errors on disk

On 21 Mar 2010, "JS" wrote in
microsoft.public.windows.vista.general:

> My Mcafee scan has frozen the pc 3 times in the same place, and
> the Mcafee tech said there are some errors on the disk that could
> cause this. There is a "scandisk" on xp and earlier versions, is
> there something similar on Vista? What else can I do to identify
> and correct these errors? Thanks,

Scandisk was a DOS utility that hasn't been included since Windows 98
(maybe ME).

Right-click in the disk in Windows Explorer and choose Properties |
Tools | Check for Errors. If you enable the "Fix file system errors" or
"Attempt recovery of bad sectors" options, you should backup your data
first, because it can sometimes cause loss of data while in the
process.
 >> Stay informed about: errors on disk 

Nil,
thanks for your reply. I did what you said,and it won't run while in use. It
says to schedule,so I click ok, but nothing happens when I click ok or
restart. If it restarts,how will it scan,it will be running.
??

JS


"Nil" wrote in message

> On 21 Mar 2010, "JS" wrote in
> microsoft.public.windows.vista.general:
>
>> My Mcafee scan has frozen the pc 3 times in the same place, and
>> the Mcafee tech said there are some errors on the disk that could
>> cause this. There is a "scandisk" on xp and earlier versions, is
>> there something similar on Vista? What else can I do to identify
>> and correct these errors? Thanks,
>
> Scandisk was a DOS utility that hasn't been included since Windows 98
> (maybe ME).
>
> Right-click in the disk in Windows Explorer and choose Properties |
> Tools | Check for Errors. If you enable the "Fix file system errors" or
> "Attempt recovery of bad sectors" options, you should backup your data
> first, because it can sometimes cause loss of data while in the
> process.
 >> Stay informed about: errors on disk 

On 21 Mar 2010, "JS" wrote in
microsoft.public.windows.vista.general:

> thanks for your reply. I did what you said,and it won't run while
> in use. It says to schedule,so I click ok, but nothing happens
> when I click ok or restart. If it restarts,how will it scan,it
> will be running. ??

If you clicked OK, the scan will happen when you next restart the
computer. It may take some time - could be an hour or more if it's a
very large disk. Be patient - don't interrupt it.

When the Windows finally boots up, check the Event Log to see what
problems were found and corrections were made.
 >> Stay informed about: errors on disk 

Nil,
Is there an indication that it is scanning? I have tried (to schedule)
several times, and it just restarts normally.
Also,where is the event log,I can't seem to find thingson Vista like I could
on XP.

Thanks,
JS
"Nil" wrote in message

> On 21 Mar 2010, "JS" wrote in
> microsoft.public.windows.vista.general:
>
>> thanks for your reply. I did what you said,and it won't run while
>> in use. It says to schedule,so I click ok, but nothing happens
>> when I click ok or restart. If it restarts,how will it scan,it
>> will be running. ??
>
> If you clicked OK, the scan will happen when you next restart the
> computer. It may take some time - could be an hour or more if it's a
> very large disk. Be patient - don't interrupt it.
>
> When the Windows finally boots up, check the Event Log to see what
> problems were found and corrections were made.
 >> Stay informed about: errors on disk 

<snipped>

JS wrote:
> Is there an indication that it is scanning? I have tried (to
> schedule) several times, and it just restarts normally.
> Also,where is the event log,I can't seem to find thingson Vista
> like I could on XP.

I'll repeat the response I made originally in case you missed it...

Correction: There is no SCANDISK on Windows XP. Windows XP is part of the
Windows NT line of products which use CHKDSK.

Windows Vista/Windows 7 is still part of the NT line of products.

My suggestions:

1) Ensure your backups are current. Don't have any - time to start!
Pictures, music, documents, Internet favorites/bookmarks, product
keys/serial numbers, installation media/executable installation files, etc
and so on. Want to make it easy on yourself - get a Seagate Replica 500GB
drive (external) and let it do all the heavy lifting for you and maintain
the backups with it.

2) Run CHKDSK... Here's one of many web pages explaining how to do this:
[URL="http://maximumpcguides.com/windows-vista/how-to-use-check-disk-in-windows-vista/"]http://maximumpcguides.com/windows-vista/how-to-use-check-disk-in-windows-vista/[/URL]

3) Figure out who manufactured your hard disk drive and download/use their
diagnostic utility to verify drive stability. You might use Belarc Advisor
(free) to scan your system (I'd use it and print it out and keep it safe
with your external backups - useful) and figure out who manufactured your
hard disk drive and visit their web page and download their diagnostic
utility/directions.

