CHK files exist as 4 different types. Please find information about each of them below.
Type 1: InterCheck Checksum Database
General Information
| Title | CHK File Extension |
| Extension | .chk |
| Full Form | InterCheck Checksum Database |
| File Type | Checksum File |
| Developer | Symantec |
| MIME Type | application/octet-stream |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store checksums |
| Additional Functions | Verify integrity |
| Features | Security, Data validation |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Binary data |
| Supports Layers | No |
| Supports Transparency | No |
| Editable | No |
Use Cases
| System Security | Yes |
| Data Integrity | Yes |
| Virus Scanning | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | None inherent |
| Best Practices | Regular updates |
Historical/Version Information
| Associated With | Norton Antivirus |
| Usage Period | 1990s, 2000s |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .hash, .md5 |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 Norton Antivirus |
Paid | Windows |
| Norton Utilities |
Paid | Windows |
Type 2: Saved File Fragment
A CHK file contains data associated with a deleted or moved file. The Windows Check Disk utility creates CHK files, though this utility is no longer supported. CHK files store unreadable, damaged data...
General Information
| Title | CHK File Extension |
| Extension | .chk |
| Full Form | Saved File Fragment |
| File Type | Miscellaneous File |
| Developer | Microsoft |
| MIME Type | application/octet-stream |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store fragments |
| Additional Functions | Recover data |
| Features | Temporary, Auto-generated |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Varies |
| Supports Layers | No |
| Supports Transparency | No |
| Editable | Indirectly |
Use Cases
| System Recovery | Yes |
| Data Recovery | Yes |
| Disk Scanning | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Low |
| Best Practices | Regular backups, Disk maintenance |
Historical/Version Information
| Associated with | Scandisk, Chkdsk |
| File System | FAT, NTFS |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .bak, .tmp |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 Microsoft Windows |
Free with OS | Windows |
 UnCHK |
Free | Windows |
| FileCHK |
Free | Windows |
Type 3: Netgear Router Firmware File
The CHK file extension is used by Netgear routers for firmware updates. It stores low-level system data to run the router. The CHK file can apply router updates using the Netgear browser interface acc...
General Information
| Title | CHK File Extension |
| Extension | .chk |
| Full Form | Netgear Router Firmware File |
| File Type | Firmware Update File |
| Developer | Netgear |
| MIME Type | application/octet-stream |
File Function
| Primary Function | Firmware update |
| Additional Functions | Device functionality, Security patching |
| Features | Router management, Performance improvement |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Proprietary format |
| Supports Layers | N/A |
| Supports Transparency | N/A |
| Editable | No |
Use Cases
| Router Upgrade | Yes |
| Network Improvement | Yes |
| Security Enhancement | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Firmware corruption |
| Best Practices | Official sources, Verify checksum |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | Varies by model |
| Latest Version | Varies by model |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .bin, .rmt |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 Netgear Firmware Recovery Utility |
Free | Windows, Mac |
Type 4: StarCraft Chunk File
The CHK file stores uncompressed StarCraft map data. It is similar to MPQ files like SCM or SCX. But it is not compressed. CHK files can be opened with software that supports the format. The file co...
General Information
| Title | CHK File Extension |
| Extension | .chk |
| Full Form | StarCraft Chunk File |
| File Type | Game Data File |
| Developer | Blizzard Entertainment |
| MIME Type | application/octet-stream |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store map data |
| Additional Functions | Contain scenarios, units, terrain |
| Features | Game-specific, Binary format |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Game-dependent |
| Supports Layers | Yes |
| Supports Transparency | No |
| Editable | With editor |
Use Cases
| Custom Maps | Yes |
| Game Modding | Yes |
| Scenario Creation | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Low risk |
| Best Practices | Regular updates, Scanning |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 1998 |
| Latest Version | StarCraft: Remastered (2017) |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .scx, .scm, .rep |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| StarCraft |
Paid | Windows, Mac |
| StarEdit |
Free with StarCraft | Windows, Mac |
| SCMDraft 2 |
Free | Windows |