Scandisk/Defrag problem

[dullard]

I'm at my in-laws and unfortunately they think I can magically make their computer do whatever they want. Today, they want to be able to run Scandisk or Defrag. Unfortunately this computer (like many computers) is a mess of unused programs and gadgets. Something is accessing the HD every 30 seconds or so making either Scandisk or Defrag impossible to use - they can't even get half way through the folder check. I've turned off every option and shut down every program that I can see - and still something prevents these from completing. Anyone know the solution?

This is Win 98 1st edition (I think the computer was bought the same week Win98 was released).

 

[AKA]

Restart computer and boot into safe mode. Disable the screensaver.. then run them.

If its still causing this in safe mode then you may have a problem with the hard drive.

 

[Brutuskend]

Is it on a network?

DSL?

I had the same problem, until I unpluged my Network cable.

The other option would be to run scandisk from a boot disk.

And maybe start in safe mode, then run defrag.

 

[corkyg]

Also, fix the size of the swap file nominally at 2.5 times the amount of RAM. You do that by setting Virtual Memory minum and maximum to that same number. The swap or page file is dynamic, and everytime it changes, Defrag starts over. And as was said, turn off ALL TSRs while defragging.

 

[dullard]

<< Restart computer and boot into safe mode. Disable the screensaver.. then run them.

If its still causing this in safe mode then you may have a problem with the hard drive. >>



They both run in safe mode. They restarted about 2-3 times each in safe mode, but at least they could complete. I got the blue screen afterward.

 

[dullard]

<< Also, fix the size of the swap file. >>


Tried that, no good either.



<< Is it on a network? >>


Nope, modem only.



<< The other option would be to run scandisk from a boot disk. >>


i can do this, but there is no way I could teach them that.

 

[BadThad]

How much free space is available on the drive? You need at least 20% free for good defragmentation. You can get a bit more by reducing the recycle bin to 3-4%. Be sure to delete all temp, internet and junk files on the drive too.

 

[dullard]

The drive is 75% free. I think one problem is the 3,417 folders. This needs major cleaning. However, there is still something that accesses the drive repeatedly. Oh, well. Thanks for trying.

 

[bsobel]

Go grab FileMon from SysInternals, it should be able to show you what process is writing to the hd.

> off ALL TSRs while defragging

Pet peeve. These are not 'TSRs', they are background processess

Bill

 

[Mikendi]

Excellent link bsobel dullard if you visit them every month, or so you can defrag from DOS then.