Share this article
Improve this guide
Windows Resource Protection Found Corrupt Files [Error Fix]
8 min. read
Updated onMarch 20, 2024
updated onMarch 20, 2024
Share this article
Improve this guide
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more
Key notes
Whenever the computer feels buggy or does not respond to commands properly, our first hunch is to check for corrupt system files. However, many users came across theWindows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of themmessage.
The message is seen when running the SFC (System File Checker) scan to automatically identify and replace thecorrupt system files on the computer.
But, as is the case with other errors, there are many ways to fix this problem as well. Read the following sections to find out all about it and the most effective solutions.
What are corrupt files?
Corrupt files are often confusing since these exhibit a behavior similar to malware or virus. If you try to open one, it would either lead to a crash or display an error. Distinguishing these is a tricky affair but with the built-in tools provided in Windows, you can easily fix these.
A file may corrupt due to a number of reasons. One of the common ones includes power failure and the subsequent crash of the PC. If you are trying to save the file during this period, there’s a likelihood that it would corrupt.
Also, several third-party applications may corrupt a file while modifying it, though if you are careful with the apps you install on the system, this wouldn’t happen. Oftentimes, the bad sectors on the disk too can lead to corruption of the files stored on them.
Therefore, it’s recommended that you periodicallydefragment the hard driveto ensure that it remains in a healthy state. But, never defragment an SSD (Solid State Drive), since it could affect the state of the drive and reduce its life.
Whatever be the underlying cause, the SFC scan is usually able to take care of things. However, if the SFC scan found corrupt files but is unable to fix them in Windows 11, there are a bunch of ways to fix the problem.
What do I do if Windows Resource Protection is unable to fix corrupt system files?
1. Run the DISM tool
Once done, restart the computer for the changes to come into effect, and check if theWindows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of themerror is eliminated. In case, the SFC scan is still unable to fix corrupt system files, head to the next method.
2. Perform a Startup repair
Startup repair is a great built-in utility that automatically checks for corrupt or missing system files and takes the necessary action. As the name suggests, it usually comes in handy when you are unable to start the computer and boot Windows.
Run it and check if theWindows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of themerror is resolved, and the corrupt system files are replaced with their original versions.
3. Run the Check Disk (CHKDSK) tool
The command listed above will scan the files on the C: drive. In case you want to run a scan for the others, simply add their drive letter in the command instead of the C: drive. The scan might take some time to complete depending on the data stored and the health of the disk.
In case the problem persists after the scan, head to the next method.
4. Perform a clean boot
Clean boot is a state where Windows runs with just the critical drivers, services, and programs. Once in clean boot mode, check if you still encounter theWindows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of themerror on running the SFC scan.
If not, then it’s most likely a conflicting driver, service, or program that’s causing the issue. The quickest way to identify the one conflicting with the SFC scan is to enable half of them at a time.
For instance, you can enable the first half of the services disabled earlier, and check if the problem reappears. If it does, one of these is responsible for the conflict. In case you don’t encounter the problem, it’s a process or service from the other half.
Now, further, divide the problematic half into two, and proceed similarly until the problematic service is identified. Also, you can follow the same approach with the startup programs disabled earlier, and check if any of these are responsible for the error.
5. Perform a System Restore
Many a time, the error is caused to a combination of several factors, and identifying and fixing each of them is a tricky and time-consuming task.
In this case,performing a system restorewould do the trick. It’s one of the best troubleshooting techniques that can fix even the most intricate of the issues. But, remember to choose a restore point created before you first encountered the problem.
Can SFC (sfc /scannow) scan cause problems?
The SFC scan is a built-in tool and completely safe to run. However, you should run it only if there seems to be an issue due to corrupt system files. In most cases, after running the SFC scan, you will receive theWindows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violationsmessage.
Though the SFC scan has been found to provide unreliable results and false positives. So, you cannot always depend on it and should try running the DISM tool or the Startup Repair utility to fix problems.
How do I manually fix a corrupted file?
In all likelihood, theWindows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of themissue should be fixed by now, but you might need to manually fix a corrupted file in the future.
To do that, simply identify and replace the corrupt file with a fresh one, that’s exactly what these tools do. For instance, if a game file is corrupt, just head to the official download source and look for that particular file.
There’s also a simple way out here, use areliable third-party tool. The best part about using software is that it will automatically scan and fix/replace the corrupt files. So, you wouldn’t come across any errors or have to execute these lengthy troubleshooting methods.
These are all the ways you can fix the error in Windows 11 and get your computer up and running. Also, if the SFC scan found integrity violations but was unable to fix them in Windows 10 and Windows 7, the methods listed here would work.
Besides, find out how tofix a corrupt ZIP file after download.
Tell us which fix worked for you in the comments section below.
More about the topics:Fix corrupt files,Windows 11
Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Passionate about all elements related to Windows and combined with his innate curiosity, Ivan has delved deep into understanding this operating system, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
When he’s not tackling diverse driver-related problems, Ivan enjoys watching good movies and spending time hiking with his family and friends.
User forum
1 messages
Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes
Comment*
Name*
Email*
Commenting as.Not you?
Save information for future comments
Comment
Δ
Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Ivan has delved deep into understanding the Windows OS, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
