how do I run windows chkdsk (the checkdisk utitlity) on a external hard drive?

Answer 1

It the drive can be seen in windows just goto mycomputer. Right click on it and select PROPERTIES. Click on the TOOLS tab, and under the section ERROR CHECKING, click the CHECK NOW button. Mark both check boxs and click START. Windows will scan it without needing to restart the pc, since non of the important parts are not being accessed.

Answer 2

@dos prompt type

chkdsk drive_name:\ this should do it