The hard drive from a computer is one of its fundamental pieces. It stores the most valuable: from the operating system, passing by programs and even our personal documents. For this reason, keeping it healthy is essential.
This is one of the reasons why developers add verification and repair tools. Especially for those of the magnetic type. However, while most run automatically, it is recommended to perform a manual check.
That is why we need commands of which we will deal in this post. If you want to know more about the repair and maintenance of your disk, we invite you to read it.
What is CHKDSK and what is this tool for in Windows 8?
In the first operating systems of Windows based in MS-DOS, a software called Scandisk. It was used to carry out checks on computer disks. He did it in terms of physical integrity and logic. However, from the supported versions on Windows NT (and XP onwards) no longer include the mentioned program. But they use one developed by microsoft called CHKDSK, also know as checkdisk.
The function main of this utility It remains the same. That is, to scan and analyze the sectors of the disk in search of damage or corrupt files and then try to repair them. In the same way that SW of Microsoft they have evolved, they left adding improvements and additional functions to this program. Specifically, from Windows 8 and regarding W7 more modifiers were added to the function. Which we will mention in the next section.
Learn step by step how to use the CHKDSK command in Windows 8
There are different methods to run this utility. It can be done through the properties of "This team" or using the file .bat correspondent. However, the most recommended way and with which we will have more tools is through the "Command Prompt".
Let's see the steps to follow below:
- This is exactly what you should type in the search engine of the start menu. That in the case of Windows 8 it is also the main screen. Once you find it, run it as administrator.
- Type the command "Chkdsk", a space and then the letter of the unit you want to analyze followed by ":". For example, for the disc "C", "CHKDSK C:" and later "Enter".
- Doing so will perform a brief scan of the disk. In case no error is found, the message will appear “There is no list of previously identified problems associated with this unit. No further action is required. ”.
To analyze the hard disk
If you want to carry out an analysis in greater depth and more exhaustively you can add SCAN.
Following the example above:
- CHKDSK D: / SCAN
- If you prefer that this same analysis be done once restarted the system add Forceofflinefix.
- CHKDSK D: / SCAN / OFFLINESCANANDFIX
Correct the errors found
Adding certain parameters to the mentioned function, it is possible that after executing the analysis we can indicate to the system that try to repair it. For this you must add "F" to the line. CHKDSK D: / f
To get information from the hard disk
In the case that you have executed the previous function but the damage is irreparable, you can at least retrieve information containing. It is important that you have another disk on your computer, preferably, do not use another partition of the same hardware. "CHKDSK D: / r ”. You should also know that this tool will keep a copy of the healthy files. Unfortunately damaged or corrupted will be omitted. Although you can use an external program to try to recover them.
Quick analysis
If you do not have too much time to carry out a detailed check of each disk, you can use the command "L". In this way a quick analysis, even if superficial of the disk. "CHKDSK D: / l" Another option for this is assigning increased resources by the computer to search. It is not recommended if you are using other applications. In this case we will use the modifier "Perf" added to Scan. "CHKDSK D: / SCAN / PERF"
Help
A command that can save you with this and other functions at the command prompt is the help prompt. It is as simple as indicating a question mark. In this way, the application returns all the additional parameters. In the case of checkdisk it looks like this: "CHKDSK /?"