Perform a CheckDisk

Run Checkdisk anytime your computer goes down improperly (like a power outage), when you are thrown offline, when you get GPF or IPF error messages, and when you accidentally shut down your computer without closing programs. Running Checkdisk immediately after such crashes can locate and repair problems and may prevent severe damage to programs and data later on. Because errors like crosslinked files can grow in magnitude, early corrective action is best. Always run Checkdisk before you run the Disk Defragmenter.

First, close AOL and any other TPA programs you may be running.

Then, be sure that NO PROGRAMS ARE RUNNING except Explorer and Systray.  If you aren't sure what programs might be running, press CTRL + ALT + DEL ONE time, and look at the task list. If there is a program running, highlight it, then click on End Task.

You should run a ScanDisk every time you get error messages that force you to close AOL.

Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7

  1. Open the Start Menu and click Computer.
  2. Right-click the drive you want to perform a check disk on and select Properties.
  3. Click the Tools tab in the drive Properties window.
  4. Click Check Now under error checking.
  5. To perform a complete check of your hard drive for errors check off both options in the check disk window that pops up.
  6. Click the Start button to start the process.