Chkdisk error..will not run @ boot

[abseh1]

Windows XP Home

Tried to run error check (which I have never had a problem with so far) and get this after rebooting to start it "cannot open the volumn for direct access

Simply stated @ boot it will not run or complete

Tks in advance for any ideas

[query]

Could be a couple of things - most likely is a hardware failure.

If you have data on the drive that is not backed up:

1.  Disconnect the drive.
2.  Install a new drive, and then install a fresh copy of XP Home onto it.  Patch it fully (SP1 and all subsequent updates).
3.  Shut down and install the suspect drive as a slave.
4.  Copy what you can to the new drive.
5.  Test the suspect drive with the utility provided by its manufacturer for that purpose.

The more fiddling you do with a possibly faulty drive, the greater the chance you'll lose all of it - if there is any important data on it that is not backed up, build a new XP installation on a new drive and copy it before you do any more testing/repair attempts.

[abseh1]

Tks..I can use it but it will not ckdsk
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Just so I understand
You are saying maybe it is about to fail correct
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Tku..I'll look for a new drive

[query]

Sorry -- I misinterpreted your poast to mean that chkdsk ran on startup and wouldn't allow you to boot the system.

The drive may be OK - I would still test it with the manufacturer utility.

Instead of running chkdsk, run the volume checker - right-click on the drive, choose Properties, Tools, Error Checking, and Check Now.

[abseh1]

OK ...no problem...I'll try it

Tks for your time/help