Trying to run sfc/scannow and response is "Windows Resource Protection could not start the repair service"

Anonymous
2010-01-23T17:14:37+00:00

Originally, this started when I was trying to install some statistical software (JMP8) that should be supported by Windows 7.  I kept getting "the application could not start because its side by side configuration is incorrect"

While researching that for Windows 7, I ran across a suggestion to run sfc/scannow in the command prompt.  When I try to do that, I get the error listed above:  Windows Resource Protection could not start the repair service.

Any suggestions?

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Anonymous
2012-05-20T11:30:12+00:00

I  had  this issue and all the steps described in this and other internet posts led me  to a dead end of errors. 

However, I then discovered that somehow almost all my services had  gotten reset to "disabled". This was causing my original problems (network connectivity among them) and this problems.

Changing the services settings fixed my problems

To get to services type services in the search programs box on the start menu, then right click to run it as administrator.

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  1. Anonymous
    2010-12-14T00:59:42+00:00

    To get sfc to run, try the following:

    1. Open the Accessories category in the Start Menu
    2. Right-click on Command Prompt
    3. Select Run as Administrator
    4. Verify that the title of your command prompt window says, "Administrator: Command Prompt"
    5. Run sfc /scannow

    I was having the above problem and these steps solved it for me running Windows 7 x64.

    Good luck!

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  2. Anonymous
    2010-11-19T21:08:18+00:00

    I have got the same problem sfc /scannow will not execute and presents the same message:

    "Windows Resource Protection could not perform the requested operation."

    Also the argumets provided for sfc to set the offline DIR don't work they return:

    "The arguments passed to sfc are invalid.  The offline windows directory specified points to the online system."

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  3. Anonymous
    2010-10-28T16:17:18+00:00

    I am also getting this exact same problem (as orignially described in the first post). I have tried the methods and they don't work. Can anyone please help - how do we fix the problem of not being able to run the SFC/Scannnow.

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