Add Check Disk to Your Housekeeping Regimen

I’m sure a bit beyond novices and experienced users are aware of the value of Check Disk (chkdsk) as a utility that can help solve some of their computer problems and improve the performance of their computer by making sure their hard disks are error free.

But I wonder how many novices include a periodic Check Disk as part of their housekeeping regimen.

If you do not include it in your housekeeping regimen, I suggest you consider doing so.

To perform a Check Disk (chkdsk):

1.Click Start then Computer.
2. Right-click the internal or external hard drive that you want to check.
3. Click Properties.
4. Click the Tools tab.
5. Under Error-checking click “Check Now”.

If you’re prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide the confirmation.

To automatically repair problems with files and folders that the scan detects, select “Automatically fix file system errors”. Otherwise, the disk check will simply report problems but not fix them.

To perform a thorough disk check select “Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors”. But be aware because this scan attempts to find and repair all physical errors on the hard disk, it can take much longer to complete.

To check for both file errors and physical errors, select both “Automatically fix file system errors” and “Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors”.

6. Click Start.

Do not use your computer for any other tasks while it’s checking for errors.

Note: If you select Automatically fix file system errors for a disk that is in use (for example, the partition that contains Windows), you’ll be prompted to reschedule the disk check for the next time you restart your computer.

And here’s a tip for those Windows 7 Professional, Ultimate or Enterprise users who may be looking forward to a seasonal visit from a lovable but precocious grandchild who might decide it would be fun to mess with their computer’s Registry.

1. Type gpedit.msc into your Start menu Search box.
2. When the Group Policy Editor opens, navigate to User Configuration\Administrative Templates.
3. Select System.
4. Under Setting in the right panel double-click on Prevent access to registry editing tools.
5. Select the radio button next to Enabled
6. Click OK

Now if your precocious grandchild tries to access your Registry he/she will receive a message advising they cannot access it.

To re establish Registry editing, follow the steps above but select radial button “Not Configured”.

Here’s wishing you a Good Boot.