PC ERRORS
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ChkDsk Errors
When Windows incorrectly shuts down (such as when it locks up and is turned off by pressing the power button, rather than shutting itself off), a utility called ChkDsk is forced to run. This utility, as the name implies, checks the hard disk(s) for any kind of errors. If there are errors, it will fix these before Windows boots up the next time. When these errors go uncorrected, they can cause the computer to crash.
In most cases, ChkDsk works without a hitch. Unfortunately, sometimes it doesn't. When this happens, you'll find that your PC freezes at the ChkDsk boot screen and ceases to boot up Windows. You'd probably think that you're stuck and that Windows won't boot up. That's not true, as you can usually fix most ChkDsk errors. Even if you can't, you can still boot into Windows—if you simply skip the scan.
Why Do ChkDsk Errors Occur?
The causes of ChkDsk errors abound. Sometimes there is simply too many disk fragments that cannot be fixed by a simple ChkDsk scan. Other times, the harddrive has become corrupt. Still other times a virus or piece of spyware is to blame.
Fixing Errors
To fix ChkDsk errors, you can try the following solutions.
Solution #1: Run a Defragmentation
A defragmentation can make a PC run much faster (and eliminate the ChkDsk error) because it organizes files in a very logical manner and reduces the number of fragmented files. The defragmentation can take hours to run, but is generally quite effective. To run it, go to Start>Programs>Accessories>System Tools>Disk Defragmenter. You may want to hit the analyze button first to see if your disk is in need of defragmentation.
Solution #2: Run ChkDsk
One of the most simple fixes to the error is to simply run ChkDsk in normal (or safe) mode. To do this, you'll open up Command Prompt (Start>Programs>Accessories>Command Prompt) and type in ChkDsk. You'll have to then press a key to continue. From there, ChkDsk will run and check for errors. It will then fix said errors upon reboot.
Solution #3: Use SCANDISK
SCANDISK might not be as efficient of a program as ChkDsk is, but it still can fix problems. In fact, Scandisk is known to fix problems that ChkDsk cannot. To run Scandisk, right click the drive (C or D, usually) and click “properties” and then “check disk for errors”. From there, Scandisk will scan the PC and correct errors.
Solution #4: Buy a New Harddrive
Some harddrives that are old become corrupt and thus ChkDsk encounters errors. The only solution to this problem is to buy a new harddrive and install that in the PC.
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