A computer's hard drive is one of its most fundamental components . It stores the most valuable data: from the operating system and programs to our personal documents . For this reason, keeping it healthy is essential.
This is one of the reasons why developers add verification and repair tools , especially for magnetic stripe drives. However, while most run automatically , it's advisable to perform a manual check.
That's why we need the commands we'll discuss in this post. If you want to learn more about repairing and maintaining your hard drive, we invite you to read on.
What is CHKDSK and what is this tool used for in Windows 8?
Early Windows operating systems based on MS-DOS used software called Scandisk . It performed checks on the computer's hard drives, verifying both their physical and logical integrity. However, starting with Windows NT (and XP onwards) , this program is no longer included. Instead, Microsoft uses a program called CHKDSK , also known as checkdisk.
The main function of this utility remains the same : to scan and analyze disk sectors for damage or corrupted files and then attempt to repair them. Just as Microsoft operating systems have evolved, improvements and additional features have been added to this program. Specifically, starting with Windows 8 and compared to Windows 7, more features were added to the function, which we will discuss in the next section.
Learn step by step how to use the CHKDSK command in Windows 8
There are several ways to run this utility. You can do it through the properties of "This PC" or by using the corresponding .bat file . However, the most recommended method, and the one that provides the most tools, is through the "Command Prompt . "
Let's look at the steps to follow below:
- That's exactly what you should type into the Start menu search bar. In the case of Windows 8 It's also the main screen. Once you find it, run it as administrator.
- Write the command “chkdsk”, a space and then the letter of the unit you wish to analyze followed by ":"For example, for the disk "C", “CHKDSK C:” and then "Enter".
- Doing so will perform a brief disk scan. If no errors are found, the message will appear. “There is no previously identified problem list associated with this unit. No further action is required.”.
To analyze the hard drive
If you wish to perform a more in-depth and thorough analysis, you can add “SCAN”.
Following the previous example:
- CHKDSK D: /SCAN
- If you prefer that this same analysis be performed once system restarted adds “Forceofflinefix”.
- CHKDSK D: /SCAN / OFFLINESCANANDFIX
Correct the errors found
By adding certain parameters to the aforementioned function, it's possible to instruct the system to attempt repairs after running the scan . To do this, add "f" to the line: CHKDSK D: /f
To retrieve information from the hard drive
If you've already tried the previous method but the damage is irreparable , you can at least recover the data . It's important to have another hard drive in your computer; ideally, don't use another partition on the same drive. Run " CHKDSK D: /r". Keep in mind that this tool will save a copy of the healthy files. Unfortunately, damaged or corrupted files will be omitted . However, you can use an external program to try to recover them.
Quick analysis
If you don't have much time to perform a detailed check of each disk, you can use the "l" command . This will perform a quick , albeit superficial , scan of the disk. "CHKDSK D: /l" Another option is to allocate more of your computer's resources to the scan. This is not recommended if you are using other applications. In this case, we will use the "perf" modifier added to "scan" . "CHKDSK D: /SCAN /PERF"
Help
One command that can save you with this and other command prompt functions is the help command. It's as simple as typing a question mark . This will display all the additional parameters. In the case of check disk, it would look like this: “CHKDSK /?”
