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CompTIA A+ Core 1: What Is the Best Way to Recover an Accidentally Deleted Windows System File?

Learn why running System File Checker (SFC) is the best method to recover accidentally deleted Windows system files, as required for the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 exam. Discover how SFC scans and repairs missing or corrupted system files to restore system stability.

Table of Contents

Question

A user accidentally deleted an important system file in Windows. What is the best way to recover it?

A. Run System File Checker (SFC)
B. Reinstall Windows
C. Use Task Manager
D. Disable the firewall
E. Increase RAM

Answer

A. Run System File Checker (SFC)

Explanation

SFC /scannow scans and repairs missing or corrupted system files in Windows.

The System File Checker (SFC) is a built-in Windows utility that scans for missing or corrupted system files and automatically repairs them by replacing them with cached copies stored on your system. If a user accidentally deletes an important system file, running SFC is the recommended first step:

How to Use SFC:

  1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
  2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
  3. The tool will scan all protected system files and attempt to restore any that are missing or corrupted.

If SFC finds issues, it will repair them automatically. If it cannot fix everything, Microsoft recommends running the DISM tool (DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth) before running SFC again. This process is effective for most Windows system file issues and avoids the need for a full reinstallation or more drastic recovery steps.

SFC is specifically designed for these scenarios and is supported by official Microsoft documentation and IT best practices.

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 certification exam practice question and answer (Q&A) dump with detail explanation and reference available free, helpful to pass the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 exam and earn CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 certification.