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How to use the CHKDSK command and get the most out of it in Windows 7? Step by step guide

CHKDSK is a very useful tool for Windows 7 for analyze disks and repair found errors. So you can get the most out of W7, you must know all the functions and secrets that this command has.

Because of this, we have prepared this post so that you can find all the information related to this command and you can become a Windows expert.

But this is not all, You will also find an analysis of each function that CHKDSK has and how you can use them. Do not miss anything because we will also tell you the step by step to correctly execute this command.

What is the CHKDSK command and what is it for in W7?

CHKDSK is a command used through the Windows Command Prompt application. It is used to scan all the discs that you have on your computer and if you have connected an external drive, for example a pendrive, it will also serve to study it.

In this way you can analyze the status of the storage unit, look for errors and repair faults automatically. In addition, it provides information on the type of format the disks have, the amount of resources that need to be repaired and the path to access the data that is housed in them, among other functions.

What are all the functions and tools of CHKDSK?

The command CHKDSK It has different functions that you can use to better execute your task. You should note that the command syntax is CHKDSK : /.

Here are all the tools this command offers to use in W7:

  • /?: Shows a list with all the commands you have at your disposal.
  • / SCAN: if you have NTFS as owner of Windows You can use this function to scan all the discs.
  • / OFFLINESCANANDFIX– This command is useful to use when you don't have an Internet connection. Do the same job as / SCAN, but so offline. You must take into account that you need to put the function before SCAN. Therefore, its use will be: CHKDSK / SCAN / OFFLINESCANANDFIX
  • / PERF: When you need to do a quick scan and you don't worry about using more resources on your computer, you can use this command. You should also put before / SCAN.
  • / SDCCLEANUP: This command requires the use of the / F tool. Used to collect and delete data not used by the command / SCAN. Its correct use is CHKDSK / SDCCLEANUP / F.
  • /F– This command corrects errors on internal and external disks that were scanned using other tools.
  • / V: when you need to know the path of the data that is stored on a disk, you will have to use this command if you have FAT or FAT32. On the other hand, if you have NTFS You will see the messages of the deletion that was made.
  • / L: you can change the size of records when you have type disks NTFS. To do this, you will have to use this function.
  • / X: This command is used to unmount the disk so that it can be repaired.
  • / R: If you have a disk with zones or sectors with errors, you will have to use this tool to recover them and obtain a readable reading.
  • / B: This command will allow you to analyze the clusters with errors of a disk. You will have to use it with / R.
  • / I: you are going to use this function you need to analyze the inputs of indices of the disks.
  • / C: when you have a disc NTFS You can check the cycles of the files.
  • / FREEORPHANEDCHAINS– This function is used to release orphaned cluster chains.
  • / MARKCLEAN: If you need to know the volume of the disks that are without errors, you will have to use this function.
  • / SPOTFIX– This command is used to troubleshoot specific errors on dismounted drives.

Learn step by step how to run CHKDSK in Windows 7 to scan a hard drive

To analyze a hard disk of a computer with Windows 7 operating system using the CHKDSK command you will have to follow these steps:

Enter the application Command Prompt

The first thing you will have to do is access Windows command line. To do this, you will have to write, after having pressed Start, the name of the application and click on it. You must take into account that you will have to access with administrator permission in order to make changes according to the results of the analysis.

Run the CHKDSK command

Run the CHKDSK command

It will appear on your screen a window with a black background and white letters. You will see the disk name which you entered, the operating system and the architecture of the same. In turn, you will find a slightly whiter cursor that appears intermittently.

You will have to write the name of the command (you cannot use the mouse to move the cursor, for this you must use the directional arrows). That is, enter the word below CHKDSK. The system will automatically indicate the type of file you have, if it is NTFS, FAT or FAT32. Then you will know that the data label is Windows.

Enter specific commands

Enter specific commands

After a few minutes, the command will show you the progress of the analysis and later its result. In these moments you will be able to use, according to what I have given you CHKDSK, the different commands that we show you in the previous paragraphs. For example, you will be able to use / SCAN / F to resolve the errors found.

Close the application. Command Prompt

Once you've recovered and repaired data from discs that you analyzed, you will have to get out of the black window. You can click on the "X" that you can see it in the upper right part of the window or write the command EXIT.