.CHK File Extension

Windows file fragment cleaned from the hard disk by ScanDisk or CHKDISK; stored in the FOUND folder after a disk scan has been performed; typically can be deleted since the information has been moved somewhere else on the disk.

The program CHK-Mate can be used to examine the contents of a CHK file before it is removed. Also, UnCHK and FileCHK can be used to recover data from CHK files.

File used by Netgear routers when updating the firmware; stores low-level system data that runs the router; can be used for applying router updates using the Netgear Web browser interface, which is often accessed at the local 192.168.1.1 local network address.

A CHK file may also be a scenario data file used by Blizzard Entertainment's StarCraft to define the contents and behavior of a game map. It stores data that describes a scenario, such as terrain, units, triggers, locations, player settings, mission briefings, and other map information. CHK files are saved in a binary chunk-based format and are commonly stored internally as scenario.chk within StarCraft map files, such as .SCM and .SCX.

Although most players interact with complete StarCraft map files rather than standalone CHK files, the format remains important within the StarCraft editing and modding community. Map creators and modders use CHK files when designing custom maps and game scenarios for StarCraft. Map editors read and modify this scenario data to control gameplay behavior and create custom experiences.

CHK files are not meant to be opened. Instead, Blizzard StarCraft loads the data stored in the CHK file during gameplay.

However, you can open CHK files with StarCraft map editing tools, such as ScmDraft 2. This program allows you to view and edit the chunk data contained within the CHK file, which is used in custom StarCraft maps.