MS-DOS booting problems.

Dell Computer/ Intel(r)Celeron(tm)Processor. RAM 256 MB.Operating System: Windows ME
When I attempt to run Scandisk or to DeFrag the hard drive (Local Disk C) I get a message that the drive has been locked by a disk utility, but there are no programs running. I have attempted to perform this in Safe Mode but to no avail. From some solutions that I have found it seems that the file allocation table is damaged and needs to be repaired. To do this the computer needs to be run in DOS, using the emergency Boot Disk. ME should be able to generate a disk but is unable to do so stating that the files cannot be found. I have also downloaded some Disks but can only get a normal boot after inserting them. I would appreciate any help. Ref. Post by JessieDeb & solution By Zander, Dec. 9, 2005. Les Bamburg

 

http://radified.com/Files/

Use this self-extracting boot disk from Radified. Place a blank formatted floppy in the drive then run bootmec.exe.

Make sure your floppy is set as the first boot device in the Bios.

 

Here is some information regarding the problem. See if it helps.

Error Message "Windows Cannot Defragment This Drive now Because It Has Been Locked by a Disk Utility" When Using Disk Defragmenter

Cannot defrag drive because it is locked by a disk utility.

You might also try System Restore.

 

Conclusion to scandisk and defrag problems.

Conclusion:
The original problem was that scandisk nor defrag would perform, sending an error message that the drive was locked out by a disk utility
I will close this post out by listing chronologically the actions that have been taken to alleviate this condition and where it now stands.
The 1st 4 did not have positive results and the 5th is not applicable, but the 6th did give positive results.
1. Ended tasks on all programs running in the background.
2. Attempted to run scandisk and defrag in SAFE MODE.
3. Restored system to a date prior to the start of the problem.
4. Booted up DOS and ran scandisk but no problems were found in any of the areas covered.
5. It was possible that Norton Speed Disk might be the problem but it is not in the computer.
6. Some time ago I checked (disabled) the startup of scandisk at improper shutdown. START/RUN/TYPE msconfig/ click OK/ Click Advanced on general Menu/ Scandisk is 7th check block from top.So now I unchecked (enabled) scandisk and re-started. When Windows loaded back I manually turned off the computer (improper shutdown) then when I started up, the scandisk checked the drive, found errors and fixed them. I then ran defrag, and a thorough scan without a hitch. I hope this helps someone that might be experiencing these problems. Les Bamburg. (aka oldcousin)