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What is CHKDSK?CHKDSK (check disk) is a system tool or utility on Windows operating systems that scans your hard drive for file system errors. Running the CHKDSK utility helps check and repair hard drive errors and keeps your system data organized — it’s part of good computer hygiene. Generally, CHKDSK is run via Command Prompt in Windows 10 (or Windows 8 and 7). Using unique commands like chkdsk /f or chkdsk /r, you can scan your Windows file system — NTFS (New Technology File System) on Windows XP or later — to pinpoint data errors on your drive and fix them. Running CHKDSK may not directly speed up your PC, but it can free up space — which often has the same effect. Even if you’ve already swapped your PC’s storage system with a faster SSD (solid-state drive), scanning it with CHKDSK can keep it clean and working fast. When should I use CHKDSK?Use CHKDSK regularly to scan your hard drive for corrupted files, help repair and clean up your PC, and maintain its health. CHKDSK can scan for bad sectors — ruined parts of your hard drive — even when your PC won’t turn on. That helps you find and fix hard drive errors, and frees up disk space as well. If your PC feels buggy or slow, it could also be a sign that your hard drive is filling up or failing. Run a hard-drive test to rule out hard-drive failure before you run CHKDSK, and consider cleaning up your PC to get closer to the ideal amount of free hard drive space, which is 15-20%. Because a CHKDSK scan can take time and manual effort, installing a PC optimizer tool may be a better option. Avast Cleanup removes junk files from your PC, increases its startup speed, and maintains hard disk space to help your computer run smoothly all the time. How to run CHKDSK on Windows 10There are three main ways that you can run CHKDSK (check disk) to check your hard drive, external drives, and any SSDs you may have. Run CHKDSK from File ExplorerThe easiest way to check for hard drive errors is to run the Error Checking tool via File Explorer. Error Checking is the user interface for the CHKDSK command in Command Prompt. Here’s how to run CHKDSK from File Explorer on Windows 10:
Run CHKDSK from Command PromptYou can run CHKDSK from the Command Prompt. Follow these instructions for entering the CHKDSK command and its unique parameters to tell your Windows operating system exactly what to do and where. Here’s how to run CHKDSK from Command Prompt on Windows:
Keep reading to learn about specific CHKDSK commands and how to use them to fix errors found during a CHKDSK scan. Run CHKDSK from installation mediaIf your computer won’t boot up or you see the Blue Screen of Death upon startup, you can run CHKDSK from an external drive (like a USB) or other installation media with your version of Windows on it. This will check for errors and attempt to fix them before your Windows version boots up. Here’s how to run CHKDSK from installation media:
CHKDSK will scan your Windows drive and attempt to repair any errors when your system reboots. You can also install a clean Windows version from your bootable Windows media by following the steps above and selecting Install Now during step 3. We recommend backing up your data before installing a fresh Windows version. Using CHKDSK in older Windows versionsOlder versions of Windows can still run CHKDSK just like on Windows 10. You can run Error Checking from File Explorer or use CHKDSK commands for Command Prompt — all the commands are the same. Here’s how to access Command Prompt in older Windows versions:
For even older Windows versions, your diagnostic utility might be called ScanDisk instead. The ScanDisk utility also checks for and repairs hard drive file system errors, but is unable to check for errors on NTFS disk drives, which is the default file system in newer versions of Windows. If your PC is running at snail speed even after running CHKDSK, you might need to defrag your PC to reorganize your system data. And be sure to check out our guides to cloning your hard drive, wiping an old drive clean, or formatting a hard drive. How to change a scheduled disk checkWhen a CHKDSK scan is scheduled to run the next time you boot up your PC, it will run automatically. On an older or slower machine, this could increase your boot time significantly. But you can always schedule your CHKDSK scan to run later if you’d prefer to wait. Here’s how to schedule your disk check:
CHKDSK CommandsThere are different CHKDSK commands or parameters you can use to locate and repair issues on your hard drive. After running the basic CHKDSK command, you may not need to use additional commands if the results state that no repairs are required. Otherwise, here’s an overview of CHKDSK commands and their functions:
CHKDSK TroubleshootingHere are some common errors that may occur when running a CHKDSK scan. Windows found errors on this drive that need to be repairedSometimes after running the basic CHKDSK command in Command Prompt, or scanning with the Error Checking utility, you’ll be prompted to Repair this drive. That doesn’t mean CHKDSK failed. Instead, it indicates that CHKDSK found errors, but did not try to fix them. Here’s how to repair the drive:
Drive is currently in use or in read-only modeIf you see an error message saying your drive is currently in use or in read-only mode, it means that the drive you’re trying to scan is currently active and CHKDSK can’t fix it while it’s in use. Here’s how to check if any programs are open using the Task Manager.
While your Task Manager is open, you should also check your disk usage percentage, which is shown in the Disk column. This number should remain under 20%. If you consistently find it hovering close to 100%, you need to identify the disk usage issue and fix it. If you find yourself in a constant battle against error messages, 100% disk percentage, and a slow-performing PC, you may want to upgrade from an HDD to an SSD. Maintain your PC’s performance with Avast CleanupRegularly running a CHKDSK scan on your Windows PC is good computer hygiene. It’s also important to use a dedicated performance tool. Avast Cleanup is designed by computer optimization experts to scan and clear clutter from your disk automatically. It’ll also check to see which programs are slowing down your PC, and it can put them to sleep to boost performance. With automatic maintenance and one-click repairs, Avast Cleanup will make sure your machine runs as smooth as the day you got it. What should be entered at a command prompt in order to check and verify all system files?In the command prompt window, type sfc /scannow /offbootdir=c:\ /offwindir=c:\windows and press Enter. System file checker utility checks the integrity of Windows system files and repairs them if required. After the process is complete, reboot the computer.
What should be entered at a command prompt to verify and replace Windows system files including device drivers for many hardware devices?To use the utility to scan all system files and verify them, first close all applications and then enter the command sfc /scannow in an elevated command prompt window.
What is defined as a record of a call for help with a computer problem quizlet?What is defined as a record of a call for help with a computer problem? ticket. You can quickly identify a problem with memory or eliminate memory as the source of a problem by using what tool? Memory Diagnostics. What is the last step in the six step troubleshooting method covered in this chapter?
How can you eliminate the hard drive as the source of an application error?To eliminate the hard drive as the source of an application error, use the Chkdsk command with the /r parameter to check the drive and recover data in bad sectors.
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