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Scandisk

Scandisk is a Microsoft program which checks a hard disk to make sure there are no problems which could lead to data being damaged or lost.

Scandisk does not deal with the data itself. Instead, it deals with the organisation of the data. This is similar to making sure a filing cabinet’s index is accurate and that none of the files are missing.

Hard disks need programs such as Scandisk because the various parts of the disk are constantly reused when old data is no longer needed. This means that the problems caused by damage to the disk can become extremely complicated.

One problem that Scandisk detects is bad sectors. This is when part of a hard disk is physically damaged. A bad sector usually cannot be repaired, but Scandisk can make sure the computer stops using the sector and losing further information.

Another problem solved by Scandisk is lost clusters. This is when part of the disk is empty, but is mistakenly labeled as being used. This often happens when a program aborts (closes down suddenly without the usual exit process.) Scandisk will update the computer so that it can reuse lost clusters.

Scandisk was originally produced by Norton (now Symantec) before Microsoft bought the rights to it.

Most computers will be set up to run Scandisk when they are turned on (before loading Windows). If needed, you can run Scandisk in Windows XP by:

• Double-clicking ‘My Computer’
• Clicking once on the hard disk you want to check, then right-clicking on it
• Clicking Properties
• Clicking Tools and then Check Now
The computer will then restart in Safe Mode to allow Scandisk to run.

Scandisk can be customised to run in a particular way. However, you should not do this unless you understand what changes you are making.

Scandisk is no relation to Sandisk, a data storage manufacturer, though the two are often confused when people make typing errors.