How to use the Windows Disk Error Checking feature on an external drive

Hard disk drive data integrity is always on the minds of end users. This document details the preferred procedure for performing the Microsoft Windows error-checking utility known as checkdisk.

1. Windows 8: Press Windows key () + X.
   Windows 7/Vista/XP: Right-click on (My) Computer and select Manage.
2. Select Disk Management.
3. In the bottom window, right-click on the partition box, which is found to the right of the box containing the Disk number (ie, Disk 1).
4. In the dropdown menu, select Properties.
   
   
    
5. In the Properties menu, select the Tools tab.
6. Select Check now...
   
   

Command-Line Procedure:

To execute CHKDSK:

1. Windows 8: Press Windows key () + X, then select Command Prompt (Admin).
   Windows 7/Vista:
   1. Click on the Start menu.
   2. In the Search programs and files field, type:
      cmd
      and press Enter.
   Windows XP:
   1. Click on the Start menu.
   2. Select Run...
   3. In the Run window, type:
      cmd
      and press Enter.
2. From the window, type:
   chkdsk x: /f
   where x is the drive letter of the drive you want to test.

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