Use Error-checking to check your hard drives for errors
From Checkdisk to Scandisk to Error-checking, Windows has continually improved its hard drive checking and repair tools.
Windows Vista includes a hard drive Error-checking tool that can help you find errors and fix them before they become big problems.
To run Error-checking in Windows Vista, click start, click "Computer" then right-click on the hard drive you want to check and select "Properties". Now click the "Tools" tab at the top. Click the "Check Now..." button to begin checking your hard drive for errors. (See image below)
Tip - You're better off waiting until a time when you're not going to need to use your computer for awhile before you run error checking because it can slow your computer down. It takes longer to check your drive(s) for errors if you're busy using programs and working on your computer.
How often should you run Error-checking? If you use your computer a lot, you might want to run it a couple times each month. If you don't use your computer a lot, then once a month should be sufficient. It's a great tool, but only if you use it.
Hard drive errors can sneak up on you and cause you to lose data. So, check your hard drives for errors occasionally, allow the Error-checking tool to repair any errors it finds, and you'll be doing your part to keep your hard drive(s) in tip-top shape.
Tags: Windows Tips Windows Vista Error-checking Computers