4) IMHO - I suggest dropping McAfee completely. Too much resource usage for
the same protection you can get for free or comparable price with less
resource usage (meaning your computer works better overall.) I suggest
Avira AntiVir (free) or eSet NOD32 (AV only - ~$59 U.S. for two years) in
combinations with MalwareBytes (free for scanning/cleanup or ~$25 U.S. for
active protection/scheduled scanning.)

5) Come back - since this post will be archived indefinitely on the
Internet - and let everyone who may ever come across it in the years to coe
how things worked out for you.... You may help someone else in the process.
 >> Stay informed about: errors on disk 

(1 I tried to back up to my external hd,and got an error msg. that says it
cannot backup because of errors on the hd. It prompted me to check the disk,
but I am back to the problem of not being able to check the disk,it just does
not happen.
(2 I tried chkdsk by both methods that I know. from the directions that you
gave me the link to, and also by the command prompt, which says I don't have
access.
(3 I looked on the Toshiba website, and couldn't find anything helpful, so I
sent an email to support. waiting for a response.
(4 am contemplating the situation with McAfee,I am concentrating on the hd
errors right now.
(5 I came back.

Now what??

Thanks,
JS
"Shenan Stanley" wrote:

> <snipped>
>
> JS wrote:
> > Is there an indication that it is scanning? I have tried (to
> > schedule) several times, and it just restarts normally.
> > Also,where is the event log,I can't seem to find thingson Vista
> > like I could on XP.
>
> I'll repeat the response I made originally in case you missed it...
>
> Correction: There is no SCANDISK on Windows XP. Windows XP is part of the
> Windows NT line of products which use CHKDSK.
>
> Windows Vista/Windows 7 is still part of the NT line of products.
>
> My suggestions:
>
> 1) Ensure your backups are current. Don't have any - time to start!
> Pictures, music, documents, Internet favorites/bookmarks, product
> keys/serial numbers, installation media/executable installation files, etc
> and so on. Want to make it easy on yourself - get a Seagate Replica 500GB
> drive (external) and let it do all the heavy lifting for you and maintain
> the backups with it.
>
> 2) Run CHKDSK... Here's one of many web pages explaining how to do this:
> [URL="http://maximumpcguides.com/windows-vista/how-to-use-check-disk-in-windows-vista/"]http://maximumpcguides.com/windows-vista/how-to-use-check-disk-in-windows-vista/[/URL]
>
> 3) Figure out who manufactured your hard disk drive and download/use their
> diagnostic utility to verify drive stability. You might use Belarc Advisor
> (free) to scan your system (I'd use it and print it out and keep it safe
> with your external backups - useful) and figure out who manufactured your
> hard disk drive and visit their web page and download their diagnostic
> utility/directions.
>
> 4) IMHO - I suggest dropping McAfee completely. Too much resource usage for
> the same protection you can get for free or comparable price with less
> resource usage (meaning your computer works better overall.) I suggest
> Avira AntiVir (free) or eSet NOD32 (AV only - ~$59 U.S. for two years) in
> combinations with MalwareBytes (free for scanning/cleanup or ~$25 U.S. for
> active protection/scheduled scanning.)
>
> 5) Come back - since this post will be archived indefinitely on the
> Internet - and let everyone who may ever come across it in the years to coe
> how things worked out for you.... You may help someone else in the process.
>
> --
> Shenan Stanley
> MS-MVP
> --
> How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
> [URL="http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html"]http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html[/URL]
>
>
> .
>
 >> Stay informed about: errors on disk 

On 22 Mar 2010, "JS" wrote in
microsoft.public.windows.vista.general:

> Is there an indication that it is scanning? I have tried (to
> schedule) several times, and it just restarts normally.

Yes, there is. As Windows starts to boot, a black screen will come up
telling you it's about to check the disk, and it gives you a chance to
bail out. If you choose to let it go, you will see some progress
indicators in the screen. It's obvious that the check is happening.

If it's NOT happening for you... I'm not sure what to tell you. Are you
SURE you hit Start and not Cancel?

Try opening a Command Prompt, and type at the prompt:

CHKDSK C: /R

You will be asked to confirm that you want to run the check on your
next boot-up.

If that doesn't do it, maybe it's a permissions thing. Not sure right
now how to get around that.

> Also,where is the event log,I can't seem to find thingson Vista
> like I could on XP.

Control Panel | Administrative Tools | Event Viewer. Look in Windows
Logs | Application for Wininit events.

(I haven't spent much time in the Vista Event Viewer before. What a
mess that thing is. Information overload, and the Find function is
agonizingly slow. At least it's got one nice feature, Custom Views. I
just made one to show only Chkdsk events like this.)
 >> Stay informed about: errors on disk 

Nil,

I have tried several times(yes, I clicked ok) and it just doesn't happen. I
tried the command prompt and it says I don't have access priv.

