If you find files missing after running CHKDSK, you can recover them using data recovery software as long as the lost data has not been overwritten. This guide explains why CHKDSK deletes files and how to recover files deleted by CHKDSK step by step.

Why Did CHKDSK Delete My Files

CHKDSK usually does not delete files intentionally. Its main purpose is to scan a drive, identify file system errors, and repair problems that may prevent Windows from accessing data correctly.

However, if your files are lost during the repair process, it may be due to the following causes:

1. File System Corruption

A damaged file system can cause Windows to lose track of file locations. CHKDSK attempts to repair these inconsistencies, but some corrupted file records may be removed during the process.

2. Improper Shutdown or Power Failure

Unexpected shutdowns or forced restarts can interrupt file operations and leave incomplete file information on the drive. CHKDSK may modify these damaged records during repair.

3. Bad Sectors or Drive Errors

If a storage device develops bad sectors, some file data may become unreadable. CHKDSK may isolate affected areas, which can make certain files appear missing.

4. Interrupted CHKDSK Process

Interrupting CHKDSK while it is repairing a drive can cause additional file system issues and increase the risk of missing files.

If CHKDSK deleted your files, stop writing new data to the drive to avoid data overwriting and recover the lost files as soon as possible.

How to Recover Files Deleted by CHKDSK

The easiest method to recover files deleted by CHKDSK is to use professional data recovery software. MiniTool Power Data Recovery can scan the affected drive and help recover lost files without modifying the original data.

Its characteristics are as follows:

  • It provides a free edition with a data recovery limit of 1 GB: You can use the free edition to test whether it can recover your files. If the files are within 1 GB, you can recover them for free.
  • It has excellent compatibility: It is compatible with almost all the common Windows operating systems (like Windows 11/10/8.1/8) and storage devices (like hard drives, USB flash drives, SD cards, etc.).
  • It supports recovering all kinds of files: This data restore tool is capable of restoring diverse files, including documents, photos, videos, audio, emails, and so on.
  • It is equipped with high security: This software is totally clean, has no spyware and it will not damage your drive/data during the recovery process. This ensures that you can perform secure data recovery.

Step 1. Download MiniTool Power Data Recovery Free and then install it on your computer. Do not install this software on the disk where data loss happens so as to avoid data overwriting.

MiniTool Power Data Recovery FreeClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

Step 2. Launch MiniTool Power Data Recovery Free to enter its home page. Now, you need to select the disk partition where CHKDSK deleted files and click the Scan button. Subsequently, the software will start to scan the selected partition for deleted/lost files.

MiniTool Power Data Recovery main interface shows the available partitions and locations.

Step 3. After scanning, all files the software detects will be listed by file path under Path, and you can expand each folder to find the items you need to recover. To save time, you can go to the Type category to browse files by file type.

Alternatively, you can make use of the Filter and Search features to simplify the file discovery process.

MiniTool Power Data Recovery interface shows scan results and Filter and Search features.

Step 4. Tick the checkbox next to each of the required files, and then click the Save button. When a prompt window pops up asking you to select a file directory, select one and click OK. After that, you can go to the selected location to view the recovered files.

MiniTool Power Data Recovery interface shows the Save button and the Recovery Completed box.

How to Recover CHKDSK Files from the Found.000 Folder

If CHKDSK creates a Found.000 folder, you can use TreeSize to locate and recover the files. Follow the steps below:

  1. Download and install TreeSize from the official website.
  2. Open TreeSize and click File > Select Directory for scan. Then select the drive where the lost data is located to scan.
  3. Find and open the Found.000 folder in the scan results. Keep this window open.
  4. Open Windows File Explorer and navigate to where you want to save the files.
  5. Drag and drop the required files from TreeSize to the selected folder in File Explorer.

Wrapping Things Up

Whenever you run CHKDSK and then find it deletes your data during the scan and fix process, you should put an end to the command immediately. The next thing to do is start the recovery tool in order to recover files missing after CHKDSK in time. The sooner you take action, the more likely you will recover all the deleted data.

In addition, we advise you to back up the important data on a regular basis. In this way, no matter what kind of disaster occurs and leads to serious data loss, you can deal with the situation directly and easily, without worrying too much about data security.

If you have questions when using MiniTool products, please contact the support team at [email protected].

Recover Files Deleted by CHKDSK FAQ

Can you recover permanently deleted files from a hard drive?
Yes, you may be able to recover permanently deleted files if the data has not been overwritten by new files. When files are deleted, the system usually removes file records instead of immediately erasing the data. A data recovery tool can scan the drive and restore recoverable files.
Does CHKDSK delete files?
CHKDSK does not usually delete files intentionally. It checks and repairs file system errors. However, when it finds corrupted file records or damaged file information, it may remove invalid entries or move recovered file fragments to the Found.000 folder, making files appear missing.
Where does CHKDSK put recovered files?
CHKDSK may store recovered file fragments in a hidden Found.000 folder on the affected drive. These files are usually saved with the .CHK extension, but they often lose their original names and folder structure.
Can I recover files after running CHKDSK?
Yes, you may be able to recover files after running CHKDSK if the lost data has not been overwritten. Stop using the affected drive and use a data recovery tool to scan for recoverable files. You can also check the Found.000 folder for recovered file fragments.
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About The Author

Shirley
Shirley

Position: Columnist

Shirley holds a bachelor’s degree in English and has been an editor at the MiniTool Team for many years. She specializes in IT-related content, with a focus on data recovery, file backup, disk management, and other technical topics. She is committed to delivering clear, accurate, and practical solutions to help users resolve common computer issues.

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