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Problem with ScanDisk

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by zort

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What does it mean when ScanDisk stops short, at, say, 176,332 of 2,512,036 clusters and cannot be induced to resume scanning? I'm running it on Windows 98 with Norton AV 2002 disabled. Does this mean the hard drive is shot? that the head-to-toe pointer chain is broken? The computer actually runs moderately well once I get it started, and the applications are evidently able to access parts of the hard disk which ScanDisk can't. Also, what's wrong with the hard disk? I don't get a summary report. Thanks.

8 replies

by ann777

Scandisk is stopping at a point where it encounters a problem and it cannot continue. That means that there is a problem at that cluster.

The hard drive is bad at that point... and may get worse over time or it could stay the same.

It just really depends on how often that point is accessed as to whether the problem will be noticed in your running of the applications or in any further problems with the drive.

If you are also experiencing true info from the reports (as to the physical characteristics of the drive), the logic board (or disk controller) on the drive may also be failing.

If you have the money, or if the hdd is under warranty, then I recommend you replace it. At the very least, keep your backups current!

by ann777

Sorry, that was meant to be: If you are NOT experiencing true info from the reports (as to the physical characteristics of the drive), the logic board (or disk controller) on the drive may also be failing.

by zort

Tell me something I don't know! Anyway, I SAID that "I didn't get a summary report." That's part of the problem; evidently I didn't get the report since the program never finished running. An additional piece of information: The last time I ran ScanDisk, it not only stopped short but it froze the computer so I had to restart it irregularly (by turning the power off and on). Of course I know that aggravates the problem; what else can you do when you can't get to "Shut Down"?

by b_pope

Go to your hard drive manufacturers web site & download their drive utility & run it. They all have one, if there's a problem with the drive the utility will give you a error report & then you can search their site for what it means. Or email them the error code & they'll tell you the problem.

by rcom

Anytime you suspect possible drive problems don't run any more utilities on it. Try to get the info off before it completely fails. Scandisk and other wonder software can only make matters worse.

You should first copy the drive using drive copysoftware like "ghost" or yo can install another drive and copy the files in explorer. Make sure to change the view settings to view all files and disable hide files of type. The good thing is that the drive is getting past the boot sector so you should have a good chance of getting most if not all of the files off of it.

Good luck!

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