Chkdsk is a shorthand code for Checkdisk, and is a problem solving tool in your computer. Chkdsk runs on your system checking specified disks for error, problems, and when prompted will help fix them. Unlike some system tools, this is not accessible from the menus and must be run through the command prompt.

The Commands

To use Chkdsk, you are going to need to know and understand a few simple commands. If you are familiar with programming languages or MS DOS, this process will feel fairly comfortable.

Volume: (colon part of command) tells chkdsk which file(s) to run. Wildcard (* and ?) characters are accepted.

/f: command to fix error on files. If files cannot be fixed while running, chkdsk will ask if files should be checked during start up.

/v: lists the files on a disk as they are checked.

/r: locates bad sections and restores readable information

/x: Makes the volume dismount first, and includes the /f command. **

/i: command to run a more general chkdsk, takes less time.**

/c: does not check the cycles in the folders, reduces time to run chkdsk. **

/l[:size:]: reduced log size to specifications, if left blank will show current log size. **

/?: opens help and support from the command prompt panel.

** These commands can only be used with NTFS (New Technology File System), and is available on Windows operating systems Windows NT and newer, including XP, Vista, and 7.

The Syntax

Whenever you are working in command prompt, how you input commands will matter. They must be in the correct order and in the correct format, or you will get a syntax error back, which basically means that your computer can not understand you.

1. Open main menu and click RUN. In the box, type “cmd”


2. In the box, type “cmd”


3. This Should open window with black background, white characters, and the last line should show: C:\Users\computername>


4. Type in your desired command in this format: chkdsk[volume:][[path]filename] [/f] [/v] [/r] [/x] [/i][/c] [/l[size:]]


5. Not all commands will be used at the same time. Commands will vary depending on desired results.

Examples

If you want to run chkdsk on the D drive you may want to use: chkdsk d: /f

If you are looking to run a general check, type chkdsk *.* This will display a report of the current disk.

Reporting

Chkdsk will give you a detailed report of what it has done, which also includes various exit codes. The report will tell you if things have been fixed, how large the files are, and other pertinent information.

The exit codes are as follows:

• No errors found

• All found errors were fixed

• Either clean up was performed or not performed because the /f command was not used.

• Disk could not be repaired or checked; /f command was not used.

And remember, chkdsk is not a fast running process, depending on the size of the drive being checked, chkdsk can take hours or days to complete. Once started the chkdsk process cannot be stopped.