Computer Hope
Microsoft => Microsoft Windows => Windows XP => Topic started by: elcaro on December 02, 2006, 08:22:03 PM
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Hi everyone,
I did a normal Chkdsk using XP's Error checking tool on one of my partitions, and after the scan, I suddenly lost all of the free disk space on that partition. I had 10 gig worth of free space before the Chkdsk and after that, only 4 Mb. During the scan, it said 'insufficient disk space to place bad clusters'.
I did the same on my other partition, which had about 45 gig worth of free space, and the same thing happened to that one, after the scan I only had about 2 gig left. And I got the same msg while doing the scan as well.
Can someone tell me what happened and how can I fix the problem?
Many thanks.
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You need to have 15% free disk space on the C drive if you expect Windows to function properly. Delete some stuff, run CCleaner and then try again.
What are you using for virus and spyware protection? Run your scans in safe mode with system restore turned off. Then run the free scan at www.trendmicro.com
Then post back.
If the computer is not clean then all bets are off. What prompted the chkdsk in the first place? WHat preceeded all of this?
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Thanks for the quick reply GX1_Man.
How do I run my scans in safe mode? I am using AVG free and Ad-aware.
I manually turned on Chkdsk just as a routine check. There was nothing wrong with the comp beforehand, except when I tried doing a defrag on one of my partitions, a windows shut down thingy popped up, with a timer. The partition was not the 2 where I lost my disk space. And when I ran the defrag on the other partitions everything was ok.
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Restart the computer and press F8 a few times BEFORE you see the Windows logo. To turn off system restore:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310405
If you don't you will just reinfect yourself. ;)
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Also, I've cleared out some stuff and there is about 1% free space on my windows drive but it seems to be working ok. Before it was really sluggish, very laggy.
Sorry I'm abit green when it comes to comps, but how do I run CCleaner? Is that a program or does it come with XP.
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You need to get more disk space first! Empty the Recycle Bin and then run Disk Cleanup. Copy some files to the other drives - whatever it takes to get enough disk space.
CCleaner can be downloaded from www.ccleaner.com
When you install, uncheck the Install Yahoo toolbar option. (No one needs a toolbar add-on!)
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Right, I'll do that, although I don't think it's a virus problem.
I tried formatting the partition which had the initial loss of disk problem, and it got to about 26% before crashing to a blue screen with:
c000021a
unknown hard error
So I'm thinking there's a problem with my HD. Is there any way to check if my HD itself is stuffed?
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Free diagnostics are available for download from the appropriate drive maker's web site. You didn't say what make drive is in there.
It could be a hard drive prblem, sothat is a good thing to check. You do not need Windows to check this with.
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WD1200JD-00GBB0
It's a Western Digital. I'll get the diagnostic tool now.
It's this one correct? Data Lifeguard Diagnostic for Windows
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That is correct.
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I've ran the extended diagnostic, and about a tenth of the way through it stopped and said there were too many bad sectors... uh oh.
Does this mean there is something physically wrong with my HD, or can I fix it by a full format. There is an option with the diagnostic tool that will write all zeros in all the clusters.
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I would not trust that drive at all. Back up your data if needed and replace the drive.
It may function in some capacity for a while but it should be considered unreliable.
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*censored*, just the thing I didn't want to hear.
If I am going to replace my HD, should I get a Seagate? I was talking to a friend who's comp savvy and he said rather bluntly WD is *censored* (unless I get a top of the range one) and I should get a Seagate, lol.
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All HDD manufacturers produce quality equipment and i usually stay away from the xxx vs. yyy discussions...each one has there horror stories as well as their die hard fans who insist they are the best.
I usually shop price and go from there but if you want extra peace of mind Seagate offers a 5 yr. warranty.
As long as you keep in mind that all HDD's eventually fail and practice a good backup regimen you should be fine...
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And Seagate's have a 5 year warranty vs. a 1 or 3 year from the other major players. (Hint: Read the box!) I think that is an important shopping factor. ;)
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Thanks for all your help GX1_Man, and patio.
Much appreciated :)
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Just a final question.
I want to do a full format, just to see if that will change anything.
I could use the windows CD and format it that way, or I could use the diagnostic tool and use the option that will do a full erase (write zeroes on the drive).
Is there any difference between the two?
Also, is there any any way to check if there is any physical damage to the HD and how many bad clusters are on the HD altogether?
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Running the Data Lifeguard disk check will give you that info on what kind of shape that HDD is in...
No problem using their tool to erase the drive either...just start it before you go to bed or have something to do for a few hours.
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Hmm, I ran the Data Lifeguard, but it never finished because it said too many bad sectors. Is that an indication there is something physically wrong with my HD?
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Yes.
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Dang, I guess there is no point doing a format then.
Thanks patio.
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You're more than Welcome and stop by anytime...
P.S. you could still hook that HDD up as a slave on a known working machine with a burner and still retrieve most of your data so it's not a total loss.
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Thanks patio.
I can still use this machine, so I've managed to back up the important stuff.