ScanDisk ensures that your hard disk stores information properly. It automatically corrects damaged files and helps you regain unused disk space. ScanDisk checks your hard disk for physical errors. If the error occurs in a data storage area, it will relocate the data and mark off the damaged area so that no further data is stored there.

ScanDisk can check files and folders for invalid file names, dates, or times. It can also detect "lost file fragments," and you can choose either to have those automatically deleted or first converted to files for viewing. It can also detect files that inadvertently occupy the same area of a disk, and again you can choose to have these deleted or saved.

After completing its task, ScanDisk can display a summary, indicating whether it found and repaired any errors.

When to run ScanDisk
Microsoft^® Windows^®98 has been enhanced to run ScanDisk automatically in case the operating system is shut down improperly or your hard disk is faulty. In addition, as part of regular maintenance, ScanDisk should be scheduled to run daily at some convenient time when your computer is not otherwise in use. You can also choose to run ScanDisk at any time outside of the set schedule. See Clean up your hard disk drive with ScanDisk to learn how.