How to Scan a Hard Drive for Errors

Computer hard drives can sometimes have errors form on them through normal use or power glitches. These errors can easily be fixed once they are detected. While it may seem like a difficult task, searching your computer's hard drive for errors is actually very simple.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

ScanDisk

1. Open "my computer" and select the hard drive you wish to scan.
2. Right-click on your hard drive and then select "properties."
3. Switch over to the tools tab on the menu that pops up.
4. Look at the error-checking box and click on the "check now" button.
5. Check "Automatically fix file system errors" and "Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors."
6. Press the start button and let the scan complete, following your computer's instructions.

Disk Defragmenter

7. Begin by opening your Start Menu.
8. Select "all programs," then "accessories" and finally the "system tools" folder.
9. Pick "Disk Defragmenter" and then "Analyze."
10. Allow the computer to run the defragmentation process if it determines it is necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use your computer while it is scanning as this can interfere with the scanning process.
• The scan will probably take 20 minutes total; possibly more or less depending on your hardware.
• Your computer may prompt you to schedule the scan on your next system restart. Click yes, and then close all programs and restart your computer.
• These steps may vary slightly depending on the age and make of your computer.
• Do not interrupt your scan as this could cause further complications with your computer.
• Defragmenting can often take more than 30 minutes.
• These steps may also vary slightly depending on the age and make of your computer.
• Do not interrupt your defragmentation as this could cause further complications with your computer.
• Do not use your computer while it is defragmenting as this can interfere with the defragmentation process.

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