Losing valuable data can be frustrating, but there are ways to recover files deleted by chkdsk.
CHKDSK or Check Disk is a built-in utility in Windows that checks the file system and hard drive for errors and ensures that it is not corrupted.
Logical file errors may cause data loss or system instability, and running CHKDSK can help prevent or mitigate such issues.
While chkdsk deletes files, it seems corrupt or damaged to complete the repair process. The command may also require files in the process. This can result in unintended data loss for many Windows users.
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How Does CHKDSK Work?
CHKDSK, as mentioned earlier, is a handy utility in Windows to fix any logical issues in Windows computers.
This tool finds and repairs file errors caused by improper computer shutdowns, unsafe USB drive removal, or malware.
CHKDSK, used without any commands, will only display the status of the volumes. However, it can fix volume errors when combined with commands like /f, /r, /x, or /b.
Here is how CHKDSK works:
- It scans the hard drive for errors in the file system, like bad sectors, cross-linked files, or lost clusters.
- If it finds any errors, CHKDSK will try to fix them. This might mean moving data or repairing files.
- CHKDSK also checks metadata, like file locations, sizes, and permissions. It tries to fix any issues it finds.
- If it finds any bad sectors on the hard drive, it marks them as bad so that they won’t be used again.
- Once CHKDSK is done, it reports its findings, including any fixed errors and any bad sectors marked.
Can CHKDSK Delete Data?
As unbelievable as it might sound the answer is yes CHKDSK can delete data. The CHKDSK command is mainly used to fix errors and bad actors within the drive. If the command recognizes anything as a threat or error, it may delete data in order to fix your file.
How Does CHKDSK Work?
CHKDSK, as mentioned earlier, is a handy utility in Windows to fix any logical issues in Windows computers.
This tool can identify and fix logical file errors caused by various actions, such as improper computer shutdown, removing USB drives without properly ejecting them, and malware infections.
CHKDSK, used without any commands, will only display the status of the volumes. However, it can fix volume errors when combined with commands like /f, /r, /x, or /b.
Here is how CHKDSK works:
- It scans the hard drive for errors in the file system, like bad sectors, cross-linked files, or lost clusters.
- If it finds any errors, CHKDSK will try to fix them. This might mean moving data or repairing files.
- CHKDSK also checks metadata, like file locations, sizes, and permissions. It tries to fix any issues it finds.
- If it finds any bad sectors on the hard drive, it marks them as bad so that they won’t be used again.
- Once CHKDSK is done, it reports its findings, including any fixed errors and any bad sectors marked.
Can CHKDSK Delete Data?
As unbelievable as it might sound the answer is yes CHKDSK can delete data. The CHKDSK command is mainly used to fix errors and bad actors within the drive. If the command recognizes anything as a threat or error, it may delete data in order to fix your file.
Now that you know the scenarios when chkdsk can delete your files, let’s quickly find out how to recover chkdsk deleted files.
Can CHKDSK Deleted Files Still Be Recovered?
Yes, chkdsk deleted files can be recovered. However, the chances of recovery will vary based on several factors such as the extent of damage, drive type, date of deletion, etc.
But there is a little light at the end of the tunnel as we have a few effective methods that you can use to recover files deleted by CHKDSK.
4 Effective Methods To Recover Files Deleted By CHKDSK?
Below, we have mentioned effective methods to recover files deleted by chkdsk:
Method 1: By Using A Professional Data Recovery Software
Go for a well-equipped tool with advanced data recovery algorithms like Remo Recover to restore chkdsk deleted files. With a user-friendly interface, the tool can help everyone to recover data from a corrupt hard drive.
If you wish to maximize the chances of a successful deleted chkdsk file recovery, Professional Remo Recover is the way to go
Steps to Recover CHKDSK Deleted Files Using Remo Recover
Follow these steps to recover files deleted by chkdsk using Remo Recover software:
- Download and Install Remo Recover
- Launch the tool, select the drive where the files were deleted by chkdsk, and click on Scan.
- Once the quick Scan is completed, click on Dynamic recovery to get an early view of files being recovered from the drive.
- Once the scan is completed, you can view all the recovered files in the folders listed on the left. Preview the file and click on Recover, and choose a safe location on your computer where you want to save the files.
If you have a backup of the deleted files, then you can try restoring those files from the Backup. The next solution talks about the File History option.
Method 2: Recover Files Lost After CHKDSK With Backup
If you have a backup of your files, you can quickly recover files lost after CHKDSK. Here are the steps to recover files using a backup:
- File History: Search File History in Start menu
- Restore: Select Restore your files with File History
- Browse: Use arrows to find the desired file version
- Select: Click files to restore
- Restore: Click the Restore button
- Change Location: Click Settings icon > Select Restore to > Choose new folder
If everything goes well, you should be able to access your recovered folders at their original location or the location you chose to restore them to.
Important Note: In case you don’t have a backup, you can refer to this article to learn various ways to take a backup of your computer.
Method 3: Use System Restore
System Restore is extremely useful to restore old data. If you have System Restore enabled on your Windows computer, you can use it to recover files lost after CHKDSK. You can do so by following the instructions below:
- System Restore: Search System Restore in Windows search and select Create a restore point from the results
- System Restore: Click System Restore in the System Properties window
- Choose Restore Point: Select a point before the CHKDSK operation
- Confirm: Click Next> Click Finish, and wait and let the restore process to complete.
Note: System Restore may only sometimes be able to restore lost files, mainly if the restore point was created long before the files were deleted. Refer to this article to recover deleted files from an external hard drive.
Method 4: Check the Windows.old folder
Windows created a folder named Windows.old when upgrading the operating system. This folder acts as a safety net and stores all your data before the upgrade which will allow you to revert to your previous setup.
During the upgrade process, the CHKDSK utility may be used to check the integrity of the disk and fix any detected errors. In some cases, CHKDSK may delete files that are no longer necessary or are causing issues with the new operating system.
If CHKDSK deleted any files during the upgrade process, these files might still be present in Windows.old folder. However, not all deleted files will be in this folder, as it only contains a backup of your previous system files and not every file on your disk.
Also Read: Warning!! CHKDSK Reduces Your Disk Space
Conclusion
Losing files through CHKDSK is awful. While there are ways to recover them, the best move is to maintain an updated backup to eliminate any risk of data loss. Above all, taking quick and calculated action is of utmost importance during such scenarios. I hope that this article was able to help you recover your files deleted by CHKDSK
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, running the chkdsk command itself does not delete files. However, if it finds errors that it cannot fix and you choose to proceed with the repair, it may mark the affected clusters as bad and allocate them to the system, potentially causing data loss.
You can run chkdsk with the /f (fix) parameter to automatically fix errors on the disk. Open a command prompt with administrative privileges and type: chkdsk /f C: (replace “C:” with the letter of the drive you want to check and repair). Afterward, restart your computer to allow the tool to scan and fix issues.
CHKDSK may delete data if it encounters severe file system corruption that cannot be repaired. In such cases, it might mark corrupted clusters as bad and attempt to recover what it can. It’s crucial to have a backup of your important data before running CHKDSK, as there is a risk of data loss in extreme cases.
To run CHKDSK with the /f parameter, follow these steps:
a) Open a Command Prompt with administrative privileges (right-click on the Start button, select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin)“).
b) Type the command: chkdsk /f C: (replace “C:” with the letter of the drive you want to check and repair).
c) Press Enter and confirm that you want to schedule the disk check for the next system restart.
d) Restart your computer to allow CHKDSK to run before Windows fully loads.
