Integrity Checks
PartitionMagic checks disk integrity with a sophisticated system of analysis and validation that operates behind the scenes every time you start the program or complete an operation. An initial integrity check scans your disk and reports any partition problems that may prevent PartitionMagic from operating properly. This integrity check acts as an early warning system that informs you of your disk’s status and assures that the disk’s structure is thoroughly analyzed and verified before you alter it.
If your physical disk passes the initial integrity check, you can select the disk’s partitions and use PartitionMagic features; otherwise, an error message appears instead of the partition list. This indicates a problem with your disk, not with PartitionMagic (because no disk modification operations have been initiated). If PartitionMagic finds errors that it can fix automatically, you will be prompted. It is safe to allow PartitionMagic to fix errors. Correct the disk problem, and then restart PartitionMagic. For additional information, see “Resolving Partition Table Errors” on page 114.
In addition to the integrity check at startup time, PartitionMagic performs two integrity checks during any operation. The first check tests the integrity of the file system in the partition before an operation begins (similar to CheckDisk or ScanDisk), and the second check validates your disk’s data after an operation is completed. From start to finish, PartitionMagic examines your disk and informs you immediately if it detects any irregularities.
Browsing Partitions
You can browse the contents of any hidden or visible partition that is formatted with a file system PartitionMagic supports. (See “Supported File Systems” on page 20.) Sometimes it is helpful to see what is in a partition before you modify it. The Norton File Browser also enables you to modify files and folders.
1Select the partition you want to browse.
28Chapter 3: Managing Partitions
