Hard disk self-test at startup? This will be fine

Yesterday, a small partner approached Xiao Bian with a common problem. Every time the computer restarts, it automatically checks the hard disk, and if not addressed in time, it takes a long time to boot into the system. This can be really frustrating, but there are solutions available.

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Fix the Issue from the Start

First, boot into the system and open the Start menu. Type "cmd" and right-click to run it as an Administrator. This will open the Command Prompt with elevated privileges.

Once in the command prompt, type chkdsk d: /f to fix file system errors. Note that for NTFS partitions, you need to unmount them before running the repair. Follow the on-screen instructions carefully.

Disable Boot Disk Check

If the disk has irreparable issues like bad sectors, you might want to skip the pre-boot disk check temporarily. To do this, open the Registry Editor by typing "regedit" in the Start menu. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager, then locate the BootExecute entry on the right side.

Double-click the BootExecute item and remove the text "autocheck autochk". Click OK, then press F5 to refresh the registry. After restarting, your computer will skip the disk check. However, keep in mind that this is only a temporary fix. If the hard drive is failing, it's best to address the issue as soon as possible.

Detect Hard Drive Issues Quickly

You can use specialized tools to check the health of your hard drive. Xiao Bian recommends two: CrystalDiskInfo, which provides a quick overview of the drive’s health status, and HD Tune, which scans for bad sectors. Both are easy to use, and you can find detailed guides online if needed.

Good Habits Prevent Problems

Hard drive failures often result from improper usage rather than just the quality of the drive itself. Maintaining good habits can significantly reduce the risk of issues. For example, avoid sudden power-offs by not holding down the power button for too long. Frequent restarts and unstable power supply can also damage the drive, whether it's an SSD or HDD. Additionally, mechanical hard drives should be kept away from vibrations—like placing a laptop on your lap and moving it around while copying files. These actions can lead to read/write errors or even physical damage.