Microsoft Windows operating system includes a tool called Check Disk (CHKDSK) that verifies the integrity of the data stored on the hard drive. This utility is also used to resolve and find errors that may corrupt or damage stored data as well as affect the performance of your computer system.



The SCANDISK tool was first introduced under the Graphic User Interface which is where the CHKDSK utility derived from. Although the CHKDSK utility is a bit different in the newer operating systems, the idea and functionality remains the same.



The CHKDSK has many benefits such as ensuring that the computer’s system files are healthy. If the CHKDSK utility is running automatically on its own, it is generally an indication of a deeper system problem. The tool is intended to keep the Windows database clean and free up valuable system resources that may cause poor performance in the computer and not intended to detect the failing of hard drives.



Damaged or corrupted system files and bad sectors may also help the person running the computer to repair these when running the CHKDSK tool. It is necessary to know how to launch the CHKDSK utility before you begin.



To do so:


1. Close any open or active programs.

 

2. Select the “My Computer” window and select the hard drive that you are going to check by right clicking.

 

3. Choose the “Properties” tab from the context menu.

 

4. Choose the “Tools” option from the open window.

 

5. Choose the “Check Now” tab, beginning the process.

 

6. You may skip the options such as “attempt recovery of bad sectors”.

 

7. Choose the “Start” menu to begin the CHKDSK tool. It may be necessary to restart the computer for the utility to continue. Once the computer has restarted, the tool should automatically launch.





CHKDSK utility normally requires rebooting and launches as soon as your computer has been improperly shutdown or your system crashes because it has access to the hard drive. To repair the CHKDSK errors perform the following

:
1. Select the “Start” menu and click on the “Run” option.

 

2. In the “Open” box, type the word CMD which will bring up a Windows prompt.

 

3. There are two methods of fixing your CHKDSK errors. The first, is to use the /f option. The second, is to use a combination of the /f/r options. The /f option is used to fix errors and the /r option is used to recover last data. Type CHKDSK followed by your preferred option and press the enter key.

 

4. The utility will need to read through the entire contents of the hard drive in order to lacte and recover the errors if the /r option is added without interruption. The quickest option is to use only the /f option.

5. After you have completed the process, restart your computer. This will allow your computer to update the system files. Perform the restart manually to ensure that it does not happen automatically.