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 No 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 No comments

122 additional answers

Sort by: Newest
  1. Deleted

    This answer has been deleted due to a violation of our Code of Conduct. The answer was manually reported or identified through automated detection before action was taken. Please refer to our Code of Conduct for more information.


    Comments have been turned off. Learn more

  2. Anonymous
    2011-11-23T14:59:56+00:00

    I see you have several replies If you Wish to Use CHKDISK with Windows 7,  i.e. chkdsk /r  Open the COMMAND PROMPT or DOS PROMPT - Right Click and Select Run As Administrator

    C:\Windows\system32>  chkdsk /r

    The type of the file system is NTFS.

    Cannot lock current drive.

    Chkdsk cannot run because the volume is in use by another process.  Would you like to schedule this volume to be checked the next time the system restarts? <Y/N>

    Type Y and enter.

    At the C:> Prompt or C:\Windows\system32> You can type the drive letter of any Drive as with my Sytem I have several Drives i.e. and I can check another by typing that Drive Letter  N:  and this will allow Change Directory to that Drive

    Or you can Use   cd..   to change from directory system32 to Windows and type cd.. and change directory from Windows to the C:> prompt to type in chkdsk /r  ant the same information regarding the Current Drive will appear

    Also, you can use dir /l /p  for a display of Folders & Files the switch/attribute /l is for List and the /P is for Pause, as sometimes there are several Folders and Files, that will not all fit on one screen and these attributes allow you to scroll through all... as at the bottom of the screen will appear Press any key to continue...

    I am currently having problems with my N: drive a Maxtor 1TB

    This link will explain DOS COMMANDS, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_MS-DOS_commands

    Sorry I could not find a page at support.microsoft.com that could explain DOS COMMANDs

    Or you can follow the other instructions listed, assuming you can open Windows 7

    And also, it depends on the Reason you are wanting to check a disk for Errors - Double Click My Computer, right click the Drive you wish to check for Errors, select Properties, Tools Tab,  under Error-checking is a button for Check Now, then you will have 2 Check disk options

    Automatically fix file system errors

    Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors

    The default is set to Automatically fix  which I usually run this and if I still have problems I run both

    Doc

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  3. Anonymous
    2011-11-19T18:19:16+00:00

    If you still need this resolved, take a look at this website:

    http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/130824-chkdsk-will-not-run-startup-vista.html

    Vista and 7 use the same steps.  However, if you are using Windows 7, do NOT download the fixes on the site, just follow the steps.  It sounds as though you have the corrupted registry entry. 

    Good Luck,

    Brenda Thomson

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  4. Anonymous
    2011-10-19T16:36:18+00:00

    I am following this steps, at the end it says it will be done when I start my computer but it does not start when restart my PC.....

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments No comments