How to Use Windows Error Checking Tool to Fix Drive Issues and Prevent DLL Errors

• Fixes file-system metadata: repairs directory/NTFS index issues that lead to missing or unreadable DLLs.
• Recovers bad clusters: isolates failing sectors so Windows won’t read corrupt data into memory.
• Stabilizes apps: fewer I/O errors means fewer “file not found” and “Bad Image” errors at load time.

1. Open File Explorer, right-click the drive (e.g., C:) → Properties.
2. Go to the Tools tab.

Under Error checking, click Check, then follow the prompts.

Scanning can take minutes on large drives—let it finish without interruption.

When the scan completes, apply any recommended fixes. If prompted, restart to finish repairs.

System drives are often locked while Windows is running. Windows will schedule a boot-time check; restart to allow repairs before Windows loads.

Run from an elevated Command Prompt:

chkdsk C: /scan

To fix errors:

chkdsk C: /f

If the drive is in use, schedule at next restart. Check for bad sectors (long scan):

chkdsk C: /r