[Troubleshooting Guide] Repairing Disk Errors in Windows

[Troubleshooting Guide] Repairing Disk Errors in Windows

/ Sed Galope

Restart From Safe Mode With Networking

Safe Mode with Networking is a diagnostic startup mode in Windows that loads the operating system with minimal drivers and services. When a Windows computer is stuck on repairing disk errors, it could be due to various reasons, including corrupt system files, malware infections, or hardware issues.

Entering Safe Mode with Networking allows users to access the operating system with only the necessary drivers and services. This can help isolate and fix issues preventing the computer from booting normally.

1. Press the Windows key and click the Power icon.

2. Press and hold the Shift key, then click Restart.

3. Click on Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings.

startup settings

4. In the next screen, click Restart.

select restart in startup settings

5. After the reboot, press the F5 key to select Enter Safe Mode with Networking.

enable safemode

6. Your PC will start in safe mode, then run the CHKDSK command.

Run the CHKDSK Command

CHKDSK is a built-in utility in Microsoft Windows that checks the file system and the hard disk for errors and repairs them if possible. Running CHKDSK can help fix various file system errors, including issues with corrupted or missing files, bad sectors on the hard drive, and other disk-related problems.

1. Open the Start menu, and type cmd.

2. Select Command Prompt and run as an administrator.

3. In the Command prompt window, type chkdsk C: /r and press Enter.

chkdsk r

4. If the Chkdsk cannot run, type Y to schedule the Disk Check on the next reboot.

Run Repair Volume Command

When users run the Repair Volume command, the computer will scan the hard drive for errors and attempt to fix them automatically. This process may take some time, depending on the size and speed of the hard drive.

By running the Repair Volume command, users can fix disk errors that may prevent the computer from booting properly. This can effectively fix the stuck-on-repairing disk errors and restore the computer to normal operation.

1. Press Win + X and select Windows PowerShell(Admin).

windows powershell in list

2. Type the following command and press Enter:

Repair-Volume drive-letter –Scan

Note: Replace the drive letter with your original drive letter.

repair volume in powershell

3. Next, type the following commands and press enter after each line:

Repair-Volume drive-letter –OfflineScanAndFix

Repair-Volume drive-letter –SpotFix

4. Wait for the scanning process to finish and restart your computer.

Perform System Restore

System Restore is a built-in feature in Windows that allows users to revert their computer’s settings earlier. When a Windows computer is stuck on repairing disk errors, it could be due to various reasons such as recent system changes, software conflicts, or driver issues. System Restore can restore the computer to an earlier state before the issue occurs, potentially resolving the stuck-on-repairing disk error message issue.

1. Turn on and off your PC 3 times, and it will automatically enter the Startup Repair screen.

2. Click on Advanced Options.

startup repair

3. Click on Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > System Restore.

select system restore in advanced options

4. In the System Restore wizard, select the restore point you would use and click Next.

select system restore point

5. Click Finish to begin the process.

6. Wait for Windows to revert your computer to the restore point.

Run Automatic Startup Repair

Automatic Startup Repair is a built-in Windows feature that can diagnose and fix boot-related issues, including the stuck-on repairing disk errors problem. When a Windows computer cannot boot normally, Automatic Startup Repair will run automatically to detect and repair any issues causing the problem.

1. Download Media Creation Tool to create a bootable USB drive.

2. Insert Windows Installation Media and restart your PC.

3. Press the boot menu key to enter BIOS settings and set the boot disk at the top of the computer’s boot order in BIOS.

4. Select your language preferences and click Repair your computer.

windows repair your computer

5. Click Troubleshoot > Advanced Option > Startup Repair to solve Windows boot failure automatically.

select startup repair

6. Wait for the Startup repair process to finish.

7. Remove the Windows installation media and restart your computer.

Rebuild BCD

The Boot Configuration Data (BCD) is a critical component of the Windows operating system that contains information about the computer’s boot process. When the BCD is corrupted or damaged, the computer may fail to boot, and users may experience issues such as the “stuck on repairing disk errors” problem. Rebuilding the BCD can help fix these issues and restore normal booting functionality.

1. Turn your on and off your PC 3 times, and you will see the Preparing Automatic Repair screen.

2. Click on Advanced Options.

advanced options system restore

3. Click Troubleshoot > Advanced Option > Command Prompt.

command prompt in advanced options

4. Type the following commands and press Enter after each line:

  • bootrec/fixmbr
  • bootrec/fixboot
  • bootrec/scanos
  • bootrec/rebuildbcd

5. Exit the command prompt and restart your computer.

Remove All External Devices

When a Windows computer is stuck on repairing disk errors, There is a possibility that Windows could detect the external drive as the system boot partition, causing your PC to crash upon booting, and it could be due to various reasons, including issues with external devices connected to the computer.

