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Resolved Corrupt file or folder

Discussion in 'Windows XP' started by Spanner, 2012/11/08.

  1. 2012/11/08
    Spanner

    Spanner Inactive Thread Starter

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    Not sure what catagory this should go in so trying this one.
    Trying to defrag a PC got the message that it could not defrag because the file or folder 'C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download\Instal is corrupt and unreadable' Tried to delete file/folder got the message 'cannot delete Instal The file or directory is corrupt and unreadable'
    how can I delete/uninstal this file/folder so I can complete the defrag? please.
    Spanner
     
  2. 2012/11/08
    TonyT

    TonyT SuperGeek Staff

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    Three ways I've found to handle this problem:

    1. Run chkdsk utility: Open My Comp > rt click drive > select Properties > Tools > Error checking > follow prompts. (or do the same using a startup repair disk or install cd for xp)

    2. Attach the drive to a computer running Linux and delete the file(s).

    3. the above failing, backup data, reformat the disk & reinstall everything.

    The reason the folder or files cannot be deleted is because the drives master file table is corrupted as a result. To fix the master file table the files must be repaired or deleted, or the disk must be reformatted.
     
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  4. 2012/11/08
    Steve R Jones

    Steve R Jones SuperGeek Staff

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    Which OS are you using so we can move your thread to that section?
     
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  5. 2012/11/09
    Spanner

    Spanner Inactive Thread Starter

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    Reply to Steve R Jones, OS is XP Pro, and to Tony T, will check out your suggestions SAP,
    Thanks to both.
    Spanner
     
  6. 2012/11/10
    Spanner

    Spanner Inactive Thread Starter

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    Update on Tony T suggestions.
    (re item 1)Tried chkdsk, chkdsk would not commence on restart as it should..
    ( item 2 ) No Linux running pc available
    (item 3 " Windows unable to complete reformat "
    This is such a 'nice' PC ( owners words) she is reluctant to have it 'spoilt'.
    So any idea what to do next? other than get a new HD.
    Spanner
     
  7. 2012/11/10
    Steve R Jones

    Steve R Jones SuperGeek Staff

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    If you booted off an XP cd and it wouldn't format-> Time to get a new drive.
     
  8. 2012/11/10
    Arie

    Arie Administrator Administrator Staff

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    Arie,
    #7
  9. 2012/11/10
    TonyT

    TonyT SuperGeek Staff

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    1. delete existing operating system partition.
    2. create a new os partition.
    3. format "full" as ntfs, do not select "quick format ". (never use quick format for operating system installs)
     
  10. 2012/12/03
    Spanner

    Spanner Inactive Thread Starter

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    Have reluctantly decided to dump defective HD,taking too much time ( money)to resolve.
    Thanks to all who offered advice, have learnt a lot from it.
    Will mark this resolved, and thanks again.
    Spanner.
     

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