ARCHIVED: What is ScanDisk?

ScanDisk is a disk analysis and repair tool, first released in Microsoft DOS 6.2, that checks a drive for errors and corrects any problems that it finds. An updated, 32-bit ScanDisk is included with Windows 95, 98, Me, 2000, and XP. Although you can run it from the command line, it is easier to run it as follows:

1. Double-click My Computer.
2. Right-click the drive you want to scan and select Properties.
3. Select the Tools tab. In the "Error-checking" section, click the Check Now button (this button appears in the "Error Checking Status" section in Windows 95, 98, and Me).

To check the current drive for errors at the command prompt in DOS 6.2 or Windows 3.x, 95, 98, or Me, use the following syntax:

  scandisk

In Windows NT 4.0, 2000, and XP, use a different command:

  chkdsk

Note: Do not confuse the Windows NT, 2000, and XP CheckDisk utility with the Windows 95, 98, and Me version. In Windows 95, 98, and Me, CheckDisk is missing certain features that ScanDisk has, such as the ability to do a surface scan. But in Windows NT, 2000, and XP, CheckDisk is a full replacement for ScanDisk, and is missing none of those features. In fact, Microsoft's support site uses the term ScanDisk for the CheckDisk feature in Windows NT, 2000, and XP, except in cases where the term chkdsk needs to be entered explicitly.

You can use options and additional features at the command prompt. To view a listing of these options for ScanDisk, enter:

  scandisk /?

To view a listing of these options for CheckDisk, enter:

  chkdsk /?