Fix – Repairing Disk Errors, This Might Take an Hour to Complete

Have you booted your computer only to find repairing disk errors? This might take an hour to complete.” error message? This message sometimes appears when users start the PC, and it is very frustrating to see this. This error message means that there is a problem with the Windows Boot Disk, and you cannot boot to your desktop screen.

Why Does The “Repairing Disk Errors, This Might Take an Hour to Complete” Error Occur?

There are many reasons why the repairing disk errors might occur on your PC. We have listed the most common ones here.

• The default Windows file system has been corrupted.
• Hardware issues like bad sectors on HDD or a failing SSD can also trigger this error.
• Any newly installed software or driver may cause conflicts and interfere with the normal functionality of the OS.
• There is a malware infection on your PC.
• If the file system (NTFS or FAT) gets corrupted, then you might face the Repairing Disk Error.
• If the data on your Hard disk is fragmented, then this error might occur.
• Physical disk errors like loose and faulty cables, incompatible disk formats like Mac-formatted disks, overheated hard disks, and general wear & Tear also result in disk repair errors.
• Some experts have found that power loss when your hard disk is running and unexpected shutdowns can cause disk errors.
• The last cause of disk errors is a full hard disk that has no or less space.

What To Keep In Mind Before Attempting Repairs Or Troubleshooting Errors?

Always Backup Your Data: You might lose data during Hard disk repairs, and hence it is a good practice to maintain a backup of all the important data on your PC.

Keep A Data Recovery Software Handy: If you lose any data, you can get most of it using a powerful data recovery software like Advanced Data Recovery.

Do Not Interrupt Repair Process: Experts state that one must never interrupt the default processes carried out by the Windows OS. If a repair has been initiated, then you have to let it complete.

Monitor The Process: Although this might be time-consuming, it is a good idea to watch the repair process and observe what is going on the screen. You may not be able to capture screenshots at this time, and we recommend that you click images of your screen using your smartphone.

Fixes for “Checking the disk for errors, this might take an hour” Issue

Fix # 1: Remove All External Storage Devices

If you have received the disk repair error message, then check if you have any external storage devices, like USB flash drives, Pen drives, external hard disks, etc, attached to your PC. Remove all external devices and reboot your PC to check.

If the issue was caused by the external device, then it should resolve with a restart.

Fix # 2: Wait For The Process To Complete

The next troubleshooting method you must take is to wait and do nothing for a couple of hours. Although the error message specifies 1 hour, it can take more time to complete the error-repairing process. Hence, we recommend that you wait for the process to complete on its own.

Fix # 3: Run Startup Repair

If the issue persists after waiting for a few hours, then we suggest that you boot up into the Windows Recovery Environment or WinRE and start troubleshooting. We have explained the steps to boot into the WinRE and initiate Startup Repair.

Steps To Enter WinRE

Step 1 – Press Power button to switch off the PC.
Step 2 – Restart computer, and if the Windows logo appears, then press the Power button again.
Step 3 – Repeat the above two steps 2 to 3 times, and you will see the Automatic Repair Screen.

Step 4 – Click on the Advanced options to boot to WinRE.

Steps To Initiate Startup Repair

To begin Startup Repair process, use the steps mentioned below.

Step 1: Launch WinRE menu, and then click on Troubleshoot and Advanced Options.

Step 2: Click on Startup Repair option.

Step 3: Enter your user account and enter the Password.
Step 4: Press Continue and follow the steps.

Read Also : Fix Windows Startup Repair Cannot Repair This Computer Automatically

Fix # 4: Use System File Checker

Here is what you need to do

Step 1 –  Enter the WinRE mode using the steps explained above.
Step 2 – Click on Troubleshoot, Advanced Options, Command Prompt.
Step 3 – Type command written below, followed by Enter key.

sfc /scannow

Step 4 – Wait for the process to complete and reboot your PC.

Editor’s Tip – Use Advanced System Optimizer To Check For Bad Sectors

The Advanced System Optimizer is complete PC optimization tool that helps users to maintain and optimize their computer. It consists of several modules that allow users to carry out a specific maintenance task. One such module within the app is Disk Doctor, which will scan your hard disk for bad sectors and other issues. It also attempts to fix these issues, which will resolve Repairing Disk Errors On Your PC.

Fix # 5: Run The CHKDSK Tool

The Check Disk is a tool made by Microsoft to help check the disk for errors.

Step 1:  Enter the WinRE mode as explained above.
Step 2: Click on Troubleshoot,  Advanced Options, Command Prompt.

Step 3: Once the Command Prompt opens, copy and paste the following command, followed by the Enter key.chkdsk C:\ /r /f /x

Step 4: Please wait until the check disk process completes, and then reboot the PC.

Fix # 6: Rebuild BCD

Some experts have revealed that this error occurs due to corrupted Boot Configuration Data files. We can rebuild the BCD using the following steps.

Step 1: Go to Windows Recovery Environment and click on Troubleshoot.
Step 2: Click on Advanced Options and then Command Prompt.
Step 3: Copy and paste the following commands, one by one, each followed by the Enter key.
bootrec/fixmbr
bootrec/fixboot
bootrec/scanos
bootrec/rebuildbcd

Read Also : How to Access the Boot Menu on Any Windows PC : A Step-by-Step Guide

Fix # 7: Reinstall Windows OS

The last solution that remains to fix the error is to reset the Windows PC. This can be done easily with the following steps.

Step 1: Enter WinRE > Troubleshoot and then click on Reset This PC.

Step 2: Select between “Keep My Files” and “Remove Everything”.
Step 3: Follow the online instructions, and your PC will be reset.

If you have lost the data, then you can recover it as explained in the next section.

Bonus : Use Advanced Disk Recovery To Get Back Your Lost Files

We have Advanced Disk Recovery to help you recover your files and folders even after a format. This amazing disk recovery software can help users recover all sorts of files from a hard disk that has been corrupted or formatted. Here are the steps to use this application –

Step 1: Download & Install Advanced Disk Recovery using the button provided below.

Step 2: Open the app and choose the drive to be scanned.

Step 3: Click on the Start Scan Now Button.
Step 4: Select the Deep Scan option to recover all files and click on Scan Now.

Step 5: Check mark the box beside the files you wish to retrieve and click on the Recover button.

Step 6: Specify the folder where you wish to store these recovered files and click OK.

Conclusion

We hope that you have resolved the “Repairing disk errors, this might take an hour” issue using the steps explained above. If you still have doubts regarding troubleshooting, then leave a note in the comments section below, and we will get back to you.

FAQs

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