CHKDSK

March 27, 2008

For Windows users, the CHKDSK command is a useful utility for verifying the integrity of a hard drive as well as the data it contains.

To run CHKDSK simply open a command prompt and type chkdsk /f and hit enter.
If you are using Windows Vista you will need to execute the command prompt as an administrator.

Click to see larger image

Once you run the command you will get a message saying something along the lines of not being able to get full access to the drive would you like to run the drive to be checked the next time you reboot. Answer “yes” and reboot the system and let it run.

CHKDSK will scan the drive for errors and by specifying the /f it will also repair any it finds.

CHKDSK can only do so much. If the drive is in the process of failing it may not work at all.

Posted in PC Maintenance