How to Fix a Missing or Corrupt Windows System32 File
- 1). Log into the Windows computer using administrator account credentials.
- 2). Insert the Windows installation disc into the optical drive. Cancel any windows that automatically start and run from the installation disc.
- 3). Click the "Start" button, click "Programs" or "All Programs" and then click "Accessories." If running Windows XP, click the command line icon. If running Windows Vista or 7, right-click the command line icon and click "Run as Administrator."
- 4). Type "sfc /scannow" on the command line and press "Enter." The "sfc" program will start scanning the computer and replace any corrupt or missing System32 files. Note the "sfc" program may occasionally access the installation disc to copy original installation files to the computer to replace files detected as missing or corrupt.
- 5). Reboot the computer once the scan has been completed.
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