In addition to configuring networking settings, the Windows Command Prompt can also be used to manage disk storage and file operations. Disk management tasks such as checking disk integrity, formatting drives, copying files, and managing partitions can be performed efficiently using command-line tools. This guide introduces several essential disk management commands, providing step-by-step instructions on how to use them.

Overview of Disk Management Commands

After completing this guide, you will be familiar with the following commands:

- `chkdsk` for checking disk integrity.

- `format` for formatting disk partitions.

- `copy` for copying files.

- `xcopy` for copying files and directories.

- `robocopy` for advanced file copy operations.

- `sfc` for system file checking.

- `diskpart` for disk partition management.

These commands are invaluable for system administrators and power users who need to manage and troubleshoot disk-related issues. This will be a two-part series this is the first part.

Check the part 2 here - Guide to Advanced Disk Management Command-Line Tools in Windows.

1. The `chkdsk` Command

The `chkdsk` (Check Disk) command scans the file system and file system metadata of a specified disk volume for logical and physical errors. It can identify bad sectors on a hard drive and attempt recovery of readable data from those sectors.

Running `chkdsk` in Read-Only Mode

To perform a basic scan of the disk without making any changes:

1. Open the Command Prompt with administrative privileges.

2. Type the following command and press `Enter`:

   chkdsk

   This command runs `chkdsk` in read-only mode, displaying the disk’s file system status without attempting any repairs.

Skipping Folder Structure Checks

To skip checking folder structure cycles:

1. Type the following command and press `Enter`:

   chkdsk /C

   This command skips checking cycles within the folder structure, which can reduce the time taken by the scan.

Fixing Disk Errors and Locating Bad Sectors

To fix disk errors and locate bad sectors:

1. Type the following command and press `Enter`:

   chkdsk c: /f /r

   - The `/f` parameter fixes errors on the disk.

   - The `/r` parameter locates bad sectors and recovers readable information.

When prompted, type `Y` and press `Enter` to schedule the disk check on the next system restart.

2. The `format` Command

The `format` command is used to format a specified disk partition, effectively erasing all data on that partition. This command is useful for preparing a new disk for use or wiping an existing disk for reuse.

Quick Formatting a Drive

To perform a quick format of a drive:

1. In the Command Prompt, type the following command and press `Enter`:

   format f: /q

   The `/q` parameter performs a quick format, which only erases the file table and allows for faster formatting.

When prompted, enter the current volume label and press `Enter`. Verify the volume name by going to File Explorer.

3. The `copy` Command

The `copy` command allows you to copy files from one location to another. This command is simple and efficient for duplicating files without altering the original.

Creating a New Text File

To create an empty text file using the command prompt:

1. Type the following command and press `Enter`:

   type NUL > ABCD.txt

   This command creates an empty file named `ABCD.txt` in the current directory.

Copying a File to Another Directory

To copy the newly created file to another directory:

1. Type the following command and press `Enter`:

   copy ABCD.txt c:\Users

   This command copies `ABCD.txt` to the `Users` folder on the `C:` drive.

Overwriting Files Without Prompt

To copy a file and automatically overwrite any existing file in the target directory:

1. Type the following command and press `Enter`:

   copy /Y ABCD.txt c:\Users

   The `/Y` parameter suppresses the prompt that asks for confirmation before overwriting an existing file.

4. The `xcopy` Command

The `xcopy` command is a more powerful version of the `copy` command. It allows you to copy files, directories, and even entire directory trees from one location to another.

Copying All Text Files to a Directory

To copy all text files in the current directory to the `Downloads` directory:

1. Type the following command and press `Enter`:

   xcopy /Y *.txt c:\Users\

   This command copies all `.txt` files in the current directory to the `c:\Users` directory, automatically overwriting any existing files.

Copying Directories with Subdirectories

1. Return to the Command Prompt and type the following command:

   xcopy <path to the directory you want to copy> <path to directory where you want to copy> /e

   The `/e` parameter copies all subdirectories, including empty ones.

Verifying the Copied Content

To verify that the directory and its contents were copied successfully:

1. Type the following command and press `Enter`:

   dir

   This command lists the contents of the `PLAB` directory in the `Downloads` folder, showing the copied subdirectories and files.

Conclusion

By mastering these disk management commands, you can efficiently manage storage devices, copy files, and maintain the integrity of your disks. These tools are essential for anyone responsible for managing Windows systems, whether for personal use or in a professional IT environment.