How to Check Windows XP Hard Disk Condition

The Check Disk Utility (aka. chkdsk, acronym for check disk) is a diagnostic, fix tool and an integral part of Windows operating system. If you suspect something is wrong, use this utility to check or repair errors that might occur on a hard disk.

You might be able to still use your hard drive temporarily if it is physically damaged, but is more likely to fail soon and cause complete data loss. Before that happens, the reports sent back from this tool can let you prepare for that.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• PC Windows XP O.S., any edition of
• Keyboard
• Mouse
• Some PC troubleshooting experience helpful

1. 
   Chkdsk screen

   To Run the CHKDSK without Error Fix
   
   Choose this method if you just want the Windows to perform a check on your hard disk condition, without it trying to fix any errors that might be found.
   
   (1) Click on the Start button on your task bar. Choose Run, enter "CMD" or "cmd" (without quotes)in the text box. Click OK. The DOS screen will appear.
   
   (2) The default utility check normally directs to Documents and Settings Administrator. To change directory to checking your hard disk, type in cd (follow by a backslash). It will lead you to the top level of c: drive.
   
   (3) To check a different drive, for example, e drive, just type E:.
   
   (4) Type in "chkdsk" (no quotes) after the alphabet of the disk you want to check comes up, and it will run the check disk utility to check that particular disk drive.
   
   See image for details.

2. 
   Check and fix error(s)

   To Let Windows Fix Error After Running the CHKDSK
   
   If you want Windows to attempt fixing the disk error(s) that it might find after performing disk check - - to do this, first back up your files and run it in Safe Mode to avoid any mistakes, as this is dangerous.
   
   This can take up to one hour or longer, depending on your disk configuration and your system. It is normal because of the time attempting to fix the errors it encounters.
   
   (1) On the chkdsk screen (shown in the previous Step image), type in the command prompt "chkdsk/f" (less the quotes).
   
   (2) To continue the chkdsk/f command task, you are required to lock your drive that is to be checked and fixed. Type in the command prompts, for example, "lock D:" or "unlock D:" (less the quotes).
   
   (3) If the drive you want to check is not locked, you may get a message
   saying something like this: "... ...cannot perform check because the disk is currently in use by other programs, the volume needs to dismounted first...". It will ask whether you want to force a dismount on this volume, (Y/N)?
   
   (4) Press Y, then the chkdsk will lock and close all processes in that drive.
   
   (5) If you choose N, you can specify that you want Windows to check the disk next time you restart your computer; chkdsk will autocheck the next time you boot your PC. The autocheck will also happen if chkdsk is unable to lock the drive/volume, even if you choose Y.
   
   See image for details.
   
   WARNING: for experienced users only. If you find problems with your disk after checking it with the check disk utility, you should take it to a reputable, certified repairer and not try this Step if you are in doubt.

3. You can manually check your disk condition by following the above instructions. Windows will only run chkdsk utility the next time you start up PC if it encounters sudden shut down (e.g. electric outage, corrupt disk, or programs) during your previous session. However, in normal PC start up procedure, Windows XP will automatically check if there are any error reports generated before the last time you turn off your computer.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid using a check disk utility other than the default one that came with your Windows. Using a different disk utility will further damage or even fail to report precisely back on errors.

Resources

• How to Use Windows Disk Check Ultility (chkdsk)

[goodselfme]

on 7/8/2009 TX for the help to check windows XP hard disk.

[sonni57]

on 7/7/2009 Thanks for the good details for windows xp hard disk.