Thanks, but I tried to explain that when I try to use the method you
described (My Computer, right clicking on external drive, properties, tools
etc) to run Check Disk on the external drive, I get the following error
message (see below). I've answered both yes and no and tried to reboot the
PC and power the external drive on and off but nothing changes. It's not my
boot drive, but unlike you say:

If it's not your boot drive, it won't tell you that it needs to
run after the next startup.,

I in fact do get the following error message, if I select
"Automatically fix file system errors", :

"Disk check could not be performed because the disk check utility needs
exclusive access to some windows files on the disk. These files can be
accessed only by restarting windows. Do you want windows to schedule this
disk check the next time you restart your computer Y/N?"

Thanks for your time.

"Brian Tillman" wrote:

greta grip greta wrote:

But I can't seem to get the utility to run on the
external hard drive.

If the disk is attached to your PC, it doesn't matter if it;s internal or
external. You should be able to check your disk by opening My Computer,
right-clicking the disk, choosing Propertoes, selecting the Tools tab, and
then clicking Check Now. As long as it's not your boot drive, then CHKDSK
(not scandisk, no matter what the message says) will run. Make sure you
select "Automatically fix file system errors". I'd also check "Scan for and
attempt recovery of bad sectors", although on a larger disk this can tae
some time. If it's not your boot drive, it won't tell you that it needs to
run after the next startup.
--
Brian Tillman [MVP-Outlook]