Download Windows File Protection (WFP) Service Patcher or Switcher
Whenever you want to modify, delete or replace an existing system file in Windows 2000, XP or Windows Server 2003, you can’t do that. Windows shows an error message that the file is already in use.
It happens due to Windows File Protection (WFP) service which is a part of System File Checker (SFC) tool. WFP runs in background and regularly checks system files integrity. If it finds that a process is trying to modify a system file, it blocks the operation and shows the error message.
But if you are a customization lover, you might face this situation many times while trying to replace or modify system files to change look-n-feel of Windows UI.
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Now what to do? One way is to use Replacer software which can be used to replace system files at system startup. But there is another way which is mentioned below.
Today we are going to share a free and portable utility “WFP Switcher” which patches Windows 2000, XP and Server 2003 and disables Windows File Protection (WFP) service so that you can easily modify or replace system files without any problem.
You just need to run the patcher and click on “Patch” button. That’s it. It’ll disable the WFP service and you’ll be able to edit, delete or replace system files on the fly.
The tool also allows you to re-enable WFP service any time if you want.
You can download it using following download link:
Download Windows File Protection (WFP) Switcher / Patcher (No longer available…)
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UPDATE:
The software has been discontinued by the developer and no longer available for download. You can manually disable Windows File Protection (WFP) service using following steps:
1. Type regedit in RUN dialog box or Start Menu searchbox and press Enter. It’ll open Registry Editor, now go to following key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
2. In right-side pane, look for SFCDisable DWORD and set its value to as following:
- ffffff9d – completely disabled
- 1 – disabled and prompts at boot time to re-enable
- 2 – disabled for first boot only and doesn’t prompt to re-enable
- 4 – enabled but popups disabled
- 0 – enabled
To completely disable WFP service, set the value of SFCDisable to ffffff9d
3. Close Registry Editor and restart your computer to take effects.
does windows 7 have a patcher, or do we not need one for it?
i just recently built a comp and installed win7 just yesterday so i dont really know much about it yet. came here often when i was with xp though. anyway i know reshacker works from other threads but do i need to patch windows first or do i just use replacer?
^^ This patcher is only for Windows 2000, XP and Server 2003. Windows Vista,7 and 8 dont require it. You just need to take ownership of a file and then you can use Replacer to replace the files or rename original file to some other name and copy new modified file to same folder. Restart system and Windows will start using new file.
Is any software for window xp to bootable pen drive ????????
^^ Check following:
https://www.askvg.com/ultimate-collection-of-best-freeware-to-create-bootable-usb-drive-to-install-windows-and-linux/
How to change xp startup logo .? Plz help me .
^^ Check following:
https://www.askvg.com/how-to-change-windows-xp-boot-screen-using-tuneup-utilities/
Hi VG, Can i ask you something. Will this app run in Win 7 Home premium ?
Thankz Be 4 !
^^ It only works in Windows 2000, XP and Server 2003 as mentioned in the topic. 🙂
hey VG wfp is not working for me ………even after installing i get same error cant create file
^^ You can try Replacer:
https://www.askvg.com/right-click-replacethis-free-portable-utility-to-replace-system-files-in-windows-7/
hmmm does not work with with 64 bit xp :/
many noephytes (novice users) might not know that windows replaces its system32 files from dllcache. unless one knows to replace the original file in the cache, using wft switcher might not do good. the best alternative is to use replacer which takes care of this situation. however, wfp’s another good alternative if one needs manual patching.
Hi VG,
i just try and its werk for my pc
thanks a lot master!
🙂