sfc.exe and Chkdsk.exe scans

typo · Jun 25, 2011

I do them, one after another. One is 4 to 5 times longer than the other. Each time , I wonder if I am doing the same thing twice. Are they two different scans? If so, what's the diff? What functions and results does one do that the other does not?

In more practical sense, should I do just one?

richc46 · Jun 25, 2011

Chdsk, check your hard drive for errors
SFC checks and sometimes repairs the OS (Vista)

To maintain your computer For Vista and Seven

10 Tips on How to Properly Maintain Your Computer

Steps that I did not notice on the guide include:

Running a scan disc before doing a defrag

Using Microsoft Security Essentials and Malwarebytes.

Making System Restore points, at least once a week

Makaing a system Image once a month (varies by user)

Not relying on your A/V common sense, should prevail. You know of many sites can cause a problem.

Do not use any reg cleaning or optimizing software.

Download and use Ccleaner about once every two months. Untick any registry entries.
http://www.piriform.com/

If you follow these instructions, you will be trouble free for a long time to come.

Be sure to back up your hard drive about once a month (varies by user) and to keeep system restore points up to date.

Optimize Windows 7
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/w...er-performance

t-4-2 · Jun 25, 2011

typo said:
I do them, one after another. One is 4 to 5 times longer than the other. Each time , I wonder if I am doing the same thing twice. Are they two different scans? If so, what's the diff? What functions and results does one do that the other does not?

In more practical sense, should I do just one?

>>>>>>In more practical sense, should I do just one
Generally speaking, if sfc fixes the problem, you are done. If not, chkdsk.

>>>>>>what's the diff?

sfc ( system file check ) :
System File Checker (SFC) checks that all Vista system files are where they should be as they were by default and not corrupted, changed, or damaged

chkdsk ( disk check ) :
This will show you how to use and run Check Disk or chkdsk at startup from within Vista, the command prompt, and the registry to check for corruption and possibly repair errors and bad sectors on the hard drive.

typo · Jun 25, 2011

"Generally speaking, if sfc fixes the problem, you are done. If not, chkdsk."

I do both scans (one after another) once a month even when I do not sense any problems. I think I gain some speed after scanning(or maybe, it's only in my mind).

Unfortunately, the SFC scan CBS log entry is not only soooo lengthy but is absolutely totally Greek to me. I do not know if it encountered problems or made any corrections. So I routinely delete it(or it bulks up).

Once, I had problem with video playback and doing both scans and SR did not help.(I have since solved it but I have forgotten how).

Can there be drawbacks in over-scanning?

t-4-2 · Jun 25, 2011

typo said:
"Generally speaking, if sfc fixes the problem, you are done. If not, chkdsk."

I do both scans (one after another) once a month even when I do not sense any problems. I think I gain some speed after scanning(or maybe, it's only in my mind).

Unfortunately, the SFC scan CBS log entry is not only soooo lengthy but is absolutely totally Greek to me. I do not know if it encountered problems or made any corrections. So I routinely delete it(or it bulks up).

Once, I had problem with video playback and doing both scans and SR did not help.(I have since solved it but I have forgotten how).

Can there be drawbacks in over-scanning?

>>>>> Can there be drawbacks in over-scanning ?
None whatsoever.
It is a good idea to run the scans even if you have not noticed anything wrong with the computer.
Just like running a virus scan, you don't wait till your computer is infected before you run the scan.

RE : cbs log
Here is a link supposedly to show you how to analyse it. ( The operative word is " supposedly ")
How to analyze the log file entries that the Microsoft Windows Resource Checker (SFC.exe) program generates in Windows Vista

In the future, if your sfc scan says there are corrupt files it cannot repair, here is the best way to obtail the " relevant " part of the cbs log.....

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html

Go to Option Three which shows you how to put a sfcdetails.txt on the desktop.
You can then open it from the desktop.

You will need experts to analyse it. Here is the tutorial to show you how to upload the log and post it to the forum.
The tutorial works both for Vista and Windows 7.
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/289032-screenshots-files-upload-post-vista-forums.html

richc46 · Jun 25, 2011

Trust me, the CBS log is very difficult to understand and only one member, that I know of, can fix based upon the log.
Do a chkdks once a month and an SFC once a quarter. You are not helping by doing more often, I think that I gave you my maintenance suggestions.
Just follow my maintenance suggestions and you will be great.

MilesAhead · Jun 25, 2011

The main drawback I've run into with sfc is if you've modified some system files to enable 3rd party themes. Then you forget, run the scan, and "fix" it.

I run the occasional chkdsk using the command line now. The one right clicking drives in Explorer is just too slow. Also don't specify /f unless there's an issue you want to fix. Otherwise you can end up setting the dirty bit for the partition and that can end up causing unnecessary fun.

richc46 · Jun 25, 2011

I do ckdsk, before a defrag, which is not often.

typo · Jun 25, 2011

"....the CBS log is very difficult to understand and only one member, that I know of, can fix based upon the log".

I am sure Shawn(Brink) can ...only because there is nothing he cannot fix.

One last question: Chkdsk displays scan result for split second. Thus, I never knew what happened. Does it keep a log file? Where?

.

richc46 · Jun 25, 2011

Although Brink can do it , but there is only one member, that I know of, here who takes the time to do it, I was referring to those that actually take the time. The effort is not usually worth it. Usually its best just to do a repair install if its a significant problem.
I really have no way of knowing who knows how to do it. I should have said there is only one member who takes the time to make those repairs. Really did not think that I would be takes so literally.

You can get the chkdsk results in the event viewer
Control Panel ->Adminstrative Tools->Event Viewer->Application
- "Source" column->Winnit

t-4-2 · Jun 25, 2011

How to get chkdsk log file via event viewer and make a copy........

Start > search box, type event viewer > press Enter > left column, click the pointer in front of Windows Log > at the drop down box, left click Applications, then right click Applications > click Find > in the Find What box, type chkdsk > click Find Next > exit Find window > middlw column, click Wininit 1001 > right column, under Event 1001, Wininit, click Event Properties ................ here is your log file.
you can use the scroll bar to view,
or,
make a copy by .....bottom left, click Copy > open notepad or similar application, click Paste. You have now a copy of the chkdsk log file.

MilesAhead · Jun 25, 2011

richc46 said:
I do ckdsk, before a defrag, which is not often.

I tend to do it more often since I use drives in docking stations. For USB 3.0 out of the couple I've tried the SIIG seem to sync the data but I find the Sharkoon needs a kick in the pants now and then. I use SysInternals sync.exe to make sure data is flushed to disk.

But I have it set up on a hotkey. I just press F10 to sync my drives.
Just for that reason every few days I do chkdsk on all my drives.
Only takes a few seconds each drive using command line with no switches.

sfc.exe and Chkdsk.exe scans

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