What about the diagnostic utility at the hd mfg.? I may try that, any
suggestions for that?

Thanks again.

JS

"Nil" wrote in message

> On 22 Mar 2010, "JS" wrote in
> microsoft.public.windows.vista.general:
>
>> Is there an indication that it is scanning? I have tried (to
>> schedule) several times, and it just restarts normally.
>
> Yes, there is. As Windows starts to boot, a black screen will come up
> telling you it's about to check the disk, and it gives you a chance to
> bail out. If you choose to let it go, you will see some progress
> indicators in the screen. It's obvious that the check is happening.
>
> If it's NOT happening for you... I'm not sure what to tell you. Are you
> SURE you hit Start and not Cancel?
>
> Try opening a Command Prompt, and type at the prompt:
>
> CHKDSK C: /R
>
> You will be asked to confirm that you want to run the check on your
> next boot-up.
>
> If that doesn't do it, maybe it's a permissions thing. Not sure right
> now how to get around that.
>
>> Also,where is the event log,I can't seem to find thingson Vista
>> like I could on XP.
>
> Control Panel | Administrative Tools | Event Viewer. Look in Windows
> Logs | Application for Wininit events.
>
> (I haven't spent much time in the Vista Event Viewer before. What a
> mess that thing is. Information overload, and the Find function is
> agonizingly slow. At least it's got one nice feature, Custom Views. I
> just made one to show only Chkdsk events like this.)
 >> Stay informed about: errors on disk 

Hi, JS.

> I have tried several times(yes, I clicked ok) and it just doesn't happen.
> I tried the command prompt and it says I don't have access priv.

Use an "elevated" Command Prompt. That is, right-click on cmd.exe and
choose "Run as Administrator". You'll have to furnish Administrator
credentials. Once you've done that, the windows will open with a Title Bar
that says "Administrator:Command Prompt". Every command you execute from
this window will "run elevated", with Administrator privileges.

RC
 >> Stay informed about: errors on disk 

Hi, again, JS.

See the message I just posted. To repeat: Use your Administrator
credentials to open an Administrator:Command Prompt window and run CHKDSK
from there.

RC
 >> Stay informed about: errors on disk 

Hi RC,
I used your suggestion and it said it could not scan now, but the next time
I reboot. I restarted and it booted right up, no scan on bootup. ??
JS

"R. C. White" wrote:

> Hi, again, JS.
>
> See the message I just posted. To repeat: Use your Administrator
> credentials to open an Administrator:Command Prompt window and run CHKDSK
> from there.
>
> RC
> --
> R. C. White, CPA
> San Marcos, TX
> rc.Rmv RemoveThis @grandecom.net
> Microsoft Windows MVP
> Windows Live Mail 2009 (14.0.8089.0726) in Win7 Ultimate x64
>
> "JS" wrote in message
>
> > (1 I tried to back up to my external hd,and got an error msg. that says it
> > cannot backup because of errors on the hd. It prompted me to check the
> > disk,
> > but I am back to the problem of not being able to check the disk,it just
> > does
> > not happen.
> > (2 I tried chkdsk by both methods that I know. from the directions that
> > you
> > gave me the link to, and also by the command prompt, which says I don't
> > have
> > access.
> > (3 I looked on the Toshiba website, and couldn't find anything helpful, so
> > I
> > sent an email to support. waiting for a response.
> > (4 am contemplating the situation with McAfee,I am concentrating on the hd
> > errors right now.
> > (5 I came back.
> >
> > Now what??
> >
> > Thanks,
> > JS
> > "Shenan Stanley" wrote:
> >
> >> <snipped>
> >>
> >> JS wrote:
> >> > Is there an indication that it is scanning? I have tried (to
> >> > schedule) several times, and it just restarts normally.
> >> > Also,where is the event log,I can't seem to find thingson Vista
> >> > like I could on XP.
> >>
> >> I'll repeat the response I made originally in case you missed it...
> >>
> >> Correction: There is no SCANDISK on Windows XP. Windows XP is part of
> >> the
> >> Windows NT line of products which use CHKDSK.
> >>
> >> Windows Vista/Windows 7 is still part of the NT line of products.
> >>
> >> My suggestions:
> >>
> >> 1) Ensure your backups are current. Don't have any - time to start!
> >> Pictures, music, documents, Internet favorites/bookmarks, product
> >> keys/serial numbers, installation media/executable installation files,
> >> etc
> >> and so on. Want to make it easy on yourself - get a Seagate Replica
> >> 500GB
> >> drive (external) and let it do all the heavy lifting for you and maintain
> >> the backups with it.
> >>
> >> 2) Run CHKDSK... Here's one of many web pages explaining how to do this:
> >>
> >> [URL="http://maximumpcguides.com/windows-vista/how-to-use-check-disk-in-windows-vista/"]http://maximumpcguides.com/windows-vista/how-to-use-check-disk-in-windows-vista/[/URL]
> >>
> >> 3) Figure out who manufactured your hard disk drive and download/use
> >> their
> >> diagnostic utility to verify drive stability. You might use Belarc
> >> Advisor
> >> (free) to scan your system (I'd use it and print it out and keep it safe
> >> with your external backups - useful) and figure out who manufactured your
> >> hard disk drive and visit their web page and download their diagnostic
> >> utility/directions.
> >>
> >> 4) IMHO - I suggest dropping McAfee completely. Too much resource usage
> >> for
> >> the same protection you can get for free or comparable price with less
> >> resource usage (meaning your computer works better overall.) I suggest
> >> Avira AntiVir (free) or eSet NOD32 (AV only - ~$59 U.S. for two years) in
> >> combinations with MalwareBytes (free for scanning/cleanup or ~$25 U.S.
> >> for
> >> active protection/scheduled scanning.)
> >>
> >> 5) Come back - since this post will be archived indefinitely on the
> >> Internet - and let everyone who may ever come across it in the years to
> >> coe
> >> how things worked out for you.... You may help someone else in the
> >> process.
> >>
> >> --
> >> Shenan Stanley
> >> MS-MVP
> >> --
> >> How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
> >> [URL="http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html"]http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html[/URL]
>
> .
>
 >> Stay informed about: errors on disk 

