Does CHKDSK Delete Files? Recover Data Deleted By It Easily

Can CHKDSK cause data loss? Does CHKDSK delete files?

Have you ever used CHKDSK to scan the hard disk for bad sectors? Users who want to recover corrupted hard drive might choose to use the CHKDSK command in Command Prompt to fix the errors.

But, to their astonishment, it sometimes runs into errors like CHKDSK cannot continue in read only mode; what's worse, it is said to cause data loss.

Many customers have reported missing data after running the CHKDSK command, and they were asking does CHKDSK delete files on earth, and how to recover the files deleted by CHKDSK.

To begin with, it is necessary to figure out what does CHKDSK do.

What is CHKDSK? What does CHKDSK do?

CHKDSK is one of the Windows commands. It is used to check the physical and logical errors in the file system.

According to the Microsoft documentation, running chkdsk requires administrator authorization, and is only used for a local disk but not a net drive.

The chkdsk utility can work with parameters to execute some operations. When without any parameters, it only shows the status of the specified drive but won’t fix any problems.

The command format is:

Among these parameters, /f, /r, /b, etc., are used more frequently. Check the brief introduction.

The /r parameter is quite similar to the Recover command in CMD, some users will use it to recover data from corrupted hard drives.

Why does CHKDSK delete files?

So, why do files disappear after running chkdsk? Data loss may occur as a result of:

• The chkdsk execution process is halted/interrupted.
• Crash/shutdown/power off/restart without warning.
• Virus infection of the file system or files.
• Disconnect before the process is completed (for an external storage device).

Don't worry, we'll go through how to restore data erased by the chkdsk command in the next section.

How to recover files deleted by CHKDSK?

2 methods can help you restore files deleted after using the chkdsk command.

1. Convert files in the FOUND.000 folder into their original formats

After using the chkdsk command, you won’t notice any difference except the data loss, but a folder will be generated.

It is named FOUND.000, since it is a hidden system folder, you cannot access it normally as usual. But you could unhide it.

Step 1. Go to the source drive where the files were lost from > click View > toggle Hidden items.

Step 2. Find and open the FOUND.000 folder.

Step 3. Remember to tick the option File name extensions in View > right-click the CHK file > change the extension to the original extension of the lost files, e.g., jpg.

Thus the CHK files could be viewed and moved as normal.

If this method does not help, just move on to the next one.

2. Restore files deleted by CHKDSK easily

The solution above only allows you to recover one file at a time, and the success rate is still questionable to some degree. For the sake of safety and efficiency, all users need a better, safer, and faster way to recover data after using the chkdsk command.

Given this, you might as well turn to a professional Windows data recovery app - MyRecover for help.

Developed by the leading enterprise in the data security industry, it is dependable and effective in data recovery.

It can recover data from internal/external HDDs, SSDs, SD cards, USB flash drives, and other storage devices. 

It also applies to a variety of data loss scenarios, such as data deletion, Recycle Bin emptying, disk formatting, system crash, virus, and so on. 

Images, movies, documents, spreadsheets, and other 200+ sorts of information are all recoverable. 

Files that have been deleted can be retrieved with their original filename, formats, locations, and so on. 

It is compatible with the following Windows versions: Windows 11/10/8/7/Server.

Step 1. Install and run the software > Hover the mouse over the drive and click Scan to scan.

Step 2. During the scanning process, you could use filters to narrow the search range or target the files you need with extensions.

Step 3. Go to Deleted files > find the original location > select deleted files > click Recover x files. Or go to Other missing files > choose a certain type to restore.

This powerful app also helps recover accidentally formatted hard drive.

FAQ

Answers and explanations to the question “Does CHKDSK delete files” are gathered and detailed in this post. Also, the methods to recover files deleted by CHKDSK command are given as well.

For more related info, check the FAQ corner below.