chkdsk and scandisk

[gursaran abott]

hi

I just wanted to know what is chkdsk and scandsk used for in windows xp

I saw a post which said run recovery console from winxp cd and run chkdsk
what does this do ?

please advice
thanks

 

[Jim]

hi

I just wanted to know what is chkdsk and scandsk used for in windows xp

I saw a post which said run recovery console from winxp cd and run chkdsk
what does this do ?

please advice
thanks

Chkdsk can check the file system for errors. It can fix most errors. It
can check sectors on a disk for errors. It can replace sectors with errors
if there are sufficient free sectors.

Scandsk is a corresponding utility for Win9x, but it is not useful under
WinNt.

Chkdsk must have full control of a system disk before it can fix errors. By
running the repair console off a CD, chkdsk can gain this control. Chkdsk
can also be run during bootup, and
during this time it can gain full control.

Jim

 

[AJR]

Both check disks for errors, corrupt files and bad sectors (physical
sections of the drive)

CHKDSK is a command line (Like DOS) utility - Scandisk is primarily a
Windows utility.

The fact that you have a question about the utility - suggest you consider
not "messing" with the Recovery Console.

 

[gursaran abott]

Hi

Q1.Is there a difference if i run chkdsk off windows xp cd from recovery
console

or if run it without booting the system (or can i run without booting the
system)

Q2.How do i run when i boot the system off the winxp cd can you give me the
steps

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Both check disks for errors, corrupt files and bad sectors (physical
sections of the drive)

CHKDSK is a command line (Like DOS) utility - Scandisk is primarily a
Windows utility.

Scandisk is a Windows 9X utility and doesn't exist in Windows XP.
Chkdsk is the only option.

 

[gursaran abott]

Hi

Q1.Is there a difference if i run chkdsk off windows xp cd from recovery
console

or if run it without booting the system (or can i run without booting the
system)

Q2.How do i run when i boot the system off the winxp cd can you give me the
steps

 

[Patrick Keenan]

Hi

Q1.Is there a difference if i run chkdsk off windows xp cd from recovery
console

or if run it without booting the system (or can i run without booting the
system)

If you try to run it from within WIndows, it may well want to reboot the
system so that it can gain control of the drive. If you boot from the CD,
you don't have to reboot because the hard drive is not hosting the OS, and
the CD-based OS has control.

If you have to run the Recovery Console to run chkdsk, it's often because
you *can't* run chkdsk from within Windows - as Windows won't boot.

Q2.How do i run when i boot the system off the winxp cd can you give me
the
steps

Description of the Recovery Console:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314058

You simply boot from CD, follow the prompts to run the Recovery Console.
Press R.
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/win_xp_rec.htm

Or install the Recovery Console to the drive
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307654


You will be asked what Windows install you want to log into, and then for
the Administrator password. On many systems, this means you press Enter.
Then you have a black screen with a C:\Windows prompt, and from this
friendly interface you perform the tasks you need to.

The Recovery Console isn't really a friendly or forgiving tool, and it's a
good idea to know what you are doing and why, before you start. Do your
research now, not when you are stuck.

HTH
-pk

 

[David Webb]

The following article has both written and guided procedures:

How to perform disk error checking in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315265