Two part question: 1) Difference between CHKDSK and ScanDisk. 2) is there a better version of CHKDSK made?
In trying to repair a drive I've been trying to figure out what's better to use CHKDSK or Scandisk. Is one a subset of the other? Or, do the two do basically the same funtion? I can't seem to find much documentation on CHKDSK and nearly nothing on Scandisk.
Also, is there a "better" version of either of the utilities -- a non-Microsoft version?
Thanks!
Also, is there a "better" version of either of the utilities -- a non-Microsoft version?
Thanks!
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Gary Case
... another recovery program that's beginning to get a pretty good reputation (I have not used this one -- I have used the two above) is http://www.stellarinfo.com/disk-recovery.htm
ASKER
When you run scan disk via the Windows GUI is it actually running CHKDSK? this is the question i couldn't find the answer to anywhere.
Assuming you're referring to the error checking option on the Tools tab of disk properties ... then Yes. It actually doesn't run it from the GUI if it's the system drive ==> it will schedule it to run on the next reboot. If you're referring to something else, note the details of EXACTLY how you run it [click Start, select ...].
... it is a bit confusing, however, since the original DOS disk checking utility was called Chkdsk; then it was replaced with Scandisk; and then they reverted to "chkdsk" (which is, of course, a much-different program than the original "chkdsk").
If I recall correctly, Scandisk was first added in DOS v6 as an alternative to chkdsk ... and then was used in the Win9X OS's. But with NT and XP your only option is chkdsk.
The new chkdsk is, however, a LOT different than that of DOS days ...
For example, a "chkdsk /?" in DOS 6.2 yields these options:
CHKDSK [drive:][[path]filename] [/F] [/V]
[drive:][path] Specifies the drive and directory to check.
filename Specifies the file(s) to check for fragmentation.
/F Fixes errors on the disk.
/V Displays the full path and name of every file on the disk.
... if you do the same thing in XP you'll see a much longer list of options [/F /V /R /L:size /X /I /C]
The new chkdsk is, however, a LOT different than that of DOS days ...
For example, a "chkdsk /?" in DOS 6.2 yields these options:
CHKDSK [drive:][[path]filename] [/F] [/V]
[drive:][path] Specifies the drive and directory to check.
filename Specifies the file(s) to check for fragmentation.
/F Fixes errors on the disk.
/V Displays the full path and name of every file on the disk.
... if you do the same thing in XP you'll see a much longer list of options [/F /V /R /L:size /X /I /C]
ASKER
i'm familiar with the switches associated with chkdsk, so you don't need to explain that. sometimes i places a failing drive on a system as a slave, or via a usb connection and run SCANDISK on it, via the tools tab on the property sheet. so, scandisk still is around.
The "Error-checking" selection on the Tools tab is not the same as "Scandisk". Scandisk is NOT available in XP :-) ... although you didn't mention what OS you're actually using ==> are you using a 9X OS ??
ASKER
win xp.
okay, so "error checking" uses chkdsk?
okay, so "error checking" uses chkdsk?
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