What Is Disk Error Checking?

Hard disk error checking is a process where a computer program scans the hard drive and attempts to find problems such as bad disk sectors--areas of the disk that cannot be used. Disk error checking programs often contain tools to remedy discovered issues.

Function

Disk error checking functions as a way to find out whether there are problems with a hard drive and possibly as a solution to the problem. If disk error scans reveal errors that cannot be fixed, the user can replace the hard drive to avoid problems that might be caused by running a bad hard drive.

Features

Windows operating systems feature a disk error checking utility called Chkdsk. According to Microsoft, the Chkdsk utility is capable of scanning for and fixing problems such as bad sectors, lost clusters, cross-linked files and directory errors. Access Chkdsk by clicking "Start," "Computer," right-clicking on the disk you want to check, clicking "Properties," "Tools" then "Check Now" under "Error-checking."

Considerations

Physical hard disk damage may be detected by error checking but software will not be able to repair physical damage. Back up data on drives with physical damage to protect against data loss.

References

• Microsoft: Check your hard disk for errors
• Microsoft: How to perform disk error checking in Windows XP