In the Windows operating system, the CHKDSK (Check Disk) command is used for which purpose?

Introduction / Context:
CHKDSK, short for Check Disk, is a utility in DOS and Windows operating systems that helps maintain disk health. It is an important tool for system administrators and users who want to verify the integrity of their file system and storage devices. Knowing what CHKDSK does helps in troubleshooting disk related problems.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The command under discussion is CHKDSK.
• The options mention analyzing errors, diagnosing problems, and reporting file status.
• We are considering its behavior on hard disks or partitions.
• We assume the learner is familiar with basic command line utilities.

Concept / Approach:
CHKDSK performs several related tasks. It scans the file system and disk surface for logical errors or bad sectors, analyzes the results, and can report or even fix certain problems. It also provides information about disk usage and file allocation. Therefore, all three functions mentioned in the options are part of its capabilities. This makes All of the above the best choice.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that CHKDSK checks the integrity of the file system, including directories and indexes.Step 2: Note that during this process, CHKDSK analyzes the disk for errors such as cross linked files or lost clusters.Step 3: Observe that CHKDSK is commonly used to diagnose disk related issues that might cause data loss or crashes.Step 4: Recognize that the command can report on free space, allocation units, and status of files on the disk.Step 5: Conclude that all the functions listed are naturally associated with CHKDSK, so All of the above is correct.

Verification / Alternative check:
Official documentation for CHKDSK describes how the utility scans file system metadata, verifies logical structure, and can mark bad sectors so that they are not reused. It also displays summaries of disk usage and can fix certain issues when run with appropriate options. This confirms that CHKDSK both analyzes, diagnoses, and reports, rather than having only a single narrow function.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Each individual option A, B, or C describes a genuine part of CHKDSK's behavior, but if selected alone, it would ignore the other important capabilities. The question allows for a combined option and is testing overall understanding. Therefore, choosing only one function would be incomplete, making All of the above the best and most accurate answer.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may think CHKDSK only checks for bad sectors and ignore its role in reporting file system status. Others may confuse it with disk formatting tools or defragmentation utilities. It is useful to remember that CHKDSK is a diagnostic and repair tool for file system integrity rather than a tool for formatting or rearranging data.

Final Answer:
The correct answer is All of the above, because CHKDSK analyzes the disk for errors, diagnoses hard disk problems, and reports the status of files and disk usage.