What is ScanDisk?

ScanDisk is a Microsoft disk repair utility that was replaced by CHKDSK in Windows 2000 and Windows XP. There are two versions, an MS-DOS text version and a Windows graphical version. Both disk utilities have the same features. This program is available in MS-DOS 6.2 through Windows Me.

The scan disk utility has the following features:

• Check media surface and remove bad blocks.
• Find lost file fragments.
• Check files and folders for errors.
• Fix cross-linked files.
• Check for invalid file names.
• Check for invalid date and time.
• Check for duplicate names.

When checking for lost file fragments, you have the option of either returning the lost cluster to the free list or converting it to a file.

Running the Utility

This run this utility under DOS, just type SCANDISK.

Under Windows, start the disk utility this way:

1. Click Start, point to Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Scan Disk.
   
2. Select the options and features you want to use, and then click Start.

Return from ScanDisk to Disk Utilities