SOVLED! “An Unspecified Error Occurred (766f6c756d652e63 470)”

If you come across “An unspecified error occurred (766f6c756d652e63 470)” while running the CHKDSK command, the corruption on the disk is too much for CHKDSK. To bring the disk back to normal, you should perform SFC and DISM scan. Depending on the situation, you may want to run a malware scan as well. In the case that the issue persists, you could use System Restore to revert your system to a point in the past. 

Dealing With The Error: Suggestions

Perform SFC And DISM Scan 

• Step 1: Press Windows + X to open Quick Link Menu.
• Step 2: Hit Command Prompt (Admin) to run Command Prompt with administrator privileges.
• Step 3: In Command Prompt (Admin), run the command sfc /scannow to perform SFC scan.
• Step 4: When the SFC scan completes, run each of the following commands to start DISM scan.
  • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
  • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
• Step 5: After you finish, restart your computer.

Run A Malware Scan

• Step 1: Press Windows + I to open Settings, select Update & Security and choose Virus & threat protection in Windows Security.
• Step 2: Click Scan options then pick Full scan.
• Step 3: Hit Scan now
• Step 4: Allow the scan to go all the way
• Step 5: Restart your computer.

Make Use Of System Restore 

• Step 1:  Press Windows + I to open Settings, select Update & Security and choose Recovery.
• Step 2: Under “Advanced startup,” hit Restart now button.
• Step 3: Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore.
• Step 4: Pick the restore point you want to use then click Next.
• Step 5:  Follow the onscreen instructions.

Backup Data And Format The Drive

None of the above works? Then your last resort is to back up data and format the drive. That is going to erase everything on the drive including corruption. To avoid creating extra issues, go through the steps down below:

• Step 1: Back up data on the drive.
• Step 2: Go to Search bar, type Control Panel and press Enter.
• Step 3: Navigate to System and Security > Administrative Tools > Computer Management.
• Step 4: Double-click Storage in the middle pane. Next, double-click Disk Management to access your computer drives. Assuming that things proceed smoothly, you should see a list of drives on your computer.
• Step 5: Find the malfunctioning drive, right-click it and pick Format. A new window featuring formatting options would emerge. Leave the default options alone and click the Start button to begin the formatting process. Last but not least, restart your computer.

Causes Of The Error

Generally speaking, the CHKDSK command is capable of addressing disk problems but if it runs into errors, there must be excessive corruption. Aside from that, you should give malware some thought too. The presence of malware on Windows computers could mess up the execution of commands and CHKDSK is not an exception. Unless you take action, the CHKDSK command would have a hard time delivering the desired result. 

Some Common CHKDSK-Related Questions

How long should a CHKDSK scan take?

Ideally, a CHKDSK should last no more than several minutes. If your CHKDSK is taking kind of long, your drive must have many errors. 

Should I run CHKDSK from time to time?

There is no rule regarding how often you should run CHKDSK. However, experts suggest that you run CHKDSK at least once every three months to get the most out of your drive.

Does CHKDSK work on an external drive?

The CHKDSK command is able to scan internal and external drives.

Can I use CHKDSK on a drive that is in use?

Yes. However, you must unmount the drive before performing the scan.