Microsoft DOS scandisk command

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About scandisk
Availability
Scandisk syntax
Examples
Scandisk Q&A

About scandisk

Microsoft Scandisk was first introduced with MS-DOS 6.2 and is a software utility capable of checking the hard disk drive and floppy diskette drive for any disk errors.

Availability

The scandisk command is an external command that is available in the below Microsoft operating systems.

MS-DOS 6.2 and above

Tip How do I run Microsoft ScanDisk in Windows?

Scandisk syntax

Below is a listing of available switches in MS-DOS scandisk 6.2 and above. It is important to note that these commands will not work in Windows 95 and above.

scandisk [ drive: | drive:\path\filename | volume_name | /all] [/checkonly | /autofix [/nosave] | /custom] [/fragment] [/surface] [/mono] [/nosave] [/nosummary]

drive:The drive letter you wish to scan.
drive:\path\filenameThe drive and path or filename you wish to scan.
volume_nameThe name of the unmounted compressed volume.
/allChecks and repairs all local drives at once.
/checkonlyChecks drive for errors but will not make repairs.
/autofixFixes errors without asking you first. Saves lost clusters by default as files in the drive's root directory. Cannot be used with /checkonly or /custom.
/customRuns Scandisk using the settings in [custom] section of the scandisk.ini file. Cannot be used with /autofix or /checkonly.
/surfaceAutomatically checks surface after other areas are tested without prompting you first. When used with /custom, will override any /surface setting in [Custom] section of scandisk.ini.
/fragmentChecks individual files for fragmentation. Must specify a drive, path and file name; cannot use any other switches.
/monoUses a monochrome display instead of color.
/nosaveDeletes all lost clusters found by Scandisk. Can be used with /autofix.
/nosummary Prevents display of full-screen summary after each drive. Use with /autofix to prevent prompts for undo diskette.

Examples

scandisk c: /autofix

Scandisk the main hard disk drive for any errors and if found automatically fix those errors.