How reliable is CHKDSK for fixing errors in XP ?

Question

I know that in PRE-XP versions of Windows (well, at least in 98 and ME), there was always a message when running CHKDSK, that SCANDISK was more 'versatile' and should be used instead of CHKDSK.   So far as I can tell, SCANDISK is not available under XP ( Yes?  No?)   Anyway, I just ran CHKDSK on a brand new XP system, and it found an error (errors?), but said it would not fix them unless I re-ran CHKDSK with the /F parameter.   The specific wording indicated that there was a need for 'Correcting errors in the Volume Bitmap.  Windows found problems with the file system.' My question:  Is this reliable?  Or can it cause more damage?   (For what it's worth, the Disk Defragmenter runs, without indicating any problems with the disk) Message Edited by ky331 on 06-29-2005 09:29 PM

msgale · Answer

Chkdsk is reliable.  Historical note there was a version of chkdsk before scandisk.  /f parameter  Fixes errors on the disk. The disk must be locked. If chkdsk cannot lock the drive, a message appears that asks you if you want to check the drive the next time you restart the computer.  P.S. Windows NT and Windows 2K, had, I believe also had chkdsk but not scandisk Message Edited by msgale on 06-29-2005 03:10 PM

Windows General

How reliable is CHKDSK for fixing errors in XP ?

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