ScanDisk memory problem

I have a similar problem to JOETGUG on a closed thread. When I try to run ScanDisk I get the message that there is insufficient memory. WHITPHIL suggested using CHKDSK on DOS. I have a 95GB disk and the allocation units are 16KB. It appears from the link provided that it should be 32KB and that I should re-partition the disk. As I understand it, that would mean backing up all the info on this disk (the only one in this computer), then formatting it and repartitioning then reloading everything. I am not sufficiently experienced to do this with confidence. Can the cluster size be simply increased to 32KB?

 

Those cluster sizes do not relate to memory errors (in fact, you could "waste" more space using a larger cluster size).
Sorry, time for ZZZZs....will be back (bump this thread if there are no other replies and I miss it).
Don't make any major changes...and BTW, welcome to the BBS.

Matt

 

Bumping the thread:
Second Matt's advice (DON'T do anything yet). You can't directly change a partition; but there are several solutions to your problem. Would wait to see what Matt thinks; meanwhile, IMO, the simplest follows:

You need an original windows installation CD and disks containing ALL your hardware drivers before you begin.

You will need a program to partition your drive that will not disturb Win98, such as the commercial partition magic. Some folks swear by partition manager, which is free . Another free one is gparted. First you create a new FAT32 D: partition that subdivides the hard drive. Then you have a place to back up your data, even image C:, so you can safely remove and remake the C: partition as FAT32,and reinstall win98. If all goes well, it's about a couple hour's work.

 

1. Try running Scandisk in Safe Mode.
2. Please post the main parts of the error message.
3. It may relate to memory in the sense of RAM, how much do you have? (See Control Panel -> System...information on the first tab.)
4. I can't find that locked thread. Please post the link to that or the information it connected to.

Sorry about the summarizing, but I don't know of a connection between allocation units and memory.

Matt

 

Matt
I could not find any Safe Mode even when I went to the Advanced Options
The standard options are Standard and Thorough with the former being the default setting


The error message is
ScanDisk could not continue because your computer does not have enough available memory.
This occurs even when there are no other programs open.

The RAM is 192.0MB

The closed thread was "˜scandisk error’ started by joeygug on 4 April 2004

Denis

 

Read about starting in Safe Mode in Start -> Help (hold down the Ctrl or F8 key after selecting Restart). Run Scandisk there.

I can't argue with that MS information. Seems like a strange way to describe the error.

Follow Sparrow's suggestions. You will lose your data unless you use a good partition management utility and you should backup even then.

Consider partitioning into smaller drives, especially for the Windows drive.

Matt
PS run the HDD manufacturer's utilities. They may be able to at least give you some information about the problem.

 

Matt
I have tried to do a Scandisk in Safe Mode and got the same message. I was enquiring about my inability to do Scandisk because I thought it might be the reason that the response had slowed down most noticeably. I was forgetting the windows 98 does a Scandisk whenever the computer is started up after an improper shutdwn of Windows. This happens quite often so Scandisk has been done quite regularly and it seems that I do not need to set it off manually.
I am still stuck with the problem of the slow response. I use Ad-Aware and Trend to get rid of spyware etc. And I have plenty of disk space.
Denis

 

Slow speed may well be a symptom of the smaller cluster sizes. They will it make longer for data to be found. Speed is compromised for "saving space ".

Do your disk cleanups. Search this forum for "temp" and "temporary ". You will also find suggestions for investigating background programs using Ctrl+Alt+Del and msconfig.

DOS scandisk is not as sophisticated as Windows scandisk. Maybe why it does not report the error.

It may keep getting slower with the more information you save. Changing the cluster size may be the only way to fix the problem

Matt

 

Matt
Thank you. I will have to do more 'housekeeping'.
Denis