When computers save files on their hard drives, they do so using record-keeping systems called 'file systems'. Occasionally running a program to go through that file system and verify the records there is one of basic tasks of computer maintenance. Follow the steps below to use the built-in file system checker in Microsoft Windows: (you may need to be an administrator on your machine to do this)
Click on to 'Start > Computer'. To display the icon for your 'C: drive'. (It works the same from the icon on the desktop, if you have it there).
Right-click on your C-drive, and select 'Properties'
In the 'Properties' window, select the 'Tools' tab, and click on 'Check Now . . .' in the 'Error Checking' box.
In the 'Check Disk C:' window, check the box next to 'Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors', and click the 'Start' button.
When Windows complains that it cannot check the disk because it's in use, click 'Schedule Disk Check' to have it run at the next restart.
Restart the Computer by selecting 'Start > Shutdown > Restart'.
For additional help, please contact the LTS Help Desk at 610-758-4357 or helpdesk@lehigh.edu