Chkdsk – Issues and Repairs
There are situations that arise when computer programs
can crash unexpectedly and error messages appear. If
you are reading this article and are experiencing
computer anomalies and issues leading to error messages
and malfunctioning, we recommend that you first begin
with the following:
-
Ensure that your computer is free of malware
(malicious software) and that your registry is
performing at optimal levels. We recommend using
RegCure
Registry Cleaner
and
ParetoLogic
XoftSpySE
Anti-Spyware
-
If you are still experiencing issues that could relate
to hardware defects… BACK UP YOUR DATA. Copy all the
files you want saved to a storage device such as CD,
DVD, or external drive.
-
Attempt to determine the issue using utility tools as
those discussed below.
A brief description
Chkdsk (short for “Checkdisk”) is a Microsoft Windows
command utility used to verify hard disk drive or floppy
disk integrity. This can include:
- Checks
the disk surface for logical errors with respect to
the file system such as lost
clusters.
- Verifies
and optionally repairs integrity issues.
- Reports
on free memory and disk space.
With more recent Microsoft operating systems (NT,
Windows 2000, and XP), Chkdsk will also check the
surface of the disk for bad sectors. This was
previously done with Scandisk. It is common to have
hard disks with sectors that are not functional directly
from the point of its creation. Occasionally other
minor defects can occur and can damage previously
functioning sectors. Bad sectors are typically easy to
locate and can be avoided by having them flagged and
locked out.
Care should be given to understanding what Chkdsk does
NOT do. Chkdsk cannot detect or repair errors other
than file system errors; it cannot correct for hardware
failure or repair physical defects. Chkdsk works from
within the operating system. Imagine a cabinet with
sliding drawers and files within it. Chkdsk would be
able to detect that a track gets stuck at some point
maybe due to a notch. The file holder that could reside
in that location would not be placed there to prevent
inaccessibility. It would not be able to fix the
physical portion of the cabinet nor determine if all
elements of the cabinet (rollers, handles, etc.) are all
functional. In order to get an assessment of hardware
performance, you need to use manufacturer diagnostic
tools to troubleshoot potential problems. There are
diagnostic tools that you can use without having to
remove the disk drive. Search the Internet or contact
your manufacturer for more information. Also, there are
disk checking programs that are available that some
consider more effective at locating and repairing errors
than the Chkdsk utility.
Running Chkdsk
The Chkdsk utility can be launched from the Run command
or it can be run from Windows Explorer. Both of these
methods are included below. Chkdsk is supported in all
versions of Windows operating systems. The more recent
systems (NT, Windows 2000, and XP) use it as the main
disk checking utility. For example, if the computer has
shut down incorrectly (for example, it was powered off
or it crashed), Chkdsk will run automatically and
attempt to repair any errors it finds.
Backup Data and Close Programs
Using the Chkdsk can cause recoverable data to become
unrecoverable as it attempts to fragment or resolve
issues it identifies. Before proceeding it is strongly
recommended that you back up all files and applications
on your computer. Next you will need to exit all
programs. If you choose to attempt the repair of errors
using Chkdsk, rebooting your system is required.
To run Chkdsk from Windows Explorer using a windows
dialog, do the following:
-
Right-click the Start button and select
Explore.
-
Right-click the disk drive or diskette you want to
scan. For example, “Local Disk (C:)”
-
Select Properties.
-
Select the Tools tab.
-
In the Error-checking frame, click the Check Now
button.
-
Choose to check the check boxes related to attempt fix
and recovery.
-
Click the Start button.
A message is displayed informing you that you need to
restart the computer. The process will run immediately
after the restart and you are locked out from doing
anything until it is complete. Afterwards, Windows is
automatically restarted and a results are displayed.
To run Chkdsk from the Run command, do the following:
-
Click the Start button and select Run.
-
Type “cmd” in the text field and click OK.
-
Type in the Chkdsk command and press Enter.
Type “chkdsk c:” to have Chkdsk examine the C: drive.
Type “chkdsk c: f/” to examine the C: drive and to fix
file system errors.
Type “chkdsk c: r/” to examine the C: drive and attempt
recovery of bad sectors.
Alternatively, you can use both switches by typing:
“chkdsk c: f/ r/”
Glossary
Cluster: a unit of space allocated for files and folders
in a file system.
File system: the system used to organize files; for
example the tree structure. MS DOS uses FAT (File
Allocation Table) and Windows NT uses NTFS.
Logical errors: a type of “soft errors” - errors that
occur without any physical problem with the disk media.
Sector: a fixed amount of space on a hard disk (as
determined by the manufacturer), that is used to store
data.
