Disk Utility locked MSN Scan Disk

[roduke 41]

Urgent need to resolve this problem which renders Scan Disk inoperable:

After some 15 hours scanning (1.5 million bytes), box appeared: "Cannot continue because a program such as disk utility has locked this drive. Close the program or wait for it to finish then restart Scan Disk".
No idea which utility or how to correct it.

Meanwhile I have found and downloaded EMSA DISK CHECK. In 20 minutes it scanned some 4.8 billion bytes on C drive. Found 1 error: c:\Windows\win386.SMP.

Unfortunately e.systems.ro offers no Support so I know  not how to correct the error -- whether or not it is the culprit Disk Utility locking MSN Scan Disk.

Look forward to your help!

Cordially,  RO

[Raptor]

Scan in safe mode.

[roduke 41]

Thanks Raptor for prompt reply.
Please excuse my inexperience and provide path to do the Safe Mode scan.

After doing so, will I then be able to use the normal Scan Disk? Will I ever know which disk utility was the culprit,  cause of it locking or how to get rid of it?

I'd also welcome your comments on the ESMA DISK CHECK program, and its results.

Cordially,   RO

[merlin_2]

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=286810&sd=RMVP

[Raptor]

So far, I have only used scandisk to verify the integrity of Hard Disk Drives when these were reformatted.

The steps to Safe mode;

1. Before Windows loads, press F8
2. Select Safe mode and press Enter.

[merlin_2]

Just curious what is your operating system......?win98 is it?

[roduke 41]

Code: [Select]

Thank you Merlin_2 for both replies.
The KB article at first glance was all I needed! Unfortunately, not so. First it's for Melinium edition and second I do not have Speed Disk of Norton, only their anti-virus.

What really bothers me is for several years Scan Disk has run routinely (some 4 1/2 million bytes). What has caused this change I wish I knew.

Yes, I'm on W98SE, 192 mb, IEv6; Toshiba Protege  7200CTe  laptop.

Cordially,  RO

[Fed]

Scan in safe mode.

[merlin_2]

You may have chosen the wrong option in the scandisk program.....and chose the thorough....option......reboot pc.....run disk cleanup and defrag.....or go to the hardrive....mainsite and test the drive....maxblast/seagate etc......scandisk may have encountered a bad block/ sector....

[roduke 41]

Thank you, Fed & Merlin_2.

Re FED: Aside from inexperience with Safe Mode, the KB article referred to in earlier reply, specifically says the problem also exists in Safe Mode.

Re Merlin_2: I always use THOROUGH plus checking auto correct errors. I run CleanUp & Defrag daily.   Unsure how to Test Drive but will access Maxblast & Seagate, never mind  ETC!

I would appreciate your  comments re the substitute Scan Disk program from e-systems.com: DiskCheck 1057

Also the one error its scan showed: c:\\Windows\win386.SMP.
What and where (path) can I do about it?
Should it be deleted or repaired?

Cordially,

[Fed]

Safe Mode will only start your computer with the bare essentials.
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/question575.htm
Why don't you hit Ctrl+Alt+Del and see what this dreaded disk locker is?

[merlin_2]

Have you change any hardware.<adapters>...the nearest check is c:\windows \win386\msmp 401 is a an adapter driver<c:\windows\system\drivers>......i will have another look when i fire   up the old pc .<win98> i would try diskkeeper lite.......and  here is some more things to do with your pc>http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-gb;835834

[roduke 41]

[/quote/]
Hi FED: Much as I've used CTRL/ALT/DELETE it did not occur to me to use it when ScanDisk locks. This may well go a long way to resolving the problem.
When it is named will End Task be sufficient to cure for all times
Howstuffworks verty worthwhile. Thanks.

Hi Merlin_2: Don't even know what hardware adaptors arer, much less having added any.
Your referrence to c:\w...\win386... seems to be the one error that came up on the DiskCheck progtam I mentioned above. Unsure what to do with it, and the other websites in your message very confusing. Hopefully you'll get back to me as indicated. Thank you.

Cordially,  RO

[roduke 41]

Additional to Merlin_2s
Forgot to thank you for the 125 Tipd for W98. Very good!

Also, Maxblast only sells thongs, but Seagate a real find. I downloaded one of their Disk Checks programs on diskette. Ran it on all three disks listed. All Passed.

Cordially,  RO

[merlin_2]

Good ...the file mentioned is not related to win98 so just do this tools/internet options/adavanced.....scroll down and untick the display script error notification box....