I won't split hairs here. If the utility finds errors with system files (which it checks for consistency) it will repair them. chkdsk /f will "fix errors on the disk." I've seen it bring a corrupt Windoze system file back in line and allow a boot. Chkdsk has evolved quite a bit from the DOS days, but I don't believe I necessarily misinformed in my explanation.
Sorry - I wasn't trying to split hairs. Your original post said that chkdsk will "ensure the major OS components are in line with the standard Windoze setup". Chkdsk doesn't do that - it only checks for errors within files that are on the hard disk, and, if used with the /f command, it will repair those files.
There is a utility within Windows called "sfc" that will compare the existing Windows files with the files on the original installation media and check for corruption - it will then replace corrupted files with the original version.
From Microsoft's website:
CHKDSK
Creates and displays a status report for a disk based on the file system. Chkdsk also lists and corrects errors on the disk. Used without parameters, chkdsk displays the status of the disk in the current drive.
/f : Fixes errors on the disk. The disk must be locked. If chkdsk cannot lock the drive, a message appears that asks you if you want to check the drive the next time you restart the computer.
System File Checker (sfc)
Scans and verifies the versions of all protected system files after you restart your computer.
/scannow : Scans all protected system files immediately.