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When the System.cat file is deleted or becomes corrupt, System File Protection (SFP) cannot function. The System.cat file is stored in the C:\Windows\System\Catroot directory. SFP in Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition (Me) uses the System.cat...

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Microsoft Knowledge Base Article

This article contents is Microsoft Copyrighted material.
©2005-©2007 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Terms of Use | Trademarks

Article ID: 266714 - Last Review: January 27, 2007 - Revision: 1.3

SFP Cannot Function When System.cat File Is Corrupt or Missing

System TipThis article applies to a different version of Windows than the one you are using. Content in this article may not be relevant to you. Visit the Windows Vista Solution Center
This article was previously published under Q266714

On This Page

SYMPTOMS

When the System.cat file is deleted or becomes corrupt, System File Protection (SFP) cannot function.

CAUSE

The System.cat file is stored in the C:\Windows\System\Catroot directory. SFP in Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition (Me) uses the System.cat file to compare versions and digitally signed information to a file that is attempting to replace an existing protected file. When the System.cat file is corrupt or missing, SFP records an invalid hash entry in the Sfplog.txt file and the original is replaced by the new version.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this behavior, recover a corrupted or missing System.cat file on your computer. Use one of the following methods.

Method 1

Copy the Catalog.cab file from C:\Windows\Options\Install directory to the C:\Windows\System\CatRoot\{F....} directory.

Method 2

Use System Restore to fall back to a previous restore point.

Method 3

Reinstall Windows Millennium Edition.

MORE INFORMATION

The System.cat file is created during startup by renaming the Catalog.cab file and placing it in the C:\Windows\System\CatRoot\{F....} directory.

APPLIES TO
  • Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition
Keywords: 
kbprb KB266714
Retired KB ArticleRetired 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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