Windows XP CHKDSK (Disk Error Checking)

This is a in-built utility that checks installed Hard-Drives for problems and attempts to repair any of the following that may have occurred:

• Bad Sectors
• Lost Clusters
• Cross-Linked Files
• Directory Errors

It can be run either in Command Line mode or Graphical Mode.

Note: Another method for this utility to be implemented is via the Recovery Console

Overall Description:

CHKDSK is a routine part of good machine maintenance. CHKDSK inspects and repairs file and folder integrity and the physical structure of a disk, correcting corruptions that can occur after system crash/freezes, power glitches, physical jarring and incorrectly turning off of the machine.

CHKDSK is most often useful just before running Disk Defragmentation because the Disk Defrag process may not be able to complete if file errors exist. It is also a good idea to run CHKDSK prior to installing any Service Pack.

Note: All physical hard drives have a small number of bad-sectors even when new. If CHKDSK regularly identifies additional bad-sectors or a large numbers of bad-sectors, it could be an early indicator predicting hard drive failure. If you find this to be the case with your machine's hard drive, consider data and file back-up solutions, run manufacturer's disk-health utilities and anticipate the possible need to replace the hard drive.

CHKDSK and Disk Defragmentation can be routinely run once monthly or every few months. More frequent scheduling is ordinarily not necessary and would only contribute to wear and tear of your hard drive. Some users run CHKDSK and Disk Defrag weekly. Your machine's needs and benefit from maintenance may vary.

CHKDSK may take from 30-40 minutes, up to a few hours, depending upon the size of your hard drive and the number of files installed or save on it.

Note: For this tutorial, it is assumed that C: is your Windows XP boot disk or partition.
If yours is different, replace C: in the following tutorial with the correct drive letter.

Graphical Mode:

Note: The images below denote both Windows Classisc style and Windows XP style.

Click on Start >> My Computer >> Right click on the C\: Drive icon - (Local Disk (C:) and select Properties

The following window will appear:



Now click on the Tools tab. The following window will appear:



Now click on the Check Now... tab. The following window will appear:



Select both check disk options and click on Start. Your computer will respond with:





Click on the Yes button.

Next, click on Start >> Turn Off Computer >> Restart

Note: Upon Reboot(Restart), CHKDSK will start and carry out the repairs required.

You should see a screen like this just after the Post(power on self test) screen:



Note: Do not touch either the keyboard or Mouse, otherwise the CHKDSK will be canceled and you computer will continue to boot-up as normal.

Note: When CHKDSK has completed its scans, the machine will proceed to load and Boot to Windows, without need for the user to take any action.

Command Line Mode:

This can be run with two different "parameter switches": ( /f or /r )

To repair errors without scanning the volume for bad sectors, at the command prompt, type CHKDSK volume: /F and then press ENTER.

To repair errors, locate bad sectors, and recover readable information, at the command prompt, type CHKDSK volume: /R and then press ENTER. /R presumes to include actions of /F and adds sector recovery. /R is more thorough therefore scans take longer.
Note: /r is the recommended switch to use.

• Click Start > Run... then type in CMD and click on OK.
• At the Command Prompt C:\ > type the following: chkdsk c: /r and hit the Enter/Return key.
  Note: chkdsk c: /r presumes that the disk upon which you wish to run Error Checking is your C: Drive (most often)
• When prompted with:

• Hit the Y key then at the Command Prompt C:\ >
• Type in EXIT and and hit the Enter/Return key.
• Now Reboot(Restart) your computer.

Note: Upon Reboot(Restart), CHKDSK will start and carry out the repairs required.

You should see a screen like this just after the Post(Power On Self Test) screen:



Note: Do not touch either the keyboard or mouse, otherwise the CHKDSK will be canceled and you computer will continue to boot-up as normal.

Note: When CHKDSK has completed its scans, the machine will proceed to load and Boot to Windows, without need for the user to take any action.

This post has been edited by Ztruker: Apr 28 2009, 08:19 PM