How to Determine if There Is a Bad Computer Hard Drive

The Windows "Check Disk" utility diagnoses hardware and software problems concerning the hard drive.

The Windows operating system automates and manages most of the functions and processes on your PC, freeing you to concentrate on your preference of activities, such as entertainment (listening to music) and productivity (typing a document). The hard drive, however, suddenly may experience errors that can leave you wondering how to diagnose and fix them. Computer repairs are daunting even for seasoned professionals and technicians. Windows, however, includes a utility in the operating system to help you examine and repair the hard drive.

Things You'll Need

• Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Vista or Microsoft 7 operating system

Instructions

1. Click the "start" command, or click the Windows orb logo button on the task bar to show the start menu. Double-click on "My Computer" or "Computer" to open a window displaying drive-letter assignments.

2. Right-click on the drive letter that you wish to examine, then select "Properties" from the pop-up menu to open a dialog box. For example, the "C" drive is the primary hard drive; it is possible to have a "D" drive or partition on the primary hard drive. Later drive-letter assignments might apply to a second physical hard drive, DVD/CD drive or external hard drive.

3. Click on the "Tools" tab to bring it to the front, then click on "Check Now" in the "error-checking" section, which opens another dialog box.

4. Click check marks in the boxes next to the following options: "Automatically fix file system errors" and "Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors."

5. Click on the "Start" button. If you wish to check the "C" drive housing the Windows operating system, be prepared to restart the computer, since the hard drive will be in use.

6. Monitor the progress of the check disk operation. Read and follow instructions that appear on the computer screen.

Tips & Warnings

• If you would like to revisit the check disk report, use the Windows "Event Viewer" utility to recall that information. Please see "Resources" below for additional information.

• Several minutes may be required to check storage on a large-capacity hard drive.

References

• Microsoft: How to Perform Disk Error Checking in Windows XP
• Microsoft: Windows Vista, Check Your Hard Disk for Errors
• Microsoft: Windows 7, Check a Drive for Errors
• Webopedia: What is Chkdsk?
• Computer Hope: MS-DOS Chkdsk Command Help

Resources

• Jane Talks Tech: Windows Tip of the Day: Viewing Your Chkdsk Report
• Microsoft: TechNet: Winlogon Event ID: 1001