How to Recover From a Partition Error

Microsoft Windows 7 and Vista support the NTFS file system that includes a set of features designed to ensure proper file system operation even under heavy use. However, power outages, improper shutdown and lack of maintenance over time can cause damage to the NTFS file system and associated partitions, resulting in partition errors and failure to access files and folders on the partition. Run the "chkdsk" utility from the command line to resolve partition errors.

• 1

  Click the "Start" or "Globe" button, then click the "Search" box. Type "cmd" in the "Search" box and then right-click the command line icon that appears in the upper-left pane. Click "Run as Administrator" in the menu that appears. The command line window will display.

• 2

  Type "chkdsk c: /F", substituting "c:" with the drive letter of the partition that displays errors.

• 3

  Press the "Enter" key. If a message appears asking "Would you like to schedule this volume to be checked the next time the system restarts? (Y/N)," press the "Y" key and then press the "Enter" key.

• 4

  Reboot the computer and let the disk scan run and repair the partition.