I have an HP6545C. When I try to defrag, it runs forever, but never gets off the zero percent mark. I have let it run for over 24 hours with no results. ANy suggestions as to why?
Try reinstalling XP, perhaps? Back up your files first. Otherwise, do virus, spyware, adware scans to see if anything like that is screwing up windows. There is a very good free defragger you can download. I'll post back with a link. That might do the trick.
Thanks for your comeback. Sorry, but I failed to mention that I am using Windows '98, rather than XT. Is there a link that can help me with that? :sick:
With Win9x you pretty much either need to set defrag to run at boot and stay away from your pc for quite a few hours or you'll need a 3rd party app. Win 9x will not complete a defrag if you try to do anything while it's running.
If you have another system nearby with Windows ME, replace the defrag.exe file on your 98 system with the one from ME. It should have less problems that way, as the defragmenter was probably the only thing which was actually improved between 98SE --> ME. Also, terminate any applications which are running before you start the defragmenter. Just press ALT+CTRL+DEL, and kill everything except for the two Windows processes necessary for 98 to run (explorer.exe and systray32, or something. Sorry, I've forgotten). Then run the defragmenter in a totally bare environment. If even this doesn't work, you probably have one of the following issues: a) a problem with malware, spyware, or other undesireable software b) a severely corrupted FAT32 filesystem (happens to all Windows 95-ME systems given time) or c) a physically damaged hard-drive. This can happen if your chassis is not condusive for cooling of the HDD's many moving parts, and is especially compounded with cheap HDD's like Maxtor.
The steps Anti-Trend has mentioned are not necersary, however.. they are highly recommended, however to do a succesful defrag boot your computer into safe mode, you can do this by hitting CTRL (control button on keyboard) or the F8 key as its booting up. If you run defrag in safe mode it will run, however you will have to leave your pc unattended until its finished. - PX
The downside defragmenting in safemode is that your HDD's DMA will be disabled, meaning really poor performance (it'll take forever). Oh, and one thing I've forgotten to mention in my last post: make sure to also disable your anti-virus client before defragmenting, if you have one.
True! Unless the filesystem or the harddrive are damaged, in which case it'll probably never complete
All of your suggestions are appreciated, but it really sounds to me like I'm ready for a new PC. Santa, are you listening?
This is the exact specification of your computer, you could pickup something like this for around £20-£50 in good condition second hand. However i must say that your hard drive failing to complete a scan disk is nothing to get worried about, this is definately not a reason to start thinking you need a new computer. Obviously your computer in terms of technology that is available now is quite old, however if you have used it to this day without feeling the need to upgrade or get a significant boost of performance then i doubt you need a new pc at all nor a upgrade. As for the ScanDisk, boot into SafeMode as a suggested and run the scan disk, then leave it running over night, nothing will interrupt it, once its complete try and run a Disk Defrag the next night and leave till complete. If you do want to upgrade i would suggest not doing this, the machine you have is incredibly limited in it's upgrade ability, mainly due to the age of the motherboard and the lack of parts to buy new from the market now as they have mainly been discontinued, so if thinking of upgrading .. don't. Now a days you can buy a pc that is atleast tripple as fast as your HP machine, espeically if you build it yourself, and if your not confident then we are always here to help you and advise you through your build, even if you know nothing of it. So if your interested in a new pc, or would just like to query it, just post back with the details: What you use your current PC for (list as many tasks & programs as possible) What you would like to be able to do that your current pc can't and to what extent.. If there is anything you do not like or would not like in a new pc? Then a price range, ie what can you afford, not your credit card, or what would you like to spend.. What other things would you like with it? ie: Printers, New Monitor, Mouse, Keyboard e.t.c? Where do you live (US, UK, Europe)? (if in US post state - so we can provide local retailers)
