The hard disk on your computer is the most critical (and fragile) component. While hard drives have become very dependable over the years, problems still happen at the most inconvenient times. Luckily there is a free tool included with Windows that, if used properly, can help keep the data on your hard drive error free.
Since way back in the DOS days chkdsk (pronounced Check Disk) has been the tool of choice to clean up disk errors. But this handy tool can be used to repair damage before it becomes a nightmare.
Running chkdsk periodically is a good practice. In fact, we run this utility on all of our customers’ computers each week to be sure their systems are in tip-top shape.
Chkdsk is run from the command prompt (Start | Run | cmd) by simply typing ‘chkdsk’. If run in this mode chkdsk just inspects your disk for error but since your operating system is also using the disk chkdsk often can’t see all problems that reside on the disk.
To ensure a clean bill of health, run ‘chkdsk /f’ which allows the system to fix problems it finds. When you run this command you will most likely be see something like this;
Microsoft Windows XP [Version 5.1.2600]
(C) Copyright 1985-2001 Microsoft Corp.C:\>chkdsk /f
The type of the file system is NTFS.
Cannot lock current drive.Chkdsk cannot run because the volume is in use by another
process. Would you like to schedule this volume to be
checked the next time the system restarts? (Y/N)
To let chkdsk run without stepping all over the operating system, select ‘Y’ at this prompt and then reboot your computer. Chkdsk will run after the reboot and repair errors.
It is important to remember that if any errors are found, it is best practice to run chkdsk again. Often times all problems on the disk can’t be ’seen’ by chkdsk until other errors are corrected. In fact, keep running chkdsk until no more errors are found.
Good Networking!
Eric Hobbs
Technology Associates
ehobbs@technologyassociates.net
919-459-0109 – Direct
