Problem caused by a hard disk drive error

• Large file transfers from secondary media, such as an external hard drive, to a local hard drive.
• The loss of power to a hard disk drive that causes inconsistent data sectors.
• Problems entering Hibernation or Standby Mode.
• Hard drive lag caused by filter drivers, such as virus scanners.

1. Back up your files and folders immediately to prevent potential data loss.
   How do I back up my files and folders?
   
   
1. Click to open Backup and Restore Center.
2. Click Back up files, and then follow the steps in the wizard. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
2. Run a hard disk drive error checking tool.
   How do I check my hard disk for errors?
   
   
   You can help solve some computer problems and improve the performance of your computer by making sure that your hard disk has no errors.
   
1. Open Computer by clicking the Start button, and then clicking Computer.
2. Right-click the hard disk drive that you want to check, and then click Properties.
3. Click the Tools tab, and then, under Error-checking, click Check Now. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
   
   To automatically repair problems with files and folders that the scan detects, select Automatically fix file system errors. Otherwise, the disk check will simply report problems but not fix them.
   
   To perform a thorough disk check, select Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors. This scan attempts to find and repair physical errors on the hard disk itself, and it can take much longer to complete.
   
   To check for both file errors and physical errors, select both Automatically fix file system errors and Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors.
   
   
4. Click Start.
Depending upon the size of your hard disk, this may take several minutes. For best results, don't user your computer for any other tasks while it's checking for errors.

Note: If you select Automatically fix file system errors for a disk that is in use (for example, the partition that contains Windows), you'll be prompted you to reschedule the disk check for the next time you restart your computer.


3. Make sure the drive cables are plugged in. If they are plugged in and you're still receiving errors, consider replacing the drive cables. Note: As a general rule, we recommend you backup your files on a regular basis in case of any unexpected hardware problems.
   

The most useful command is just to scan immediately, which will scan and attempt to repair any files that are changed or corrupted. You can run that command with this command:

SFC /SCANNOW