given the symptoms of random application crashes, system instability, and Event Viewer errors pointing to corrupted system files, the System File Checker (sfc /scannow) is the most appropriate first tool to attempt to rectify the issues by verifying and repairing protected Windows system files.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. DISM /RestoreHealth is used to repair the Windows image itself, often as a precursor or follow-up to SFC if SFC fails, but SFC is the more direct tool for general system file corruption.
- B. chkdsk /f checks and repairs file system errors on the disk, which is useful for disk corruption but not directly for corrupted system files.
- C. bootrec /fixmbr repairs the Master Boot Record and is used for boot issues, not for general system file corruption.
System File Checker (SFC)
SFC is a Windows command-line utility that scans for and restores corrupted, damaged, or altered protected Windows system files with their correct versions.
- Runs as 'sfc /scannow' from an elevated command prompt.
- Helps resolve issues like application crashes, system instability, and boot problems caused by file corruption.
- Often used before or in conjunction with DISM for more severe image corruption.
Memory trick: System's files are broken, use SFC to get them token!