How do I run chkdsk in Windows Vista?

I tried to run chkdsk c: /f from the cmd command window on my relatively new Vista machine, but I get a message that it can only be run at an elevated level, apparently as an Administrator.

First, it's my computer and I'm the only user, so should I set myself up as the Administrator, or are there good security reasons not to do so on a regular basis?

Second, exactly how do I go about elevating my privileges in a foolproof manner?

Any suggestions would be welcome, but please keep in mind that when it comes to even fairly simple system stuff, I admit I am a novice, as I don't do that sort of thing regularly. As such, instructions need to be quite explicit.

Thanks.

 

Are you using the steps as outlined below?

(from http://support.microsoft.com/kb/931699/)

Blue

 

I just set up a new Dell for my Son and you set yourself up as the Administrator when your setting up the computer. They ask you questions like (not exact wording)name of administrator......... Name of computer ........etc. Perhaps you can go to the control panel and access the folder where you add new accounts, and declare yourself administrator there.

 

No, I tried doing it the way I would in XP, namely Start > run > cmd > chkdsk. Once I got that far, it wasn't clear how to proceed.

Your method worked fine. Thank you.

Thanks also to twl845. I forget how I set up the Vista machine initially. Somehow I had the idea that I set myself up as the Administrator (I was one on the XP machine), but apparently I was not on Vista.

It doesn't say all that much for Vista's security if you are able to right click and hit 'Run as Administrator', and then run some restricted application.

 

You can also right click C drive - properties - Tools tab - Check Now and after ticking both choices you will be prompted to restart to run chkdsk.

Or at least I am able to do that on this Vista U install without any priviledge prompts.