JS wrote:
> (1 I tried to back up to my external hd,and got an error msg. that
> says it cannot backup because of errors on the hd. It prompted me
> to check the disk, but I am back to the problem of not being able
> to check the disk,it just does not happen.
> (2 I tried chkdsk by both methods that I know. from the directions
> that you gave me the link to, and also by the command prompt, which
> says I don't have access.
> (3 I looked on the Toshiba website, and couldn't find anything
> helpful, so I sent an email to support. waiting for a response.
> (4 am contemplating the situation with McAfee,I am concentrating on
> the hd errors right now.
> (5 I came back.

Is Toshiba the manufacturer of your hard disk drive or of the machine in
question?

>
> Now what??

No Problem, so far.

Sounds like the hard disk drive *is* defective - you need to make an image
of it or at least manually copy the stuff off you can of yours.

Toshiba is not one that has a diagnostic utility AFAIK.

Can you boot with something like BartPE and/or Ultimate Boot CD for Windows?

[URL="http://www.ubcd4win.com/"]http://www.ubcd4win.com/[/URL]

May be several tools included on that you can use to backup your system and
check for errors - although in the end you are likely going to have to
replace the defective hard disk drive.
 >> Stay informed about: errors on disk 

Toshiba is the mgr. of the hd on a Dell laptop.
It boots up just fine, it just doesn't scan when it is supposed to.
I will check your links and report back.
Can I "copy" to my ext.hd instead of backing up? How do I do that? I have a
usb external hd.
Thanks,
JS

"Shenan Stanley" wrote:

> JS wrote:
> > (1 I tried to back up to my external hd,and got an error msg. that
> > says it cannot backup because of errors on the hd. It prompted me
> > to check the disk, but I am back to the problem of not being able
> > to check the disk,it just does not happen.
> > (2 I tried chkdsk by both methods that I know. from the directions
> > that you gave me the link to, and also by the command prompt, which
> > says I don't have access.
> > (3 I looked on the Toshiba website, and couldn't find anything
> > helpful, so I sent an email to support. waiting for a response.
> > (4 am contemplating the situation with McAfee,I am concentrating on
> > the hd errors right now.
> > (5 I came back.
>
> Is Toshiba the manufacturer of your hard disk drive or of the machine in
> question?
>
> >
> > Now what??
>
> No Problem, so far.
>
> Sounds like the hard disk drive *is* defective - you need to make an image
> of it or at least manually copy the stuff off you can of yours.
>
> Toshiba is not one that has a diagnostic utility AFAIK.
>
> Can you boot with something like BartPE and/or Ultimate Boot CD for Windows?
>
> [URL="http://www.ubcd4win.com/"]http://www.ubcd4win.com/[/URL]
>
> May be several tools included on that you can use to backup your system and
> check for errors - although in the end you are likely going to have to
> replace the defective hard disk drive.
>
> --
> Shenan Stanley
> MS-MVP
> --
> How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
> [URL="http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html"]http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html[/URL]
>
>
> .
>
 >> Stay informed about: errors on disk