Fixing File Errors with Chkdsk /f

About once a month you want to check to see if you have problems with your hard drive or Windows program files. Here is the procedure:

1. Click on Start.
2. Select Run.
3. In the box type: cmd.
4. A black DOS window is displayed.
5. At the command prompt type: chkdsk.
6. After chkdsk runs, you will get a report that tells you if there are any errors.
   • If there are no errors, type exit at the prompt (C:\…>)
   • If there are errors, then type chkdsk /f at the prompt
     (C:\…>)
   • You will get a message: Cannot lock current drive.
   • You will get another message: 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) Press Y.
   • At the prompt type: exit.
   • Close all of your programs.
   • Click Start.
   • Select Shutown.
   • At the shutdown, select Shutdown & Restart.
   • Before Windows loads, chkdsk runs and corrects any errors.
   • Windows loads.