How to Run a Chkdsk Function on Windows XP

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This article will tell you how to perform the check disk function on Windows XP.

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  4. For example, to check drive D, type d:
  5. This takes you to the root directory of the drive.
    • Use the /f switch to automatically repair file system error. Type chkdsk /f and press Enter .
    • Use the /r switch to repair file system errors and scan for and recover bad sectors. Type chkdsk /r and press Enter .
    • If you don't specify a switch for Chkdsk, any errors that are found will not be fixed.
  7. You may be prompted to do this because Chkdsk needs exclusive access to the drive it's checking.
  8. If you had to schedule the Chkdsk operation, then restart your computer.
    • When Windows is loading, Chkdsk should automatically run and check the drive that you specified earlier.
    • Another way to run Chkdsk is to click the Start menu, select My Computer , right-click the drive to check, and go to Properties > Tools > Check now .
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  • Question
    What do I do if my tools are not opening in properties?
    Community Answer
    Open command prompt (Windows key + R and type "cmd") then just type "Chkdsk" in the black window and press Enter. (You need administrator privileges.)
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      Warnings

      • This may take a while depending on hardware speed and number of errors on the hard disk.
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      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Click the Start menu and select Run .
      2. Type "cmd" and click OK .
      3. Type the drive letter followed by a colon and press Enter.
      4. Type "cd\" and press Enter.
      5. Type "chkdsk /f" if you want to automatically repair errors found, or "chkdsk /r" to repair errors and recover bad sectors.
      6. Press Enter.
      7. If prompted to run Chkdsk the next time the computer restarts, press Y and then Enter.
      8. Type "Exit" and press Enter.

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