Computer and Software Support


How to run CHKDSK /R

NOTE: This utility only checks the windows files for corruption. It will not look at other program's files. If the problem is with a windows file, CHKDSK /R will fix it. However, if the problem is from a file from another program, it will not fix the issue.

There is times a corrupted file from another program will corrupt a windows file and CHKDSK /R /F appears to have fixed the issue but later the issue returns. To explain this, I am going to use Quicken. Lets say file Quickenset.dll is corrupted. When you opened Quicken, Windows started freezing because it corrupted a Windows file. You run chkdsk /R /F and Windows is no longer freezing.  Then when you open Quicken, Windows starts freezing again.  The cause of the windows file corruption can be hard to trace. If you ran CHKDSK /R /F and it fixed the issue but you haven't opened Quicken in a month. The system will run fine till then. When you do open Quicken, you may not realize it is Quicken causing the issue.

WARNING: if the corruption is due to a failing hard drive, running this utility may make the issue worse.  If the hard drive is failing, you will need to replace the drive. If you are able to access your files. . . BACK UP YOUR FILES BEFORE RUNNING CHKDSK /R /F. This way if it is a bad hard drive, you will have your files backed up. Then run CHKDSK /R /F

There is two methods of Running CHKDSK

Note: Only run Chkdsk /r when you do not need to use the computer. The process can last anywhere from 45 minutes to several hours.

If you want to look at the log for the CHKDSK to see the results, click here

Run CHKDSK /R from Windows (Preferred and easiest method)

 

Run CHKDSK /R /f from Windows

Follow these steps

  1. Open Command Prompt (Page will open in a separate window)

  2. Type CHKDSK /R /F (there is a space between CHKDSK and the / and space between R and /)

     

  1. Press Enter

   

  1. You will be asked if you want to schedule this volume to be checked the next time the system restarts

     

  1. Press the letter Y

     

  1. Press Enter

   

  1. Reboot the computer 

  2. The system may or may not ask you for your windows CD. If it does, insert the CD

Run CHKDSK /R from DOS

  1. Put your windows CD in the drive

  2. Enter the BIOS and set the system to boot to the CD-ROM first

  3. When you see the message "Press any key", press the Spacebar (If you miss it, reboot the computer and try again)

  4. When you get to the Windows install screen, it will tell you to press "R" or "Enter" Press the letter R

   

  1. It may ask you what windows install you want to boot to. On most systems the choice will be number (1) but if you have a dual boot system or a second drive in the system, it may be different. Press the number that correlates to your operating system

  2. You will be asked for a password. If the administrator has a password, enter it. If the administrator does not have a password, press Enter

  3. You should be at a command prompt. Type "CHKDSK /R" (without the " ")

  4. Press Enter

  5. This utility takes about 45 minutes to an hour to run. It will repeat the process about 5 times before it is done so it looks like it is stuck in a loop but it is not.

When CHKDSK finishes, you will not know the results unless you look at the log. To see the log, click here.