How to Run Scandisk at Startup

Scandisk can repair some hard disk errors.

Scandisk (also known as Check Disk) is a Windows utility that scans your computer for hard disk errors and attempts to repair them, improving your computer's performance. Scandisk repairs hard disk issues related to bad sectors, lost clusters, cross-linked files and directory errors, which cause errors when you try to use system folders or launch applications. Running the Scandisk tool at computer start-up lets the utility repair errors safely, without damaging system components.

Instructions

1. Launch Windows Explorer by selecting the "My Computer" icon from the desktop or clicking the "Start" menu and clicking "My Computer." Right-click the "C:" drive, then click "Properties."

2. Click the "Tools" tab and click "Check Now" under "Error Checking." When prompted, click "Continue" and check both options in the "Check disk options field."

3. Click "Start" and click "Schedule disk check." Windows may display a message saying that you cannot check the disk when the computer is in use.

4. Click the Windows "Start" button. Select "Shutdown," then "Restart" to restart your computer normally. The check disk tool runs automatically before Windows relaunches.

References

• vlaurie.com: How to Use Chkdsk in Windows XP