How to Start Scan Disk in Windows XP in Safe Mode

1. Turn your computer off by clicking the “Start” menu, choosing “Shut Down” and picking “Restart the Computer” from the drop-down menu.
2. Press “F8” as soon as the computer begins to restart to boot into safe mode. If the computer begins to load Windows, let the process complete, then restart again and be sure to press the “F8” key before Windows begins to load.
3. Use the down arrow to choose “Safe Mode” from the Windows Advanced Options list and press “Enter,” unless you have a specific reason for choosing “Safe Mode with Networking.” Either option will work, but “Safe Mode with Networking” loads the subset of drivers necessary to run Windows Networking and these are unnecessary for Check Disk.
4. Wait for the system to completely finish booting into safe mode. Once your safe mode desktop appears, click the “Start” menu and choose “My Computer.”
5. Right-click the icon for the disk you want to scan and choose “Properties.” Select the “Tools” tab.
6. Select “Check Now” under Error Checking. Choose 'Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors,' unless you have a specific reason to choose another option, then click “Start.” Check Disk will scan your drive for errors.