Function

• ScanDisk searches hard drives and media for bad sectors--corrupted space on magnetic media, according to Tech FAQ. Critical system errors, not closing programs properly and malicious software can cause bad sectors.
  
  

Benefits

• All computer users should use Scan Disk as often as possible to keep data safe. In addition, running Scan Disk can boost the speed of your computer.
  
  

Tip

• In Windows XP and later operating systems, Scan Disk is called Check Disk. To run Check Disk, open a command prompt by pressing "Start," then "Run," and type "chkdsk" and press "Enter" or "Return."