44. How Do I Check For Disk Errors In Windows XP

Windows XP doesn't use Scandisk to scan your hard drive for errors. Instead Scandisk has been replaced with Check Disk, better known as CHKDSK. There are two ways of checking your disk for errors. The first is via the command prompt and the second is via your hard disk properties.

Command Prompt

Click the Start button.
From the Start menu click Run.
In the Run dialog box type: chkdsk and then press Enter.
Check Disk will now check your drive for errors.
The chkdsk command on its own will simply check the disk for errors. The command itself does have other parameters such as 'chkdsk /f' (without the quotes) to fix file system errors. For further information on other parameters consult the Windows XP Help.

Hard Disk Properties Method

Click the Start Button.
From the Start Menu click My Computer.
In the My Computer Window right click on your hard drive icon.
From the drop down menu select Properties.
In the Properties window select the Tools tab.
Under Error Checking click the Check Now button.
Finally place a check mark in the Check Disk options you require then click the Start button.
Sometimes chkdsk may not be able to access your hard drive. If this happens you will be asked to schedule a chkdsk the next time you boot you machine. Accept this option and then reboot. Chkdsk should then check your drive for errors.