chkdsk is used to check for errors in the hard drive and file system. It can fix a variety of problems such as some BSODs and the inability to open or save files.
The chkdsk startup screen shows a 10 second countdown, during which time it is possible to cancel chkdsk by pressing any key. However, once chkdsk has started to run, do NOT stop it, as this could cause errors on the hard disk.
Be prepared to wait for at least 20 minutes for chkdsk to complete. The bigger the hard drive, the longer it will take and it is not uncommon for the process to take several hours.
Please Note
Before running chkdsk it is advisable to first backup all important files.
In particular, if chkdsk is run with a repair switch (/f or /r) and it finds problems, it will try to rescue the corrupted files. This can result in the defragmentation and loss of all these files.
How to run chkdsk
From disk properties in Vista
From an elevated command prompt in Vista
From the Vista DVD
From disk properties in Vista
Click Start then click Computer
Right click the hard drive and select Properties
Click the Tools Tab
Under Error Checking, click “Check Now”
At the UAC prompt, click Continue
Check both options
Click Start
A window will pop up "Windows can't check this disk while it's use".
Click the “Schedule disk check” button to make chkdsk run at next reboot before Vista loads.
Reboot
chkdsk will startup
From an elevated command prompt in Vista
Click Start
In the box above the Start Orb, type cmd. At top left of Start Menu, right click cmd and select “Run as administrator”
At the UAC prompt, click “Continue”The Command Prompt Window will open
Typing chkdsk /? at the command prompt will list all the switches as shown below.
chkdsk /r or chkdsk /f are good choices as these will locate bad sectors, try to fix them and also try to recover the data.
After the command has been typed, press Enter
Chkdsk will now ask if it should run at the next restart.
Type either Y or N
Close the Command Prompt window.
Chkdsk will now run at the next reboot.
NOTE
If a drive other than “C” needs to be checked, specify the drive letter
E.g. chkdsk D:
From the Vista DVD
Configure your PC to boot from the DVD if it isn't already set up that way. You may need to enter the BIOS to configure the PC to boot from the DVD.
Set the boot order to
Floppy (if present)
CD/DVDROM
Hard Disk
SAVE and EXIT
Reboot your PC with the Vista DVD in the drive. When you see the "Press any key to boot from DVD..." prompt, do so.
Loading files might take some time.
The installation will load
Select language, time and keyboard
Click “Next”
Click “Repair Your Computer”. Do NOT click the "Install Now" button.
Highlight the operating system you wish to repair
Click "Next"
Click “Command Prompt”.
When the Command Prompt Window opens, type a command as shown in “From an elevated command prompt in Vista” above
If you have any problems or need help please post your questions in Windows Vista Support
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