Chkdsk

Microsoft® Windows® XP does not include scandisk. However, it does contain chkdsk. The chkdsk command creates and displays a status report for the disk. It can also be used to list and correct errors on the disk.

Notes:

  • Chkdsk requires exclusive access to a disk volume when it runs. Close all programs before running the chkdsk command. If one or more files on the disk being checked are open, you are prompted to schedule the disk check for the next time the computer is restarted.
  • Depending on the number of files and folders, the size of the disk volume, disk performance, and available system resources, such as processor and memory, the chkdsk command may take a long time to complete.
  • Chkdsk may not accurately report information in read-only mode.

Perform the following steps to use the chkdsk command.

  1. Open My Computer.

    • From the Windows® XP default Start menu, click My Computer.
    • If you are using the Windows XP classic Start menu, double-click the My Computer icon on your desktop.

  2. In the My Computer window, click to select the local disk. From the File menu, click Properties.

  3. In the Local Disk Properties dialog box, click the Tools tab. On the Tools tab, in the Error-checking box, click Check Now.

    Local disk properties

  4. In the Check Disk Local Disk dialog box, select one or both of the option checkboxes, and then click Start.

    Check disk local disk dialog box
    • Automatically fix file system errors - Fixes errors without scanning the volume for bad sectors.
    • Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors - Repairs errors, locates bad sectors, and recovers readable information.

  5. The disk is checked. When complete, close all open dialog boxes.

    Note: All files must be closed for this process to run. If the volume is currently in use, the following dialog box opens.

    Dialog box

  6. In the Checking Disk Local Disk dialog box, to schedule disk check on the next restart, click Yes.

  7. Restart the computer.

  8. The next time the computer is turned on, the disk check executes before entering Windows.

For more information about the chkdsk command, click the following Microsoft hyperlinks.