Using SFC (System File Checker)/Scannow

System files can sometimes get written over or deleted.  SFC (System File Checker) scans your Windows XP system and replaces the missing files.  Missing system files can cause startup/boot problems or other operating system headaches.  SFC is part of the WFP (Windows File Protection) feature that prevents programs from writing over critical system files.

I was once working on a computer that was having a startup problem, ran the command line utility SFC /scannow, and voila!  Problem fixed.  SFC scans the system and determines if there are any missing files.  If so, the files are obtained from cache (%systemroot%\system32\dllcache).  If not in cache, SFC will obtain the files from the installation source on the network or the Windows CD-ROM.  You might be asked to insert the Windows Installation CD-ROM.

To use the SFC utility:

1. Go to Start>All Programs>Accessories>Command Prompt
2. Type SFC /scannow and press Enter (there is a space after SFC)
3. If prompted, insert your Windows XP Installation CD-ROM.
4. Wait until command finishes and your files are verified.

Troubleshooting Workgroup Connections

A common network configuration is a workgroup consisting of a few computers.  Each computer is connected to a router or hub, through an Ethernet cable or wirelessly, in order to share files or printers in a small office or home.  Problems connecting in this type of network can occur for many reasons.

Part of the troubleshooting process is to verify the computer name and the workgroup name.  The user could have changed the name of the workgroup or name of the computer in the Systems Properties dialog box, ran Network Connections Wizard, or Network Setup Wizard.

One way of checking the computer name, user name, workstation domain, and other info is by using the command-line utility net config workstation.

Go to Start>Run>cmd>net config workstation and press Enter.

Detailed info about the net config workstation utility