All about CHK Files

The CHK file type is primarily associated with ScanDisk.

CHK	File extension: CHK
	File type:	data fragment file

What is a CHK file?

CHK files mostly belong to ScanDisk by Microsoft. CHK files are files associated with storing file fragment data on Windows PCs.

Main Use: Microsoft Windows systems contain an inbuilt tool called chkdsk, short for Check Disk. In an attempt to recover bad sectors on the hard disk, Windows runs chkdsk (it can also be run from the command line directly by the user). Any chunks of corrupted data subsequently found are saved as CHK files in a folder named FOUND within the same drive where the scan has been performed. CHK files are usually hidden on Windows PC and can be unhid using the Show hidden files option in Windows Explorer.
Other Uses: CHK file is also used as a database file that contains virus definitions for Sophos Anti-Virus. Intercheck service is used for updating these CHK files while checking the main virus reporting system. These CHK files can be changed using the InterCheck reporting level and configuration settings linked with Syslog. Additionally, CHK files also find use in Netgear routers where they are involved in firmware updates via the Netgear Web browser and storage of low-level data that is used for running the router. Starcraft game stores uncompressed map data in a CHK file.

How to open CHK files

You need a suitable software like ScanDisk to open a CHK file. Without proper software you will receive a Windows message "How do you want to open this file?" or "Windows cannot open this file" or a similar Mac/iPhone/Android alert. If you cannot open your CHK file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a CHK file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.

Online CHK Text Viewer

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Programs that open and convert CHK files:

ScanDisk by Microsoft
See the previous paragraphs to learn more about the main application. CHK files are often referred to as ScanDisk data files because this type of file is primarily created or used by this software.
3D Movie Maker (interface data file) by Microsoft
CHK files are used by 3D Movie Maker, a program developed by Microsoft for children to create films using 3D characters and props. This file format is classified as Data. Related links: 3dmm Forums, 3D Movie Maker
EpiData (check file) by EpiData Association
EpiData is a computer program for simple or programmed data entry and for data documentation. The CHK file contains rules for data entry/checking. This file format is classified as Settings. Related links: EpiData Documentation
Home (checksum database file) by Sophos
Sophos Home is a multiplatform anti-virus software designed by Sophos. The CHK file is used to store virus information. This file format is classified as Database.
ProxySG (image file) by Blue Coat Systems Inc
File extension CHK is basically a binary image for the ProxySG appliances by Blue Coat. This file format is classified as Disk Image.
SSConvert (multilanguage video subtitle data) by Broadstream
Distribution format containing multiple streams of subtitle text, timing and presentation style data for video. This file format is classified as Data.
Starcraft (saved game file) by Blizzard
CHK file extensions are used in Starcraft, a game developed by Blizzard, to store data related to the campaign map of the game. This file format is classified as Game. Related links: Starcraft
WordPerfect (temporary file) by Corel Corporation
WordPerfect is a full office suite developed by Corel Corporation, which is compatible with file formats from other popular office suites. CHK files are used by programs in the suite to temporarily store data, preventing data loss while editting a file. This file format is classified as Data.

CHK file format details:

Each file has a definite file format, that is, how the stored data is arranged in the file. The first characters in a file identify the file format, for example, HTML files start with the bytes <html>. However, different programs can use the same file extension. Furthermore, a file extension can be renamed incorrectly and double-clicking on it will then display an error when it is opened. Exact knowledge of the format is therefore important in order to solve problems occurring in files. Our evaluation of the CHK files is as follows:

The CHK file extension is quite widespread and includes very many different file formats. The following file formats are most commonly found in CHK files:

15% of all CHK files save the data in JPG file format. JPEG is the standard image format for lossy and compressed image data. The content consists of illegible binary data, which can only be read and interpreted by the associated programs. A typical file size is 2 MB. The file type was created 10 years ago, but is still used today. Certain words are almost always found in the files, such as Exif and JFIF. FILE0000.CHK is a typical file name.
8% of all CHK files use the same file format, which have the signature . . If you open these files in a text editor, you will see only illegible characters. The average file size is 16 KB with most files being between 4 KB and 32 KB in size. The following filename is common: FILE0000.CHK or FILE0001.CHK.

All other CHK files (77%) have no uniform format, the following 25 formats can be found: ZIP, PDF, DOC, MP3, EXE, RIFF, PNG, TIFF, Mac2OSX, XML, PSD, LNK, INVOCACION and USBC. Often described as netgear, expressvpn, release, router, data or firmware. You can get all the details of your CHK file by dragging it onto this page or by clicking the button "Choose your .chk file to analyze" above.

Technical Data for CHK File Extension

File classification:

Data

Related files:

check, chck, csk, vif, 000, gjf, photos, tmp, jpg, jrs, log, docx, zip, fchk, db, ole2, jfm, pdf, mp4, chf

The following listing is compiled from the database produced by the 'Associate This!' program, selected data from the main FILExt database and file extension information submitted by users.

ProgramID: chkfile, FileType: Recovered File Fragments

ProgramID: IT_RightsWallet.BackupFile

ProgramID: chkfile
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Fichiers communs\Microsoft Shared\MSInfo\msinfo32.exe

ProgramID: chkfile
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Flock\flock\flock.exe

Show all 4 listings To Top

a chk data fragment file is a special file format by Microsoft and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

How to solve problems with CHK files

Associate the CHK file extension with the correct application.
Update your software that should actually open data fragment files. Because only the current version supports the latest CHK file format. Search, therefore, e.g. on the Microsoft manufacturer website after an available ScanDisk update.
To make sure that your CHK file is not corrupted or virus-infected, get the file again and scan it with Google's virustotal.com.
Click here to open your .CHK file online - secure, fast, and no downloads needed.