University of Wisconsin Knowledgebase

If Windows will not boot in either normal or safe mode, there may be a problem with the file system on your hard drive, or the hard drive itself. Microsoft provides a utility, checkdisk, that can help determine the state of your hard drive.

• Running Checkdisk from the Windows CD
• Running Checkdisk from the Windows Desktop

Running Checkdisk from the Windows CD

1. You must boot from the Vista installation or recovery disc that came with your computer. Insert your Vista installation DVD and then restart the computer.

2. If you are prompted to Press any key to boot from CD or DVD... do so. If you do not press a key before the message disappears, the computer will not start using the CD or DVD.

3. After your computer has booted from the disc, select your language and then press Next, as shown below.

   

4. Click on Repair your computer as shown below.

   

5. You must choose the operating system that you would like to repair. For most users there will only be one option listed. Select the operating system you wish to repair and click Next as shown below.

   NOTE: If no operating system is available at this step, there is an issue with your Vista installation that cannot be repaired by running chkdsk.

   

6. The System Recovery Options will then appear, as shown below. To run checkdisk, you must click on Command Prompt.

   

7. A black window will appear, as shown below. This is the Command Prompt.

   

   In order to run checkdisk to repair the hard drive, you should type the following:

   chkdsk C: /r

   and press Enter. If Vista is installed on a drive besides the C: drive, you should replace C: with the appropriate drive letter.

8. Checkdisk will now run. The scan may take several hours to complete.

9. When the scan is complete, a report similar to the one below will display. If any errors appear, contact the DoIT Help Desk.

   

10. To leave the System Recovery tool and reboot your computer, type exit and press Enter. Remember to eject your Windows Vista CD or DVD before your system tries to boot from it.

Running Checkdisk from the Windows Desktop

1. Click on the Start Menu, All Programs, Accessories, right click on Command Prompt and click on Run as Administrator.

2. A black window will appear, as shown below. This is the Command Prompt.

   

   In order to run checkdisk to repair the hard drive, you should type the following: chkdsk C: /r and press Enter. If Vista is installed on a drive besides the C: drive, you should replace C: with the appropriate drive letter.

3. Checkdisk will now run. The scan may take several hours to complete.

4. When the scan is complete, a report similar to the one below will display. If any errors appear, contact the DoIT Help Desk.