1. A method of validating a node-based file system, comprising: reading a plurality of first components of directory information from a storage media; checking the plurality of first components of directory information to an extent that validation of the first components of directory information is not dependent upon a plurality of second components of directory information; saving information from the plurality of first components of directory information which was not validated or which is required to validate the plurality of second components of directory information; reading the plurality of second components of directory information; and checking the plurality of second components of directory information.