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Thread ID: 57514	2005-05-04 23:59:00	C drive file structure damage	Strommer (42)	Press F1

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
352136	2005-05-04 23:59:00	From the desktop, C drive cannot be accessed, either from My Computer or from a shortcut (placed on the desktop), or when trying to access C drive using Explore, or when using programs such as an antivirus. When I try to access C drive, there is a lot of audible HD activity and that Windows 'torch' swings back and forth, but nothing happens and I have to use Task Manager to terminate the process. However, I can access folders by using desktop shortcuts, e.g. photos, data, selected programs. Also, all programs function OK but WinXP does take longer to boot up. I have tried running Norton's Disk Doctor (normally and within Safe Mode) but I get the message that says Disk Doctor cannot run due to another process accessing the drive (even though I have shut all others down using Task Manager). Norton's Win Doctor can be run but the few minor errors it has found did not solve the main C drive problem. For Win XP Home, can Scan Disk (or whatever) be run in DOS mode? Yes, I know XP is not DOS based, but what I mean is if some sort of primary boot up command line thingie could be used to repair the structure of C drive? Background: The file structure of C drive may have been damaged either by a virus or when I used an eraser program that ran astray; both happened at the same time. It was a bad day. :eek: Several viruses were found and deleted, using Avast. Whether it was a virus or the eraser program may be a moot point - I just want to repair the damage if possible. I have since unistalled Avast and am now using the top-rated Antivirus NOD32, although no new viruses have been found. NOD32 was able to scan all of C drive and I did this three times, but now a C drive scan (or folder scan) cannot be done. I did look up the characteristics of the viruses found but none indicated problems accessing C drive. BTW, I have a second HD on the PC (for backup and video/audio overflow) and it works just fine and can be scanned with NOD32. Spybot and Adaware have been run, although I doubt if a trojan could be the problem. It seems to me that I may have to reformat and reinstall WinXP, but wonder if you PF1 experts have any 'magic bullets' that I could try. Thanks!	Strommer (42)
352137	2005-05-05 00:03:00	With the Xp scan disk tick the two boxes and go ok/apply it will tell you that it will scan on the next restart try that and see how you go :thumbs:	Overdrive_5000 (4950)
352138	2005-05-05 00:05:00	Forgot to say that a previous Restore Point cannot be used since all were deleted after the PC could not boot to Windows and I had to take it to a shop.	Strommer (42)
352139	2005-05-05 00:22:00	With the Xp scan disk tick the two boxes and go ok/apply it will tell you that it will scan on the next restart try that and see how you go :thumbs: How do I access the XP Scan Disk? I cannot see it in Accessories\System Tools, or Control Panel. BTW, "Computer Management" indicates C drive: "Status" Healthy (System). :badpc:	Strommer (42)
352140	2005-05-05 00:24:00	In My computer right click on C: go to properties then click on the tools tab and scan disk will be there.	Overdrive_5000 (4950)
352141	2005-05-05 01:24:00	ERRRRRRRR........lol at that last advice......almost the first thing this person said is they CANT access within 'my computer'.......I'd suggest you restart with the windoze xp cd .......set the system to boot from cdrom as first boot device in the bios...then stuff in the xp cd and restart......take the 'start from cdrom' option then take the 'R' for repair option..........then when you get that 'dos' screen type a 1 and tap enter then tap enter again.........then type in chkdisk /r and tap enter.........and if you get errors.........download seagate 'seatools' and run the diagnostic it'll check your harddrive health ........	drcspy (146)
352142	2005-05-05 01:31:00	Oops didn't read it properly :lol: Still it might be available in safe mode	Overdrive_5000 (4950)
352143	2005-05-05 01:49:00	Who's drive is it? Use one of the vendors disk utilities to scan file structure and test the disc surface. Although scandisk says it does a sureface error check, it only looks at high level file structure, it cannot read/write check a file structure or physically check the disc, and AFAIK, it cannot examine a file structure in use. If you want something better, get a boot disc like EBCD, something thayt can read the drives SMART info to sufficient level would be good (see also drive manufacturers utility) If you want to have a high/low level read/write look at the disc and attempt repairs, use SpinRite (www.grc.com). You can also use it as an early warning to disc problems and recover data with it. It have to pay in $$. BTW, because Windows/scandisk has limited ability to examine a drive's SMART and read/write, it can give a false impression of a drives health. I pulled a drive last weekend that had serious issues, Windows and scandisk reported it as healthy despite the thing causing BSOD's and making a terrible racket at times.	Murray P (44)
352144	2005-05-05 02:37:00	This looks more like a corrupted Explorer, rather than a corrupted disk. You can boot XP. You can run programmes. There can't be much wrong with the disk.	Graham L (2)
352145	2005-05-05 02:57:00	In My computer right click on C: go to properties then click on the tools tab and scan disk will be there. Ok, I ran Scan Disk, ticked the boxes and it ran on boot up, it took a long time as I have nearly 100Gb on a 120 Gb HD (must remove a few mpegs!). Scan Disk completed all steps but unfortunately the problem is still there. Thanks anyhow. ;) Now to read the other comments below...	Strommer (42)
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