What does the command `chkdsk /r` do?

The command chkdsk /r combines two functions: it checks the file system and repairs issues, as well as recovers readable information from bad sectors on a disk. When you run chkdsk with the /r parameter, the tool identifies sectors that cannot be read and attempts to retrieve any data that is still accessible. This is crucial for maintaining data integrity, especially on failing disks.

While fixing logical file system errors is part of what chkdsk does, the /r switch adds the additional capability of also addressing physical problems with the disk, specifically dealing with bad sectors. This distinguishes it from commands that do not include the /r parameter, which focus solely on logical errors rather than physical ones.

Formatting a disk and listing files and directories do not relate to the chkdsk /r function, as those actions are handled by completely different commands in the command-line interface. The focus of the chkdsk /r command is on data recovery from sectors that are not functioning properly, making it an essential tool for anyone dealing with potential disk failures.