How to Perform Hard Disk Error Checking

Learn how to check your hard disk for errors in Windows with this comprehensive guide. Whether you’re experiencing performance issues, file corruption, or system crashes, this tutorial covers everything you need to know. Dive deep into step-by-step instructions and essential tips for performing hard disk error checking to ensure the health and reliability of your storage drive.

How to Perform Hard Disk Error Checking

Overview of the Problem

It has to be noted that the operations we are going to describe below cannot solve all problems with your computer freezing or slowing down. Yet in case when the freezing comes from hard disk errors, these actions will certainly help you.

Besides, error correction and keeping your hard drive in a normal condition will help to extend its lifespan and ensure safety of the data which you keep there. That is why it is recommended to run this operation regularly.

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Why Can Errors Appear On a Hard Disk?

There are various causes for errors to emerge. For example, electricity was cut off when you were working on your computer, and while some files of programs were being used. Besides, some users switch off their computer by pressing the power button instead of clicking on “Shutdown” button.

Start / Shut down

Such actions are the same as an unexpected power failure, and it makes the computer to finish its work in an incorrect way. Moreover, there a lot of other reasons for hard disk errors to appear.

Checking the hard disk for errors in Windows

There are several ways to check your HDD for errors. It can be done with the help of CHKDSK integrated command prompt utility or with the use of third-party software. For beginners, the last variant is the best as it is the simplest of all.

Command Prompt: chkdsk

This process can take up quite a lot of time depending on the size of your HDD and the number of errors detected. It is better not to use the computer during this operation. If you run this check on the system disk where your operation system is installed, it should be done after restarting your computer.

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The First Step

First of all, you should go to “This PC.” If there is no such shortcut on the desktop, you can do it via Start menu. If you need to place the shortcut on the desktop you can search the web for advice.

Desktop

The Second Step

Then you should select the disk which you want to check and right-click on it. In the menu that appears, select “Properties.”

local disk C

The Third Step

As you get to properties of the disk, go to “Tools” tab where there is a button “Check” to click. A window will appear with a section “Check disk options.” In this window, check the boxes next to “Automatically fix file system errors” and “Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors.” It will allow discovering file and physical errors on your hard drive. Then click on the button “Start.”

Check disk options

As you do it, the checking process begins, which does not require a user to control it, so you can do something else during this time. When the check is complete, a window will appear saying that the scanning was successful and showing the number of errors found during the scanning if there were any.—

Error checking

That is basically all. This method is quite easy, so any beginner can use it. If necessary, other methods can be used but they require certain experience in using a computer. Beginners can also try using third-party software to check their hard disk and correct all errors automatically.

Keep your information safe from loss, make sure your data storage is in good running order, and then you will not have to worry about data recovery software.

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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: , Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: , Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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