windows chkdsk problem at startup

When booting windows xp, check disc runs and briefly displays problem message. It then attempts reboot and repeats disc check for consistency over and over. Problem message isn't displayed long enough to read (just a few seconds) before reboot is attempted. I can interrupt and boot computer by stopping disk check. Computer functions normally until next reboot and problem reoccurs. Any suggestions? I did physically inspect hard drive prior to occurrence. Computer had become rather noisy and I wanted to pinpoint source. The source of noise is the hard drive.
Thanks

 

I get this on the odd occasion and once run it repeats itself. The only way to get round this is to boot into Safe-Mode with DOS Prompt.

Once the dos window is ready (mine points to my documents & settings path and i don't know if you have to change it so it shows just C: only) but what you need to type is: chkdsk c: /f (change the c: to whatever drive letter the boot up was referring to, in my case it was f:

 

Hi, cam53. Just so you don't get confused...

The /f part of the command is a "switch" that tells chkdsk to fix all errors it encounters. Therefore, I expect Zykan means, in his/her case, the DOS command was
[FONT= "Courier New"]chkdsk f: /f[/FONT]

The letter before the colon ":" is the drive letter of the drive to check and fix.
The letter after the slash "/" is the "command line switch ".

The last part of Zykan's statement may be misleading/confusing to someone unfamiliar with chkdsk. "It" means the drive letter. Since Zykan's case involves a drive letter that happens to be the same as the switch, I thought I would elaborate.

Perhaps I confused people even more???

 

chkdsk cannot run

Thanks to Zykan for suggestion and to Mailman for your clarification. Unfortunately, chkdsk did not run. The given reason is as follows:

"cannot lock current drive.
chkdsk cannot run because
volume is in use by another
process "
This message was in response to DOS command chkdsk c: /f
Thanks,
Cam53

 

No problem really...

It SHOULD also ask if you want to start chkdsk the next time the system is rebooted.

Try again and look for this question. Simply hit "Y" and "Enter "

 

y/n option for chkdsk on restart

I've tried yes option to running chkdsk on restart and same problem occurs. chkdsk runs, then stops, displaying error message for only a second, then attempts loading windows again only to repeat cycle until I interrupt chkdsk by pressing any key. Then Windows loads.

 

SOunds familiar.

I had the same problem when I was running an older machine with a loaded up hard drive. I thought it was the HD but as it goes, I was overheating the hard drive causing errors.

Try open your case and put your hand on the casing that holds the hard drives. It shouldnt be sooo hot that you cant touch it.

After I put a fan on the drive, it was fine.

 

What happens if you don't use the /f

 

chkdsk problem

Hi Shandleyman,
I tried running chkdsk leaving off "switch" part of command and chkdsk ran but problem persists. Thanks for your effort. Incidentally, I am having a great deal of difficulty getting into safe mode. Perhaps there is a connection? The drive is not running hot.
Cam53

 

Hello cam53,

Yes there is a connection. chkdsk needs to run with minimal processes running.

Either parts of the OS are broken or the hard drive has a physical problem.

Go to the HD's MFG site and download their diagnostic tool and run that to check the HD.

If not the HD, then you're looking at a repair of the OS. http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

Regards - Charles

 

Hello cam53,

You sent me an e-mail that ended up in the Junk folder and which I deleted w/o thought.

Whatever message you sent about this problem, please post it here.

Regards - Charles

 

chkdsk problem

Greetings Charles,
Thank you for your generous suggestions. I have run manufacturer's diagnostic software and determined that the hard-drive is working normally. I, therefore, will use the link you provided to attempt repair of OS. My highest appreciation for your input. Sincerely,
Cam

 

Hi cam,

You're welcome and please keep us posted on this.

Regards - Charles

 

problem resolved

Thanks to all who contributed to solving this problem. I was able to repair the OS using a complete copy of XP and the repair option. There was no loss of data, files or programs. Thanks especially to Charles for the site link which proved of great value in performing a painless repair. Needless to say, my system is functioning normally.
Cam53

 

Great news cam, thanks for posting the outcome

Regards - Charles