Using Windows 7, how do I run CHKDSK?

Anonymous
2011-02-27T02:35:59+00:00

I've searched throughout the Control Panel and it's submenus and options but can find no means to initiate a scan for disk errors!

I did find chkdsk.exe in the Windows\System32 folder but when I double click it, the only response is a flash of the DOS {black, command prompt} screen! Is that the correct response?!

Is there no way to run [schedule] a scan disk [for errors] as there has been in earlier versions of Windows?!

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Windows update

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2011-02-27T17:52:55+00:00

It's done the same way in Windows 7 as it was in earlier versions of Windows:

  1. Open the "Computer" window
  2. Right-click on the drive in question
  3. Select the "Tools" tab
  4. In the Error-checking area, click <Check Now>.

Was this answer helpful?

100+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

122 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2015-07-02T09:56:05+00:00

    Dell machines, AFAIK, never let you run a chkdsk. All the ones I've tried it on, it doesn't do anything, but you do get a 100% completed notice!

    It's the way Dell have run things for ages. You can use their own Hardware diagnostic though, found at start up.

    Hope this helps, colin.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. LemP 74,970 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2015-06-02T00:25:54+00:00

    This doesn't work on my Dell with windows 7, as I call up the cmd mode and the c prompt appears  and I type in dskchk it tells me I am not authorized to do this. It has something to do with the administrator.

    Assuming that you actually typed "chkdsk" rather than "dskchk," please read Gerry Cornell's May 29, 2015, response in this same thread, which you can find HERE.

    In general, please ask a new question rather than responding to a 4-year-old post.  In addition, quoting complete error messages will often greatly increase the likelihood of getting accurate help.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2015-06-01T22:53:57+00:00

    This doesn't work on my Dell with windows 7, as I call up the cmd mode and the c prompt appears  and I type in dskchk it tells me I am not authorized to do this. It has something to do with the administrator.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2015-05-29T12:41:01+00:00

    Select Start, All Programs, Accessories, right click Command Prompt, and click Run as administrator from the drop down menu. Type *cd* and press ENTER. Type "chkdsk c: /r" without the quotes and hit ENTER. Make sure you include the spaces indicated. Enter Y when asked whether you wish to run chkdsk on restarting the computer. Type exit, press the ENTER key and restart the computer.

    To view a copy of a chkdsk report select Start, Control Panel, Administrative Tools, Event Viewer, from the list in the left side of the window expand Windows Logs and select Application. Place the cursor on Application, click Filter Current log in the Action column on the right of window. Use the scroll to the right of Event Sources to select  and check the box before Wininit and click OK. A list of all reports recording the results of running chkdsk is displayed in the centre of the window. To clear the list click Clear Filter in the Actions column.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments