Fix it yourself · Windows

Windows behaving oddly? Run Microsoft's built-in repair (DISM and SFC)

Two commands from Microsoft that check Windows' own files and repair any that are damaged. Safe — they don't touch your documents — but you'll be typing at a black command window.

A bit fiddly About 30–60 minutes, mostly waiting
Too hard? No problem — book a visit or call 0481 344 099 and I'll do it with you.
Before you start: Only try this if you're comfortable typing exact commands. Nothing here deletes your files; the worst case is that it simply doesn't help.

Steps

  1. Click Start and type cmd. Right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator. Click Yes.
  2. Type exactly (note the spaces before each slash) and press Enter:
    DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
    This can sit at a percentage for a long time — leave it until it says The operation completed successfully.
  3. Then type and press Enter:
    sfc /scannow
    Wait for Verification 100% complete. It will say either that it found no problems, or that it repaired some.
  4. Type exit, press Enter, and restart the computer.

If that didn't work

  • If SFC says it found corrupt files but could not fix some, run both commands once more after the restart. If it still can't, that's the point to book.
When to stop and call

The commands error out immediately, Windows won't get far enough to open a command window, or you're not comfortable — there's no shame in that, it's what I'm for.

Book a visit →
Ready when you are

Book a visit.

Tell me what's going wrong and when suits — I'll confirm a time, usually the same or next day.

Book now → Call 0481 344 099 james@mchugh.com.au