[Solved] Windows Resource Protection Found Corrupt Files but Was Unable to Fix Some of Them

When you see Windows Resource Protection Found Corrupt Files but Was Unable to Fix Some of Them in sfc scannow, it means you need to repair the boot files. Follow our guide to do so.

Posted by @Irene December 23, 2024 Updated By @Irene December 23, 2024

What to do when encounter Windows Resource Protection Found Corrupt Files

When using the System File Checker (sfc) tool and running the sfc /scannow command to repair missing or damaged system files, you might encounter the error message: "Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them." This error means that the sfc /scannow process failed, and you may need to manually repair the corrupted files.

The System File Checker is a built-in Windows utility that works alongside Windows Resource Protection to safeguard important system files, registry keys, and folders. You can run the tool through the Command Prompt by using the sfc /scannow command. This command scans all protected system files and tries to replace any corrupted ones with a cached copy stored in a compressed folder at %WinDir%\System32\dllcache.

In most cases, the sfc /scannow command should automatically fix any detected issues. However, if the required file is missing from the cache or is itself corrupted, the tool will display the error message about being unable to repair some files. If you encounter this issue, don’t worry. You can resolve it by following practical steps to manually repair the files.

How to fix Windows Resource Protection Found Corrupt Files but Was Unable to Fix Some of Them

There are some situations where the System File Checker may stop working and display the error message, "Windows resource protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them." To address this issue, you can try some general troubleshooting methods to resolve it quickly and effectively.

Fix 1. Run DISM command

If you encounter the error "Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them," you can use the DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) utility to repair the Windows image. This tool can address corruption in the system files by utilizing the Windows Update component to replace damaged files with clean versions.

Since the SFC tool relies on local storage for replacements (which might also be corrupted), DISM offers an alternative by accessing Windows Update. Before running DISM, ensure you have a stable internet connection. You can use the RestoreHealth command to scan and repair the Windows image automatically. Follow these steps:

Step 1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box, type cmd, and then press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to launch Command Prompt with administrative privileges.

Step 2. Run the DISM Command

Enter the following command and press Enter to check for corruption, log it, and repair the issues:

dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

If you are in repair mode using a Windows DVD/USB, use this command instead:

Dism /Image:C:\ /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Step 3. Restart and Run SFC Again

After completing the DISM process, restart your computer. At the next startup, open Command Prompt as an administrator and run the sfc /scannow command to check if the issue is resolved.

Fix 2. Run SFC from WinRE (Windows Recovery Environment)

Another way to fix Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some issue is running SFC utility in Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).

Step 1. Boot from Windows installation DVD and choose Advanced Boot Options.  Then select "Repair Your Computer".

Step 2. Choose your target system. In the recovery tool panel, choose Command Prompt.

Step 3. In the command prompt window, type sfc scannow and press Enter.

However, if the sfc scannow found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them error is still occurring, move to the final method below to replace all Windows components and resolve the issue.

Further reading: What should you do if the system file corruption leads to boot issues?

If critical system files required for booting become corrupted or missing, Windows might fail to start properly. For example, issues with files like winload.exe or BOOTMGR is missing can prevent the system from booting. At this time, you can use AOMEI Partition Assistant to rebuild MBR or perform boot repair to fix the issue.

Option 1. Rebuild MBR

AOMEI Partition Assistant includes a "Rebuild MBR" feature designed to help Windows users repair a corrupted MBR. To fix the "BOOTMGR is missing" error using this feature, you first need to create bootable media through the software. Here’s how you can do it.

AOMEI Partition Assistant

The Best Windows Disk Partition Manager and PC Optimizer

Step 1. Install and launch AOMEI Partition Assistant Standard on a working PC. In the main interface, click Tools > Make Bootable Media and follow the wizard to create a Windows 10/11 bootable USB drive.

Step 2. Connect the bootable media created via AOMEI Partition Assistant Standard to the computer with a boot issue and enter BIOS to boot computer from the USB drive.

Step 3. Once logged in, the AOMEI Partition Assistant Standard will run automatically. In the main interface, right-click the system disk that contains corrupted MBR and choose Rebuild MBR.

Step 4. Set the type of MBR for Windows 10 in the pop-up window. (Choose a proper MBR type according to your operating system.)

Step 5. Click Apply and Proceed on the toolbar to commit Rebuild MBR operation.

Notes:✎...
"Rebuild MBR" only can solve problems such as MBR code has been damaged. To deal with OS unbootable problem which is caused by bootable file or system file missing is beyond its abilities.
Using the "Rebuild MBR" feature does not result in data loss. However, if the process is performed incorrectly, it could make your computer unbootable. Therefore, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the necessary details and precautions before proceeding with the operation.

Option 2. Perform boot repair

AOMEI Partition Assistant is a versatile and easy-to-use tool designed for managing disk partitions on Windows. Among its features, the Boot Repair function stands out as an effective solution for resolving boot-related problems, including BCD errors.

This tool is user-friendly, with an intuitive interface that even non-technical users can navigate with ease. Its Boot Repair feature offers comprehensive fixes, addressing not only BCD files but also repairing other critical system components. Besides, AOMEI Partition Assistant provides both automatic and manual repair options. You can choose to let the tool automatically detect and fix issues or take a more customized approach by selecting specific repairs to address your needs.

AOMEI Partition Assistant

The Best Windows Disk Partition Manager and PC Optimizer

Case 1: Repair an running PC

Step 1. Install and launch AOMEI Partition Assistant. In the Main Tab, please click the "Recover" tab and select "Boot Repair".

Step 2. The Boot Repair tool will pop up. Please click "Next" to start the system’s boot entries scan process.

Step 3. After the process is completed, it will display the scan result: system paths, system versions, and boot status. And, all repairable boot entries will be available to select.

Advanced Settings: Select a location to store the repaired boot entry.

◆ Repair to the current disk: The system will boot from the current disk and ensure the boot files are complete and functioning properly. (By default)

◆ Repair to another disk: This operation will repair the boot entry or create a new system boot entry to ensure the system can boot from the disk you select.

Step 4. Select one/multiple repairable boot entries you want to repair and click the "Repair" button to start the boot repair.

Step 5. Wait for the repair process to finish. Once it is finished, you can check the repair result. If it succeeds, you will get a "Repair Successfully" result.

Conclusion

When you see Windows Resource Protection Found Corrupt Files but Was Unable to Fix Some of Them in sfc scannow, you can use the System File Checker (SFC), DISM utility, or AOMEI Partition Assistant, each method offers a reliable way to address these problems. By carefully following the steps and taking necessary precautions, you can resolve these errors and get your computer running smoothly again. If you’re ever unsure, take your time to learn about the process or seek help to ensure everything goes smoothly.