Do you know that windows XP has a built in checkdisk utility to fix common disk problem in Windows XP?

The checkdisk utility is known as chkdsk , a short form for checkdisk. Checkdisk in windows xp can be run manually by running the file chkdsk.exe located in Windows XP System folder. Chkdsk will verify and repair the integrity of the file system on any chosen volume.

The chkdsk utility can be run using two method. The first is by using Command prompt (cmd.exe) , and the other is by using the Graphical User Interface (GUI) version.

To run chkdsk using command prompt:

1. Click on start menu > Run (Alternatively you can use shortcut key - Windows key + R)
2. Type in “cmd” without the quote, press enter.
3. A command prompt window will appear.
4. Type “chkdsk <drive>:” without the quote.
   e.g : chkdsk C:

The most commonly use command with chkdsk utility is/f and /r. The /f command automatically fixes any errors encountered, the /r command locates bad sectors and recovers readable information. You can use chkdsk utility with /f and /r command by typing:

chkdsk C: /f /r

Usually a reboot will be required if chkdsk find that drive are locked by the Operating System. Chkdsk utility will run after the reboot. You can see more chkdsk option by typing

chkdsk /?

at the command prompt.

To run chkdsk using Graphical User Interface (GUI)

1. Open “My Computer”.
2. Right click on the drive that you are going to run the chkdsk utility.
3. Choose “Properties”.
4. Click on “Tools” tab.
5. Click on “Check Now” button.
6. A pop up window will appear. Tick on both boxes, click “Start Now”.
7. A message will appear saying that Error Checking will run after you restart the computer.
8. You can choose to restart the computer now, and chkdsk will run it restart windows xp automatically.

Chkdsk utility should be run on a regular basis, at least once a month to ensure that your hard disk drive are running without any error(s).

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See also:

• Run checkdisk before defragmenting your hard drive (1)
• Run checkdisk at startup in Windows XP (1)
• Using checkdisk - chkdsk.exe without booting Windows (2)