How to Recover CHK Files from FOUND.000 on Windows
Found files such as FILE0000.CHK inside a FOUND.000 folder after running CHKDSK? These files may contain recoverable data from photos, documents, videos, or other files. This guide explains how to recover CHK files and restore them to their original format using Magic Data Recovery with hard drive recovery or manual file-extension changes.
Supports Windows 7/8/10/11 and Windows Server
Table of Contents
1. What Causes CHK Files?
CHK files are generated by the Windows built-in utility, CHKDSK (Check Disk), which scans storage devices for errors. When files or fragments are found without a linked file name or directory entry—often due to unexpected shutdowns, virus attacks, or bad sectors—they are saved into the FOUND.000 folder with a .chk extension. These files are essentially data that the system could not fully identify or restore to their original state automatically.
2. Are CHK Files Permanently Lost?
No, CHK files are not necessarily lost forever. In many cases, the original data still exists but is missing correct file headers, footers, or metadata. Without proper recovery, however, the content may remain inaccessible. The key is to use reliable CHK file recovery methods to reconstruct and recover these files to a usable format.
3. How to Recover CHK Files
a. Using Magic Data Recovery Software
Magic Data Recovery scans the affected drive for recoverable original files when CHKDSK has replaced file names or directory entries with CHK fragments. It supports preview and batch recovery, allowing you to restore selected files to a safe location.
i. Advantages:
Supports batch recovery, allowing users to restore multiple CHK files at once.
Intuitive interface makes it easy for non-technical users.
Often includes built-in preview and file identification features.
ii. Steps to Use:
① Download and install Magic Data Recovery.
Supports Windows 7/8/10/11 and Windows Server
② Launch the software and select the drive or folder where CHK files are located.
③ Scan for recoverable files. The tool will identify CHK files and suggest original formats.
④ Preview and select the files you wish to recover.
⑤ Click “Recover” and choose a safe location to save the restored files.
You can also find the video tutorial here.
b. Manually Changing File Extensions
If you know the original file type of the CHK file, you can try manually renaming the extension.
i. Disadvantages:
Time-consuming and impractical when dealing with a large number of files.
Requires prior knowledge of the original file type (e.g., .docx, .jpg, .mp4).
Incorrect extension changes may lead to further data corruption.
ii. Manual Steps:
① Open the folder containing the CHK files (usually FOUND.000).
② Enable file extension visibility in Folder Options.
③ Right-click the CHK file, select “Rename,” and change the extension to the correct format.
④ Test the file by opening it with an appropriate application.
4. Conclusion
Recovering CHK files doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Whether you use dedicated CHK file recovery software like Magic Data Recovery for efficiency and batch processing, or manually rename extensions for individual files, there are multiple HDD data recovery ways to restore your valuable data. Remember to always back up important files to prevent data loss situations.
Supports Windows 7/8/10/11 and Windows Server
FAQ
What is a CHK file?
A CHK file is a fragment of data recovered by the Windows CHKDSK utility during disk error checking. These files are stored with a .chk extension when the system cannot determine their original file structure.
Can I recover CHK files for free?
Yes, you can use free tools like Magic Data Recovery Software—a free CHK file recovery software—to scan, identify, and recover 500MB CHK files without cost. Manual renaming is also a free method, though it requires more effort.
Is it safe to use a CHK file converter?
Yes, reputable CHK file recovery software often includes conversion functionality and is safe to use. Always download such tools from official sources to avoid malware. Manual conversion by renaming extensions is also safe but less reliable.
Where are CHK files stored in Windows?
CHK files are usually stored in a hidden folder named FOUND.000 in the root directory of the affected drive. To locate it, open File Explorer, select View > Show, and enable Hidden items. You may also need to disable “Hide protected operating system files” in Folder Options before the FOUND.000 folder becomes visible.
Can I convert a CHK file back to JPG, DOCX, or MP4?
Yes, but only when you correctly identify the file’s original format. Make a copy of the CHK file first, then change its extension—for example, from .chk to .jpg or .docx. Renaming does not repair damaged content, so the converted file may still fail to open if the CHK file contains incomplete or corrupted data.
Can CHK files be recovered with their original names?
Usually, CHKDSK replaces original file names with generic names such as FILE0000.CHK, so manual renaming cannot automatically restore the original names or folder structure. If the original directory information still exists on the drive, data recovery software may be able to find recognizable files and recover more useful metadata than direct CHK file conversion.
Should I delete the FOUND.000 folder and its CHK files?
Do not delete the FOUND.000 folder until you have checked whether its CHK files contain important data. Copy the folder to another drive and attempt recovery or file identification first. Once you have recovered everything useful and confirmed that no needed files remain, the folder and its CHK files can generally be deleted safely.
What should I do if renaming a CHK file does not work?
If the renamed file cannot be opened, its original format may be incorrect, or the CHK file may contain only a fragment of the original data. Restore the untouched backup copy and avoid repeatedly modifying it. You can then scan the affected drive with Magic Data Recovery to search for recoverable original photos, documents, videos, and other files.
