Windows File Protection error when running sfc.exe /scannow

Symptom 1:

Attempting to run sfc.exe /scanfiles produces the following error message:

Windows File Protection could not initiate a scan of protected system files.  The specific error code is 0x000006ba [The RPC server is unavailable.]

Symptom 2:

When trying to install new hardware, such as plugging in an external HDD, windows displays the following message:

Windows Could Not Load The Installer For [component]. Contact your Hardware Vendor for assistance.

Where [component] indicated the type of hardware being installed. (Volume, Video, Mouse, Keyboard, etc.)

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Applies to:

• Windows XP

Solution 1

– The file sfcfiles.dll may be missing from c:\windows\system32

– Copy the file from the Windows CD or another PC

Solution 2

Check that the RPC Server is running. If the service is not runni

Solution 3