subject: Hard Disks - Check Errors Yourself [print this page] A hard disk is easily one of the most important components of a computer, since that is where all your data is eventually going to be stored. In appearance, it is a stiff and rigid disc that is coated with chemicals to ensure the safety of the data that is contained inside. Their main benefit over other storage media like CDs and USB drives is the fact that they allow the fastest access to software, and also have higher storage capacity compared to the others. Due to the fact that they are very rigid, these discs or platters can be stacked one against the other to give multiple random access to more than one of the same. Most of the latest computers have two to eight platters and the ability to initiate a repair for any part of the system. Although this job is best done by online computer support experts, let's take a look at some of the basics.
To check your hard disk for errors, double click on the 'My Computer' icon, and right click on the C:/ drive icon. Next, click on properties, and then tools; you will get three options error checking/check now, defragmentation/defragment now and back up/back up now. Click on the 'Check Now' of the error checking options, the check disk options dialogue box will appear with two options scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors, and automatically fix file system errors. Check both the boxes, and click start. The Checking disk local disk C dialogue box would appear, and you need to click on yes to continue the process (If this seems complicated, just stay with me here, I have been involved with the online computer support fraternity for a long time, and know a couple of things!)
Following this, you need to restart your computer, and the error checking screen would appear with the process getting initiated. This is a five-step process and would take time according to the size of the disk and the data stored. Once this is done, you will notice a considerable improvement in your system speed, but if you still face problems, call your online computer support technician for a better solution.
