SFC /scannow unable to repair corrupted files, any knock-on effects?

ICIT2LOL said:

Well certainly sounds like the drive is ill and personally I would just factory reset and then just clone.

Now an alternative is that if you have the activation code it should be on the sticker on the machine then I would clean install form an ISO from Microsoft this will get rid of all the Dell bloatware and will be an up to date (within reason) copy of 7.

Also this way you will not have to muck a round with the old drive or the factory reset which like I said is probably more Dell bloat.

Now if you do not have thatsticker you can find the the activation code using this
Product Key Number for Windows 7 - Find and See - Windows 7 Help Forums

and then use this

Clean Install Windows 7 - Windows 7 Help Forums the link for the free ISO is in this tutorial and there are two one you need to use the known key and the other you don't.
I prefer to use the known key link (it only downloads if you can put in a genuine and valid key) - I stand to be corrected but this is what I have done in the past.

So you will have problem free drive and any data you can add later on from the old drive if it is that important.

Thanks ICIT2LOL, I did think of a clean install as well. There is thankfully little in the way of bloatware though, plus I find the recovery program helpful. Still waiting for Dell to get back before I decide, so much for their efficient customer service.

BTW, would it be alright if I left this thread as it is, i.e. not mark it resolved? Just in case I run into these problems again with a clean install...

ICIT2LOL said:

No worrries mate of course you can leave it for a while because we/I shall get a mial whenthere is an answer from Dell. I suppose if you don't mind the bloat then if it is non essential which any bloat really is or should be you can simply disable it so it doesn't use up your resources.

Cheers ICIT2LOL and Roy! Appreciate the help, Windows is just a PITA sometimes and there's not much one can do about it...