Checking file system on C message on startup

[Fabregas04]

When i startup my new-ish laptop (Dell 64bit i7processor running windows 7) i keep getting a black screen with a message in white letters reading:-

"Checking file system on C: The type of the file system is NTFS. Volume label is OS.
One of your disks needs to be checked for consistency. You may cancel the disk check, but it is strongly recommended that you continue.
To skip disk checking, press any key within 10 seconds."

When i didn't press any key to escape the message it remained static like that for over an hour. Can anyone explain what is happening and how can i maintain a healthy disk in the first place to avoid this message?

 

[biggles1000]

odd that it should hang on that screen :/
to keep a healthy disk, mainly just always shut down your computer properly. unplugging it or holding down the power button aren't the HDDs best friends
I'm afraid i'm not sure how to fix it hanging on the screen. Normally when I get that message it just scans it. Also unplug all external storage drives, just to check if that could be the problem.

 

[gregrocker]

Did you run the Disk Check? If not, run it now to see what it finds: Disk Check - Windows 7 Forums

If there are multiple file system errors, also run the HD maker's diagnostics/repair extended CD scan: HD Diagnostic

I would also run the extended Dell Diagnostics suite, which can be triggered by tapping the F12 key at bootup. How to Run the Dell

 

[Fabregas04]

I'm afraid that by running the disk check in the first place triggered all of these problems. I recommend that readers do not run disk check on Windows 7 because something is clearly amiss. When i start up the PC the "running disk check" screen hangs on the screen for 2 hours until i turn the PC off again. I can only successfully boot up by pressing the ESCAPE key several times during the 10 second countdown.
I have followed advice posted on the forum, by downloading Reset Chdsk but this has not removed the problem.
I am working through the forum posts to try other ideas to solve this.

 

[seekermeister]

I regret to inform you that the problem that you are having is not a common one, and chkdsk usually doesn't create problem, but solves them, so your warning is unwarranted.

 

[Layback Bear]

chkdsk is a good thing. If you are shutting down correctly I don't know why it does it every boot. This M/S site might help you.
Windows 7 and chkdsk on boot
Take a look and decide.