The Different Ways to Run ScanDisk on Computers

Usually found in Microsoft Windows and MS-DOS systems, ScanDisk is a very important utility tool that is used for repairing and checking bad clusters and file systems on the hard drive of computers. Thanks to this important maintenance tool, computers can always function properly and efficiently. Be able to fix errors and avoid further problems by learning how to
run ScanDisk on Windows XP and Windows Vista computers.

Running ScanDisk on Windows XP Computers

Unlike in Windows Vista computers, ScanDisk is integrated in the Windows XP operating system. In case you feel the hard disk is not functioning properly, it is good to run this utility right away and fix errors instantly for a faster and more efficient use of computers. Go to the My Computer option in your desktop and then search for the hard drive that you wish to scan. It is possible to run it on the primary hard drive, on secondary hard drives or even on external hard drives.


Right click the hard drive icon and then choose Properties. Inside this window, click the Tools tab and then activate ScanDisk from the error-checking box, which is located somewhere at the top of the Tools tab. You can start by clicking the button labeled Check Now. After doing this, a couple of check boxes will appear. Between these two, select the box labeled Automatically Fix File System Errors. Wait for the utility to perform a fast basic scan that usually lasts for a few minutes.

In case you prefer a more thorough scan, check the box labeled Scan for and Attempt Recovery of Bad Sectors. This kind of scan usually last about 10 hours to complete depending on the hard drive size. Computer experts recommend this type of scan if the problem with the performance of the hard drive is noticeable. Once the scan is complete, wait for the report and then see errors that have been located and fixed. Click on the Close button and enjoy a faster and better performing hard drive.


Running ScanDisk on Windows Vista Computers

For computers running on Windows Vista, click on the Start button and then choose the Vista icon before selecting Computer. Choose a hard drive that you want to scan and wait for the drop down menu. Go down to Properties and then right click it. Somewhere on top, choose the Tools tab and wait for the menu to appear. Click the menu and then select the Error Checking option.

Let your computer run the ScanDisk program and then a message will appear that the program cannot run at that time. Reboot the computer and wait for Vista to run the ScanDisk check. Experts recommend a monthly error checking to ensure a faster and more efficient hard disk.