What type of command prompt window is needed to run the Chkdsk command using Vista?

Answer 1

A regular command prompt (with admin privileges if UAC is turned on). Type cmd in the run box, then press enter. (See end of post for some methods to create admin privilege cmd prompt.

From there type

CHKDSK [volume[[path]filename]]] [/F] [/V] [/R] [/X] [/I] [/C] [/L[:size]] [/B]

volume Specifies the drive letter (followed by a colon),

mount point, or volume name.

filename FAT/FAT32 only: Specifies the files to check for fragmentation.

/F Fixes errors on the disk.

/V On FAT/FAT32: Displays the full path and name of every file

on the disk.

On NTFS: Displays cleanup messages if any.

/R Locates bad sectors and recovers readable information

(implies /F).

/L:size NTFS only: Changes the log file size to the specified number

of kilobytes. If size is not specified, displays current

size.

/X Forces the volume to dismount first if necessary.

All opened handles to the volume would then be invalid

(implies /F).

/I NTFS only: Performs a less vigorous check of index entries.

/C NTFS only: Skips checking of cycles within the folder

structure.

/B NTFS only: Re-evaluates bad clusters on the volume

(implies /R)

The /I or /C switch reduces the amount of time required to run Chkdsk by

skipping certain checks of the volume.

Method 1

1. Click on Vista Start button.
2. Locate the Command Prompt menu item (buried deep inside Accessories under All Programs or appear on program access history).
3. Right click on Command Prompt.
4. On the pop-up right click context menu, select "Run as Administrator".

Method 2

1. Click on Vista Start button.
2. Click on Run.
3. Type in "Cmd" (without quotes) in the Open textbox.
4. You should see "This task will be created with administrative privileges".
5. Click on OK or press Enter.

Method 3

1. Press the Win keyboard key or click on Vista Start button.
2. Type cmd into the Start Search textbox.
3. Press Ctrl+Shift+Enter keyboard shortcut. Ctrl-Shift-Enter is the general keyboard shortcut that triggers elevation to "Run as Administrator".
4. Press Alt+C or press Continue to confirm the UAC elevation warning prompt.

Method 4

1. Click on Vista Start button.
2. In the Start Search box, type in "Cmd" (without quotes).
3. Right click on the Command Prompt in the search result listing.
4. In the right click menu, click on "Run as Administrator" menu item.

Answer 2

Click Start, all programs, Accessories, right click command prompt, enter this Chkdsk command: chkdsk c: /r