How to Run Check Disk or Format a Drive From the Command Prompt
By Timothy Tibbettson 06/15/2023 |
When you can see but can't access a hard drive, it's possible to run diagnostics from the Command Prompt. Typically, this problem occurs with an external drive, but if you boot from a diagnostic app like Ultimate Boot CD, it's possible on any drive.
Open PowerShell by pressing the Windows Key + X and select Windows PowerShell (Admin).
To check the disk for errors, type in chkdsk /f E:, replacing E: with the correct drive letter.
If your drive passes the previous test, another option is to try Microsoft System File Checker because it can scan for and restore corrupted files in Windows.
When all else fails, we will need to format the drive. All your data will be lost, but if you can't access the drive and you made it this far, we have no choice.
Type in format E: /fs:ntfs replacing E: with the correct drive letter.
Hopefully, one of these steps has made your drive useable again. If not, you're probably looking at a dead hard drive.
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Open PowerShell by pressing the Windows Key + X and select Windows PowerShell (Admin).
To check the disk for errors, type in chkdsk /f E:, replacing E: with the correct drive letter.
If your drive passes the previous test, another option is to try Microsoft System File Checker because it can scan for and restore corrupted files in Windows.
When all else fails, we will need to format the drive. All your data will be lost, but if you can't access the drive and you made it this far, we have no choice.
Type in format E: /fs:ntfs replacing E: with the correct drive letter.
Hopefully, one of these steps has made your drive useable again. If not, you're probably looking at a dead hard drive.
Similar:
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