Use CHKDSK by opening Command Prompt as Administrator and running chkdsk C: /f /r to scan and repair file system errors, scheduling it on reboot if the drive is in use. 2. Run SFC by typing sfc /scannow in Command Prompt to fix corrupted Windows system files, and if it fails, use DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth before running SFC again. 3. Use the Windows Built-in Error Checking Tool by navigating to the drive’s Properties, selecting the Tools tab, and clicking Check under Error checking to scan or repair the drive. 4. Check for Disk Hardware Issues using tools like CrystalDiskInfo to monitor SMART status and replace the drive if signs of failure appear. Use CHKDSK for drive-level issues, SFC for system file problems, and always back up data if hardware failure is suspected.

File system errors in Windows can cause issues like slow performance, corrupted files, or even prevent your system from booting. Fortunately, Windows includes built-in tools to scan and fix these errors. Here’s how to fix file system errors effectively.

1. Use CHKDSK to Scan and Repair Errors

CHKDSK (Check Disk) is the primary tool for checking and repairing file system errors on internal and external drives.

Steps:

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator:

  
  • Press Win X and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows Terminal (Admin).

• Run CHKDSK:

  • Type the following command and press Enter:

    chkdsk C: /f /r

    • Replace C: with the drive letter you want to check.
    • /f fixes errors on the drive.
    • /r locates bad sectors and recovers readable information.

• Schedule Scan (if drive is in use):

  
  • If the drive is your system drive, you’ll be prompted to schedule the scan on the next restart. Type Y and press Enter.
  • Restart your computer. The scan will run before Windows loads.

?? Note: CHKDSK can take a long time, especially with /r, so be patient.

2. Run SFC (System File Checker)

SFC scans and repairs corrupted or missing Windows system files, which can sometimes be mistaken for or contribute to file system issues.

Steps:

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
• Type the following command:

  sfc /scannow

• Wait for the scan to complete (can take 15–30 minutes).
• If issues are found and fixed, restart your PC.

? Tip: If SFC fails to fix issues, try running:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Then run sfc /scannow again.

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3. Use Windows Built-in Error Checking Tool

This is a graphical method to check for file system errors.

Steps:

• Open This PC.
• Right-click the drive (e.g., Local Disk C:) and select Properties.
• Go to the Tools tab.
• Under Error checking, click Check.
• If prompted, click Scan drive (or Repair drive if recommended).
• Follow the prompts. If the system drive is selected, it may schedule the scan on reboot.

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4. Check for Disk Hardware Issues

Sometimes file system errors stem from failing hardware.

What to do:

• Use CrystalDiskInfo (free tool) to check your drive’s health (SMART status).
• Look for warnings like “Caution” or “Bad sectors.”
• If the drive is failing, back up your data immediately and consider replacing it.

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When to Use Each Method?

Scenario	Recommended Tool
Unknown file corruption	chkdsk /f /r
System crashes or boot issues	chkdsk sfc /scannow
Suspect system file damage	sfc /scannow DISM
Prefer GUI over command line	Error checking in Properties
Drive is physically failing	Replace drive backup

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Fixing file system errors regularly helps maintain system stability. Use CHKDSK for drive-level errors and SFC for system file issues. If problems persist, consider hardware failure. Basically, it’s not complicated — just don’t ignore early warning signs.

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