Scan Disk keeps restarting

used all possible means to run scandisk, ctl+alt+del and shut down each program individually, I have tried msconfig and selective startup. Scandisk used to give me the message "Scandisk has restarted 10 times etc., etc ". Now it just checks files and folders a few times freezes and won't go any further. I can't try it in a safe mode because for some reason or other, my computer refuses to load in safe mode. Holding down the control key at startup doesn't do it. I have noticed that I don't get the black self test screen either when I start my computer. I have rambled on and included a lot of issues. If anyone can help with any or all, I would appreciate it.

 

Repeated starts are usually due to some background program such as an indexer constantly hitting the hard drive.

See if the info on this page is of help re safe mode.

How to start Windows 95/98/Me in Safe Mode

 

IF WINDOWS ME DOES NOT START IN SAFE MODE
=========================================
Any of the following conditions can cause Windows ME not to start
in Safe Mode:
- Your computer is infected with a virus. Run up-to-date anti-
virus software to check for a virus and clean your computer if
necessary.
- Your computer's CMOS settings are not correct. Check your
computer's CMOS settings to make sure they are correct. Note
that you may need to contact the computer manufacturer to
verify these settings.
- There is a hardware failure. Note that you may need to contact
the computer manufacturer for more information about your
hardware.
- There is an error on your computer's hard disk. See "Using
ScanDisk to check your hard disk. "
- There is an error in the Windows registry. See "Using the
Windows Registry Checker. "

Using ScanDisk to Check Your Hard Disk
--------------------------------------
If you suspect there may be file corruption or other problems
with your hard disk(s), run ScanDisk to check for and repair
errors.
To check all your hard disks for errors:
1. At the command prompt, type:

scandisk /all
2. Press ENTER.
To perform a full surface scan of your hard disk(s) for maximum
protection against data loss:
1. At the command prompt, type:
scandisk /all /surface
2. Press ENTER.
Using Windows Registry Checker
------------------------------
If you are still unable to start Windows ME in Safe Mode, run
the Windows Registry Checker (Scanreg.exe) tool, as there may
be a problem with the system registry.
To start the Windows Registry Checker:
1. At the command prompt, type:
scanreg /restore
2. Press ENTER.
Scanreg may not be available if Windows ME has not been
successfully installed on your computer.
=========================================================
IF SETUP STOPS AND WINDOWS ME WILL NOT START IN SAFE MODE
=========================================================
The following section explains what you can do to recover from
a failed Windows Setup. For more information about other Setup
problems, see the Setup.txt file in the Win9X folder of your
Windows ME CD.
If you encounter any of these error messages while running Setup:
- Invalid system disk
- Incorrect MS-DOS version
- Missing or corrupted Command.com
it is likely that your computer's startup drive needs updated
system files. Certain CMOS settings or anti-virus software can
prevent Windows Setup from installing the correct system files
on your computer.
To replace your system files:
1. Restart your computer by using the Windows ME Startup Disk,
selecting option 1 on the Startup menu, and then pressing
ENTER.
2. Close the Help file.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen to run Setup.
4. Choose "Use Safe Recovery" if prompted.
A Note on Anti-Virus Software
-----------------------------
If anti-virus programs are left running during Setup, they might
prevent Setup from properly updating the system files.
**********
IMPORTANT: You might receive a warning message after the first
restart during Setup, informing you that the Master Boot Record
or other files have changed. If you see such a message, you MUST
accept these changes or Setup may fail to update critical files
that Windows ME uses to start your computer.
**********
Setup Stops Responding During Hardware Detection
------------------------------------------------
If Setup stops responding while it is detecting the hardware in
your computer, turn your computer off and wait a few seconds, and
then turn it back on. You may need to do this several times.
Choose Use "Safe Recovery" when Setup restarts. Setup could stop
responding during several different detection modules and will
skip areas it fails to complete successfully.
**********
IMPORTANT: Use the power switch to turn your computer completely
off. Do not use the reset button or press CTRL+ALT+DEL to restart
your computer.
**********
If Setup still fails to complete successfully, it may be
necessary to start your computer in Safe Mode so that you can
view the Help topics associated with hardware detection.
=======================
UNINSTALLING WINDOWS ME
=======================
If the above steps do not work, you can try to uninstall
Windows ME and return to your previous version of Windows.
To uninstall Windows ME, you must have chosen to save uninstall
information during Windows ME Setup. The uninstall information
is saved in the Winundo.dat and Winundo.ini files. If these
files are deleted, you cannot uninstall Windows ME.
**********
IMPORTANT: You should not attempt to Uninstall Windows ME if
the partition information for your hard disk or disks has
changed since you last installed Windows ME successfully.
Windows ME creates a backup copy of your partition information
in the Suhdlog.dat file at the end of a successful installation,
and Uninstal.exe restores the partition information listed in
the Suhdlog.dat file to your hard disk during Uninstall. If the
partition information on your hard disk or disks has changed
since you last installed successfully (specifically, since the
Suhdlog.dat file was created), then you might experience partial
or complete data loss as a result of attempting to Uninstall
Windows ME.
**********
To uninstall Windows ME:
1. Restart your computer using the Windows ME Startup Disk,
selecting option 1 on the Startup menu, and then pressing
ENTER.
2. Close the Help file.
3. At the command prompt, type each of the following lines,
pressing ENTER after each line.
smartdrv
<drive>:
cd\<windows>\command
uninstal.exe
NOTE: <drive> is the drive letter of the drive containing the
Windows folder (the default is C). <windows> is the name of
the Windows folder (the default is "Windows ").
4. Type Y when you are prompted to continue.
This process can take several minutes.
NOTE: SmartDrive (Smartdrv.exe) is not required to run
Uninstal.exe, but it can significantly speed up the process.
=====================================================
INSTALLING WINDOWS ME WITH WINDOWS NT OR WINDOWS 2000
=====================================================
You cannot install Windows ME over any version of Windows 2000
or Windows NT, but they can exist together on a single system.
However, for compatibility reasons, it is recommended that
you install each to a separate hard disk or partition. If
Windows NT is already installed, Windows ME Setup will add
itself to the Windows NT boot menu to allow you to multi-boot
between Windows ME and Windows NT.
========================================
INSTALLING WINDOWS ME ON A NEW HARD DISK
========================================
See the document "Installing Windows Millennium Edition to a
New Hard Disk," located at <CD-ROM>:\Win9x\Cleanhd.Txt.

You might also find the Setup readme useful. It is located at
<CD-ROM>:\Win9X\Setup.txt.

 

Assumes you have the floppy set as bootable!

Put a non boot floppy in the floppy drive.

Do not restart but shut down.

Turn back on it will stop when it finds the no bootable floppy and gave warning about system disk.

Remove the floppy and repeatedly tap the F8 key. This should get you safe mode.

Mike