THE HARD DRIVE

Scandisk

ScanDisk is a disk analysis and repair tool that checks a hard disk drive for errors and corrects any problems that it finds.

The hard drive is what stores all of your data. It houses the hard disk, where all of your files and folders are physically located. A typical hard drive is only slightly larger than your hand, yet can hold over 100 GB of data. The data is stored on a stack of disks that are mounted inside a solid encasement. These disks spin extremely fast (typically at either 5400 or 7200 RPM) so that data can be accessed immediately from anywhere on the drive. The data is stored on the hard drive magnetically, so it stays on the drive even after the power supply is turned off.

The term "hard drive" is actually short for "hard disk drive." The term "hard disk" refers to the actual disks inside the drive. However, all three of these terms are usually seen as referring to the same thing -- the place where your data is stored.

Why use it? If the power goes off, a program crashes, or you simply turn the computer off without going through the proper shut down procedure, the drive information tables may be damaged. When this happens, it is essential that the computer be allowed to repair the files before they are accessed during normal use.

Normally the next time you restart your computer after any of the events above the computer will automatically start ScanDisk.

To check for errors manually on your hard drive with Scandisk:

·        Open My Computer by double-clicking the My Computer icon on your desktop. My Computer window will open and then right-click on your C: drive.

OR

·        Click on Start and click on My Computer in your Start menu. My Computer window will open and then right-click on your C: drive.

·        Select the Properties option. 

·        Choose the Tools tab.

You will see three options:

1. Scandisk (Error-Checking)

2. Defragmentation

3. Backup

The best thing to do first is to check for errors. This is because if you try to defragment your drive and it hasn’t been checked for errors, you’ll have to do that anyway. Checking for errors is a quick process that will scan the surface of your disk looking for inaccuracies.  

·        Click the Check Now button under the Error-checking section of the Properties window. The Checking Disk window will open.

·        Clicking Start will start the ScanDisk.

Options:

·        Automatically Fix File System Errors – Windows XP will attempt to repair file system errors found during disk checking.

·        Scan For and Attempt Recovery of Bad Sectors – Windows XP will attempt to repair file system errors found during disk checking, locate bad sectors, and recover any readable information located in those bad sectors.

Note: Both options are intensive and require that all running programs be closed (including disabling anti-virus and screen savers) and will cause ScanDisk to run on  

As a result this message box will open: 

Click Yes if you would like to choose these options and Restart your computer.

If you do not select any options you can run ScanDisk immediately. Once this process is completed you may have fixed some errors or simply had some sections of your disk marked off so information won’t be stored in a corrupt section. You will receive a message when the ScanDisk has been completed. 

If errors are found ScanDisk may offer to correct them. Choose Yes and then you can close the program.

It is recommended that you choose the extra options if a program crashes or your data has become corrupt. Otherwise you can skip the extra options and run ScanDisk immediately for improper shutdown or power failures.