computer says cant defrag

[shashgo]

Im running winxp on a dell dimension.  My HD is 10% full only, but yet the utility keeps saying cant defrag.   Why and how me fix this

[ubermensch]

hmm, error message?

try opening my computer - right click drive - properties - tools - scan for errors. then retry the defrag.

[2x3i5x]

Try clearing out some stuff on your computer (like old system restore points and what not), and get that 15% free space as recommended and see if that don't help?

[shashgo]

my disk is 90% empty.  I went to my computer->properties->tools, and tried to run t he chkdsk.  says cant do the chkdsk.  and also still says cant defragment.  Why is this happening

[2x3i5x]

my disk is 90% empty.  I went to my computer->properties->tools, and tried to run t he chkdsk.  says cant do the chkdsk.  and also still says cant defragment.  Why is this happening

oops, I'm sorry, I read that wrong. So only 10% of your computers Hard drive is being used. I would try going to safe mode and see if it works.

What windows are you using? XP or Vista?

[dahlarbear]

my disk is 90% empty.  I went to my computer->properties->tools, and tried to run t he chkdsk.  says cant do the chkdsk.  and also still says cant defragment.  Why is this happening

Usually the error message is a little more "specific" than "cant do the chkdsk".  What is the "exact" message?

[Allan]

Boot to the Recovery Console and run chkdsk /r

[shashgo]

2x3i5x: I cant do the defrag or chkdsk for errors in safe mode either.

ADG:  To get to the recovery console do I have to get to the options screen (the one that shows safe mode, safe mode with networking,....) or do I have to do something else.  Can you tell me how to get to the recovery console?

[dahlarbear]

When it says "cant do the chkdsk", does it ask if you'd like to schedule it to run at the next "boot"?  If so, say "yes" and it should run at next boot.

[Allan]

Do NOT schedule checkdisk from within the OS.

Boot to the XP CD and choose the FIRST repair option. That will take you to the Recovery Console. From there, run chkdsk /r

[shashgo]

thanks

[Allan]

You're welcome. I assume you're problem is resolved?

[shashgo]

yes, actually I couldnt run anything because of a malware popup.  So I did a search for the popup name in search for files, and I deleted all the results.  After that I was able to run the defrag

[patio]

I suggest visiting our Virus and Malware Section...follow the instructions at the top of the page and make sure you are clean...