External devices such as USB drives, printers, scanners, or other peripherals can interfere with the boot process and cause the stuck-on repairing disk errors problem. Removing all external devices can help troubleshoot the issue and potentially fix the problem.

Wait It Out

Waiting it out can sometimes solve the stuck-on-repairing disk errors problem in Windows. This is especially true if the issue is caused by a hardware failure or many files needing repair. In these cases, the repair process can take a long time.

Check and Replace Your Hard Disk

A hard disk is an essential computer component that stores all the data, including the operating system, applications, and personal files. If the hard disk is damaged or failing, it can cause the computer to freeze or become unresponsive during the repair process.

Reset Windows

Resetting Windows involves reinstalling the operating system while keeping personal files, applications, and settings intact. This process can help fix software-related issues, including the “stuck on repairing disk errors” problem.

However, before resetting Windows, users should back up all their files to an external storage device or cloud storage service to prevent data loss. Users should also ensure that hardware-related issues do not cause the issue before attempting to reset Windows.

1. Turn your PC on and off three times to enter Windows Recovery Environment.

2. Click Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.

reset your pc option

3. Select an option and follow the on-screen instructions.

reset pc choose options

Troubleshooting Disk Errors in Windows: A Comprehensive Guide to Repair

In this troubleshooting guide, we have explored effective methods to repair disk errors in Windows. Following the step-by-step instructions, you can diagnose and resolve common disk-related issues that may impact your system’s performance and stability. Whether you encounter bad sectors, disk corruption, or file system errors, our guide equips you with the necessary tools and knowledge to tackle these problems. Don’t let disk errors hinder your Windows experience – take control and restore your system’s health with confidence using our comprehensive repair techniques.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Error Message “Repairing Disk Errors This Might Take an Hour”

What Is the Error Message “Repairing Disk Errors This Might Take an Hour”?

Repairing disk errors might take an hour is a message that appears on the screen when a Windows computer is trying to repair disk errors. Disk errors occur on the hard disk drive and can be caused by various factors, such as bad sectors, file system corruption, and physical damage to the disk.

How Long Does It Take To Repair Disk Errors?

If the errors are minor, the CHKDSK process may only take a few minutes to complete. However, if the errors are severe or the hard drive is large, the CHKDSK process can take several hours to complete. During the CHKDSK process, the computer may appear to be unresponsive or stuck, but it’s important to let the process complete to ensure that the errors are fixed.

What Causes Disk Errors?

Various factors, including physical damage, power fluctuations, virus attacks, and software incompatibilities, can cause disk errors. Physical damage to the disk can occur if it is dropped or bumped too hard, resulting in scratches or other deformities that prevent the disk from being read properly.

Is Repairing Disk Errors Safe for My Operating System?

Repairing disk errors can be a safe option for your operating system, but it is important to understand the risks involved. Repairing disk errors involves changing your system, which could cause instability or, worse, failure of some system components. If you choose to repair disk errors on your own, you should always back up critical data first as a precaution.

Can a System Restore Help Repair a Disk Error?

System Restore is a feature in Windows that can help repair and restore system files, settings, and programs. It does this by creating a backup of the system’s configuration at regular intervals. When the computer experiences an issue or problem, System Restore can use these backups to undo changes or restore settings to a time before the issue occurred.

Will It Fix a Disk Error if I Boot Disk?

The answer to this question is usually a “no.” While rebooting the disk might help you temporarily resolve any issues, it will not fix any structural problems or errors that the disk may have. The only way to correct these issues is by using dedicated software designed to repair and optimize disks.

Can My PC Fix a Disk Error with Automatic Repair?

Yes, your PC can fix a disk error with Automatic Repair. This feature can be found in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) and is designed to diagnose and repair common problems that may prevent Windows from starting properly. When you boot into WinRE, the system will scan your computer for errors and try to repair them automatically.

Will it Repair the Disk Error if I Install Windows Again?

It is possible that reinstalling Windows will help you to repair disk errors, but it may not be the best solution. Reinstalling the operating system requires downloading or purchasing a new version of Windows and could take some time, depending on your hardware and internet speeds.

Why Isn’t My PC System Disk Not Functioning Properly?

The reason why your PC system disk is not functioning properly can be due to several factors. It could be because the hard drive has reached its maximum capacity, or some physical trauma could have damaged it. Also, virus or malware infections may be causing the issue.

Sed Galope
Meet the author

Sedfrey is an experienced writer and editor. He's also a PC hardware and gaming enthusiast. In his spare time, he enjoys reading about the latest innovations in the PC market and finding fixes to hardware and software errors.