Run ScanDisk 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 ScanDisk 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 ScanDisk 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.

Instructions for Windows 95/98/ME

1. Click the Start button on the Windows taskbar.
2. Select Run.
3. Type in the word SCANDISK.
4. You will then be asked what drive you want to Scan...select your hard drive, usually C: , then select Standard for Type of Test, and put a check in the Automatically Fix Errors box.
5. Click Start and wait for the process to end.

Instructions for Windows 2000/XP

1. Double click on My Computer on your Windows Desktop.
2. Highlight and right click on (C:), click Properties, then click Tools tab.
3. Under "Error-Checking" click the Check Now button, put a check in the Automatically Fix Errors box.

Note: You will receive an error message stating: "The disk check could not be performed because the disk check utility needs exclusive access to some Windows files on the disk. These files can be accessed only by restarting Windows. Do you want to schedule this disk check utility to occur the next time you restart the computer?"  Click the YES button and restart your computer. When restarting do not press any keys and allow the Error-Check to continue.

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