SFC /scannow instructions for windows repair disk on multi-boot configurations

Checking Windows System Files

System File Checker (SFC) is a utility in Windows 7 and Windows 8.x that allows the user to repair missing or corrupted system files. This is done from an elevated command prompt from Windows, or if the system will not boot to Windows, then from the "Repair Your Computer" Boot option.

However, when a multiple boot configuration is used (2 versions of Windows installed on a single system) the System File Checker cannot see the operating system to repair.

Follow the instructions below for using SFC /scannow with the windows repair disk on multiboot configurations.

Directing the SFC /scannow command to the OS

The following steps will allow you to boot to a Windows Repair Disk then run the SFC /scannow command on the appropriately assigned drive.

1. Boot to your Windows system repair disk
2. When the system stops at a screen with language and input options, ensure that you have the correct options selected (Normally, English, English (United States) and US for USA-based systems) then click or tap OK.
3. At the Install Now screen, click Repair Your Computer on the bottom left of the page. If prompted, press any key to continue.
4. Select Keyboard input method (US) click next
5. On the System Recovery Options screen, Click the first option, Use recover tools…, Click next
6. Then select the command prompt hyperlink
7. Type the following command: sfc /scannow /offbootdir=d: /offwindir=d:\windows then press the Enter Key to execute the command.

NOTE: This assumes that the D: drive is the correct drive for the operating system, it may be different on your system.

References:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/929833