Checksum is an algorithm that specifies a sequence of bits in a file of a specific length. This value must be checked every time you download an installation file, image or disk from the network. During the download, there may be a loss of several bytes or the file may come with viruses.
Instructions
Step 1
Determine the checksum of the downloaded document. To do this, go to the official developer's site and look for the SHA1 hash type, usually listed in the program details section. Save this value in a text document or copy it onto a piece of paper.
Step 2
Install the checksum verification software on the personal computer. To do this, you can use the HashTab application, Total Commander, File Checksum Integrity Verifier, MD5 File Checker, or another utility recommended by programmers. When downloading the installation file of these programs, be sure to use an official source or reseller. Otherwise, the computer may become infected with viruses.
Step 3
Use the HashTab program to check the checksum. After installing the utility, you need to go to the file that you want to check. Right-click on it and select "Properties" in the menu that appears, then go to the "File Hashes" or "Checksums" tab. You can also launch the Total Commander program, select the required document and select the "Calculate СRS-Sums" section in the "File" menu.
Step 4
Check the box "Create checksum file (CRS)" next to MD5 and click "OK". In the case of the MD5 File Checker program, you need to enter the checksum and compare it with the file, after which the application gives the result. If you decide to use the File Checksum Integrity Verifier utility, then in the program description, find the necessary codes for working with the command line in advance.
Step 5
Compare the received software checksum and the one that was posted on the official source of the downloaded document. If the values do not match, then this means that the file is damaged. Delete it from your computer and start the download again, or choose another download source.
