System File Check…
I became curious about SFC action too.
I ran SFC on my system and it reported no errors.
I removed a system file and after re-executing, SFC reported no errors. However, SFC reported removing one file from the system database.
I replaced the file I removed with a file containing garbage.
After re-executing, SFC reported a corrupt file and offered to replace it.
I replaced the corrupt file with the original data and original file name.
After re-executing, SFC reported no errors.
My conclusion is that SFC can detect a corrupt system file, but when SFC encounters a missing file, it doesn’t report it missing: It reconciles the situation by removing the file from its database.
Now I know, but I’m not happy with how SFC works. Reporting missing files would be a better idea.
Cheers, PW.
P.S.
I don’t know if SFC’s database gets updated when programs are added or removed through Control Panel. Because the experiment to answer this question requires a re-boot, it won’t be answered today. (At least by me!)
P.P.S.
An observation…
When I ran SFC the first time, my disk activity made my system rattle like a can of Cashews falling down the stairs. For subsequent executions of SFC, my disk cache provided the data and the process ran silently and several fold faster. |
