Article ID: 274090 - Last Review: January 29, 2007 - Revision: 1.3

System File Checker Is Not Included in Windows Millennium Edition

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This article was previously published under Q274090

SUMMARY

This article describes the differences in how files are protected in Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition (Me) versus Microsoft Windows 98 and Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition. Windows Me uses the System File Protection (SFP) feature whereas Windows 98 and Windows 98 Second Edition use the System File Checker (Sfc.exe) tool.

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MORE INFORMATION

There is no need for the Sfc.exe tool in Windows Me because SFP is always actively scanning the computer for file changes. Because of this activity, and because the files monitored by Sfc.exe and SFP are similar, the Sfc.exe tool is not necessary in Windows Me, nor does the option to run this tool exist.

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System File Protection (SFP) Feature

The SFP feature in Windows Me ensures that files that are critical to the system operation are not replaced by older versions, or by versions that Microsoft does not approve.

For additional information about System File Protection in Windows Millennium, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

253571 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/253571/EN-US/ ) Description of the System File Protection Feature

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System File Checker (Sfc.exe) Tool

The Sfc.exe tool in Windows 98 checks for damaged or replaced system files, and then prompts you to replace any files that do not match the original Windows 98 files.

For additional information about System File Protection in Windows 98, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

185836 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/185836/EN-US/ ) Description of the System File Checker Tool (Sfc.exe)

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APPLIES TO

Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition

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kbinfo KB274090

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Retired KB Content Disclaimer

This article was written about products for which Microsoft no longer offers support. Therefore, this article is offered "as is" and will no longer be updated.

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