Summary: The “chkdsk” loop error causes the system to run a chkdsk scan and reboot continuously. It’s usually a system file issue or occurs due to a corrupt Windows file. Fix this issue by running an SFC scan, performing StartUp repairs, and resetting chkdsk. The error can make your system data inaccessible and lead to hard drive corruption. Here, we’ll learn how to recover inaccessible data using Stellar Data Recovery Professional for Windows.
“chkdsk” is a utility tool that scans and repairs hard drive issues. Corrupt system files or disk errors can cause it to enter a never-ending loop of checks and reboots known as a chkdsk loop. In this endless cycle, your system becomes unusable as you get little time to access it. However, if this issue is not resolved, it could lead to data inaccessibility.
This blog post will discuss the causes, some effective solutions, and ways to prevent data loss due to the chkdsk loop. We will also discuss how to restore lost files using a DIY data recovery software.
What causes the Check Disk (chkdsk) loop error?
A chkdsk loop in Windows is caused due to file system errors, hardware issues, or corrupt system files on the hard drive.
- Corrupt system files – Damaged or missing Windows system files can cause repetitive chkdsk utility scans and continuously run checks to fix issues.
- Hard drive errors – Bad sectors, failing hardware, or virus/malware infection can trigger various system errors on the hard drive and repetitive chkdsk scans.
Other less common causes may include defective RAM, outdated or corrupt drivers, antivirus incorrectly quarantining files, etc.
How to resolve a Windows check disk loop?
There are several methods to fix the issues that cause a chkdsk loop on a Windows system. Let’s see them explained below.
1. Run SFC in safe mode
SFC, or system file checker, is a Windows tool that checks and repairs corrupt system files in Windows. Running SFC in Safe Mode often fixes any file system issues.
Follow these steps to run it safely:
- Restart your PC and tap F8 continuously to enter Advanced Boot Options.
- Select Safe Mode and click Continue.
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator and type sfc /scannow.
- Allow the scan to complete, then restart normally.
SFC will fix any system file corruption that may trigger the chkdsk loop.
2. Running SFC for Users who can’t get into Windows
If your system is not booting properly, you can access SFC through the installation media’s Recovery Environment. You can boot your Windows PC or laptop from your Windows 8/10/11 installation USB/DVD and run SFC by following the below steps.
- Turn on your computer and tap the F12 key until you enter the one-time boot menu.
- Select the USB drive/DVD from the list and press “Enter.”
- Select the Repair your Computer option.
- Click “Troubleshoot” and then Advanced Options.
- Select “Command Prompt” from the list.
- Identify your Windows drive using BCDEDIT.
- Run SFC with the drive path: <code>sfc /scannow /offbootdir=C:\ /offwindir=C:\Windows</code>
This operation fixes system files to allow Windows to start again.
3. Performing startup repair
As the name suggests, Startup repair diagnoses and automatically fixes startup issues caused by corrupt files. To initiate it, you can follow the below instructions:
- Force restart the computer having issues by pressing and holding the power button down for 10 seconds if it is frozen.
- As the computer reboots hold down the Shift key on the keyboard, which will launch the special Windows Recovery Environment boot options.
- After selecting the language, click ‘Troubleshoot’.
- Move to Advanced options > Startup Repair within the Windows Recovery menu.
- This runs Startup Repair from the recovery partition on the hard drive without needing a separate USB installer.
- Follow the on-screen directions as Startup Repair diagnoses any errors. It will automatically attempt repairs so that Windows boots properly again after restarting.
Startup Repair will resolve chkdsk loop problems in most cases.
4. Resetting Chkdsk
The chkdsk utility schedules periodic scans by default to check and fix errors on your drives. However, this default scheduling can sometimes trigger repetitive scans that cause the chkdsk loop issue.
Resetting chkdsk’s schedule helps prevent unnecessary scans from occurring at startup.
Two ways to reset the schedule are via the command prompt or registry editor.
Resetting via Command Prompt.
- Press the Windows key and type cmd on the search bar to open the Command Prompt.
- Right-click on the Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.
- Type chkntfs / <drive letter>: and press Enter. For example, chkntfs / C: to cancel scans on drive C.
The “chkntfs” command displays the drive’s file system type and cancels any scheduled chkdsk operations. You’ll see a confirmation message if the scheduling is reset successfully.
Alternatively, you can navigate to the registry key controlling boot tasks and modify it by following the below steps.
- Open the Run dialog box by pressing Windows + R, then type regedit and press Enter.
- Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE>SYSTEM>CurrentControlSet>Control>Session Manager>BootExecute.
- Edit the BootExecute value data, and type autocheck autochk and click OK.
This resets the scheduling parameters and prevents repetitive chkdsk scans on future system boots. Try booting your PC after both resets to confirm the chkdsk loop is resolved.
It’s recommended to run this command for all drives like C:, D:, E:, etc., to ensure chkdsk is disabled on all mounted volumes.
Risk of data loss in chkdsk loop?
Many users have reported accidental data deletion during chkdsk caused due to corruption from bad sectors, power failures, hardware faults, or file system errors. Some common data loss scenarios have been stated below:
- Data Corruption– A chkdsk loop repeatedly tries to scan and repair file system errors. However, this process may mark some important data as corrupted or bad sectors, leading to data inaccessibility.
- Failed Drive Components– The endless chkdsk loop usually indicates physical problems with the hard drive. Some common hardware issues are degraded drive heads, failed sectors, or faulty internal components. These problems can risk data loss in a hard drive during scanning and repair.
- Power outages or loose connections– A sudden system shutdown due to power failure, or hard drive disconnection due to faulty cable connectors can introduce disk errors. As partial writes can corrupt data.
- Faulty Reinstallation– If an operating system reinstallation is attempted to resolve the chkdsk loop issue, choosing the wrong partitions to install Windows can cause reformatting of volumes containing personal user files and application data.
How do we prevent data loss in the chkdsk loop?
To avoid the risks of data loss, it’s important to create regular backups. But, since this issue is really random its not possible to completely mitigate the risks. However, if this occurs you must ensure the power supply is not interrupted. Additionally, look that all user applications are closed before you perform chkdsk.
But, If you are unable to prevent data loss or inaccessibility, how can it be recovered? Stellar Data Recovery Professional can safely recover and restore data from an unusable laptop or PC. With its advanced RAW data recovery feature, the DIY Stellar Data Recovery software allows you to recover all types of lost data from an inaccessible hard drive.
All you need to do is remove your hard drive from your Windows PC or laptop and connect it to a working system with the software installed. The professional software’s 4-step data recovery process comprises of connect, scan, recover, and restore helps recover all lost files and deleted data easily.
Investing in Stellar Data Recovery is a safe choice and can help you mitigate the risks of accidental data loss or data inaccessibility in the chkdsk loop.
Conclusion
A chkdsk utility marks bad sectors on the hard drive. However, when corrupt system files or hardware issue can cause a chkdsk loop. This makes your PC unusable and leaves your data inaccessible. If you ignore chkdsk loop, troubled sectors could fail, potentially causing complete disk failure and permanent data loss over time. Thankfully, you can rely on Stellar Data Recovery to recover your data in case of loss. you will have a handy solution for recovering your data.
