Why Does the CHKDSK Stop When It Is Halfway Done?

CHKDSK examines your hard drive for flaws that could destroy your information.

Windows CHKDSK checks the hard drive for problems that could cause data loss and program malfunction. When it freezes in the middle of its scan, that could indicate a serious problem.

Function

CHKDSK checks for problems by writing and rewriting information to various sectors of the hard drive and sealing them off if they do not write or read correctly. These sectors are listed as "bad sectors" and not used to store any information.

Significance

Sometimes Windows is installed on bad sectors that, when sealed off, cause problems like CHKDSK freezing. Strangely enough, CHKDSK, by running and sealing off bad sectors, can interrupt itself due to vital CHKDSK or Windows files being located on a bad sector and being sealed off. In some cases, Windows will simply freeze -- stop responding to any keyboard/mouse input -- instead of crashing and restarting.

Considerations

Another issue that can cause CHKDSK to stop working is by running programs while CHKDSK is scanning. Programs occupy some parts of the hard drive that CHKDSK needs to check. Running these programs will cause CHKDSK to slow down and the programs to slow down or crash. Be sure to get a good scan by shutting down all programs and leaving the computer alone for CHKDSK to complete.

Warning

If CHKDSK stops when it's halfway done, it could be a sign of total hard drive failure. The best course of action is to start up Windows normally and start copying valuable files to an external source such as an external hard drive, USB drive or disc-based media.

References

• Unmountable boot volume in Windows XP