How to Fix CHKDSK Stuck on Verifying USN Journal Issue

2023/11/22

Key Notes

Use Windows Recovery Environment to execute CHKDSK.
Recreate the USN Journal if corrupted.
Repair system files using SFC and DISM commands.

Resolving CHKDSK Stuck on Verifying USN Journal in Windows

Encountering the CHKDSK utility freezing while verifying the USN Journal can be a frustrating experience for Windows users. This guide details effective strategies to address this issue, focusing on rebooting in the Windows Recovery Environment and utilizing various commands to repair potential problems within your system.

Step-by-Step Solutions

Step 1: Boot into WinRE to Run CHKDSK

The Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) provides a dedicated space to troubleshoot issues, including executing the CHKDSK command. Follow these steps to access WinRE:

Power down your computer, then press the power button to restart, holding it down to turn off the device. Repeat this three times.
On the fourth start, the system will enter Automatic Repair mode.
Select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options.
Click on Command Prompt to proceed.

Pro Tip: Ensure you have backups before proceeding with disk utility commands to prevent data loss.

Step 2: Recreate the USN Journal

The USN Journal may become corrupt, leading to CHKDSK’s hang-up. To recreate this journal, follow these steps:

Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run the following command to delete the current USN Journal:

fsutil usn deletejournal /d c:

Then, generate a new USN Journal:

fsutil usn createjournal m=1000 a=100 c:

Note: Replace c: with the actual drive letter associated with your error.

After executing these commands, restart your machine and attempt to run CHKDSK again.

Step 3: Repair Corrupted System Files

If CHKDSK fails to run, corrupted system files might be the culprit. Start by running the Disk Cleanup utility to eliminate junk files. Then, execute the following commands in an elevated Command Prompt:

Execute SFC:

sfc /scannow

Execute DISM:

Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Using either command will scan your files for issues and attempt repairs. If problems persist, you may need to repair your installation using installation media.

Step 4: Detach and Reconnect the Drive

Sometimes, simply disconnecting and reconnecting the problematic drive can resolve glitches. To do this:

Safely power down your computer.
Physically unplug the drive, wait a few seconds, and then reconnect it.
Power the computer back on and check if the issue persists.

Step 5: Clone the Failing Drive

If previous solutions fail, the drive may be inherently failing. To safeguard your data, pause your CHKDSK operations and clone the drive using reliable software. If cloning doesn’t work, consider reaching out to a professional data recovery service to prevent permanent data loss.

Additional Recommendations

Always back up important data regularly.
Consider using a dedicated data recovery tool if issues persist.
Stay informed about system updates and patches that may address disk issues.

Summary of Actions

This guide outlines essential solutions for the problem of CHKDSK getting stuck on verifying the USN Journal. From booting into the Windows Recovery Environment and repairing system files to more advanced steps like detaching drives and data cloning, users can leverage these methods to troubleshoot effectively.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with CHKDSK complications can be daunting, but following these steps puts you on the right path to resolving the issues. With diligence, backed by systematic approaches, you can safeguard your system and maintain data integrity. If challenges continue, don’t hesitate to consult with IT professionals for assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal for CHKDSK to get stuck?

Yes, CHKDSK can occasionally become unresponsive, requiring patience. However, if it continues indefinitely, further action is warranted.

Is it safe to stop CHKDSK at stage 5?

While you can stop CHKDSK at stage 5, it is generally not advisable as this may lead to data corruption. If necessary, you can use Ctrl + C or Ctrl + Break to interrupt the process.