Defrag problems

On 01/08/2010 06:42 AM, Aster wrote:

"Bill Blanton" wrote in message
...
On 1/6/2010 05:47, Aster wrote:


Also, according to microsoft, the volume must have at least 15 percent
free space for Defrag to completely and adequately defragment it. Defrag
uses this space as a sorting area for file fragments. If a volume has
less than 15 percent free space, Defrag only partially defragments it.
So, if my 20Gb hard drive has only 1.53Gb free space and I have
performed defrag, my volume has been just partially defragmented?

If you only have 1.5GB free it's either time to move some data off, or
buy another drive. If you're thinking that defrag is going to speed up
your system considerably, it won't. Far better to look at what
processes are running in the background.

It was mentioned that Scandisk reported bad clusters. In that case
stay away from any defrag utility. Defrag is for healthy disks.

---------------

still not clear, has been my volume fully defragged, or just some
partially? Canno check this, since there is no 'Analyze' disk option,
like win XP has.


Uhm, here's what I found in Win9X in similar situations:

1. *IF* I had *disabled virtual memory* and thereby deleted the swap
file upon re-boot before the scandisk/defrag, then yes, during the first
run, though it took even longer. This frees up MORE space, though it can
only be done on computers in which there is sufficient memory and
limited background apps.
The reason is to place the swap in contiguous blocks rather than
scattered around the disk, and the extra time comes from moving all
those files to fill in the now blanked/freed areas. The swap is then
placed at the end of the used file area when re-enabled.
The warning you refer to [15%] comes from the necessity to ensure there
IS available swap space/area sufficient to run "not only"
scandisk/defrag, but also for large and/or numerous applications being
run and being swapped, *particularly* if you have not disabled what you
can for the scandisk/defrag operations [hence why it is recommended to
limit these background applications during the activities].

A. *IF* you have lots of memory, then you can limit the swap to a small
area (or disable it) and *force* Windows to use physical memory instead.

2. *IF* leaving memory control in the hands of Windows during
scandisk/defrag, then expect it will constantly warn about disk changes,
at least until you tell it not to warn you again. Also note:

A. you haven't really defragmented the disk completely/thoroughly [due
to the non-contiguous swap areas];

1. this is fine for normal usage, however, it is good idea to do a
*thorough* scandisk and defrag on your disk(s) "every once in awhile"
[depending upon your usage and/or needs].

3. Remember, many application's files may expand during usage so the
defrag actually only lasts for a relatively short time period as these
are moved around the disk to free areas, leaving small previously
claimed "file" areas as freed, which may be filled in with smaller files
from other applications or otherwise (as in parts of files or similar)
starting the fragmentation process again.

4. *IF* installing and un-installing are part of your normal usage,
EXPECT the disk to be severely fragmented. The systems being used in
this fashion REQUIRE scandisk and defrag or other disk maintenance tools
be used more frequently.

--
MEB
http://peoplescounsel.org/ref/windows-main.htm
Windows Info, Diagnostics, Security, Networking
http://peoplescounsel.org
The "real world" of Law, Justice, and Government
___---

On 01/08/2010 06:42 AM, Aster wrote:

"Bill Blanton" wrote in message
...
On 1/6/2010 05:47, Aster wrote:


Also, according to microsoft, the volume must have at least 15 percent
free space for Defrag to completely and adequately defragment it. Defrag
uses this space as a sorting area for file fragments. If a volume has
less than 15 percent free space, Defrag only partially defragments it.
So, if my 20Gb hard drive has only 1.53Gb free space and I have
performed defrag, my volume has been just partially defragmented?

If you only have 1.5GB free it's either time to move some data off, or
buy another drive. If you're thinking that defrag is going to speed up
your system considerably, it won't. Far better to look at what
processes are running in the background.

It was mentioned that Scandisk reported bad clusters. In that case
stay away from any defrag utility. Defrag is for healthy disks.

---------------

still not clear, has been my volume fully defragged, or just some
partially? Canno check this, since there is no 'Analyze' disk option,
like win XP has.


Uhm, here's what I found in Win9X in similar situations:

1. *IF* I had *disabled virtual memory* and thereby deleted the swap
file upon re-boot before the scandisk/defrag, then yes, during the first
run, though it took even longer. This frees up MORE space, though it can
only be done on computers in which there is sufficient memory and
limited background apps.
The reason is to place the swap in contiguous blocks rather than
scattered around the disk, and the extra time comes from moving all
those files to fill in the now blanked/freed areas. The swap is then
placed at the end of the used file area when re-enabled.
The warning you refer to [15%] comes from the necessity to ensure there
IS available swap space/area sufficient to run "not only"
scandisk/defrag, but also for large and/or numerous applications being
run and being swapped, *particularly* if you have not disabled what you
can for the scandisk/defrag operations [hence why it is recommended to
limit these background applications during the activities].

A. *IF* you have lots of memory, then you can limit the swap to a small
area (or disable it) and *force* Windows to use physical memory instead.

2. *IF* leaving memory control in the hands of Windows during
scandisk/defrag, then expect it will constantly warn about disk changes,
at least until you tell it not to warn you again. Also note:

A. you haven't really defragmented the disk completely/thoroughly [due
to the non-contiguous swap areas];

1. this is fine for normal usage, however, it is good idea to do a
*thorough* scandisk and defrag on your disk(s) "every once in awhile"
[depending upon your usage and/or needs].

3. Remember, many application's files may expand during usage so the
defrag actually only lasts for a relatively short time period as these
are moved around the disk to free areas, leaving small previously
claimed "file" areas as freed, which may be filled in with smaller files
from other applications or otherwise (as in parts of files or similar)
starting the fragmentation process again.

4. *IF* installing and un-installing are part of your normal usage,
EXPECT the disk to be severely fragmented. The systems being used in
this fashion REQUIRE scandisk and defrag or other disk maintenance tools
be used more frequently.

--
MEB
http://peoplescounsel.org/ref/windows-main.htm
Windows Info, Diagnostics, Security, Networking
http://peoplescounsel.org
The "real world" of Law, Justice, and Government
___---

"PCR" wrote in message
...
Hot-text wrote:
Aster Aster Aster Hmm

That will not FIX BAD Cluster in Sectors

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/218160

Aster Get you a WINDOW 98 with a BAD Cluster and you will see that
all you say will not Work!
If you do not have and running Win98 in time you will have a BAD
Cluster and ask for help your will not Work
and we will help Just remember if you can not Defrag 9 out of 10
it's a BAD Cluster

I find myself fully in agreement with MEB in this matter! (But that is a
good article you posted.)

"PCR" wrote in message
...
Aster wrote:
I tried to defrag HD from MS DOS, I restarted PC into a MS-DOS
prompt, typed

defrag c: /f /sd- /skiphigh

but got message saying that "this program requires microsoft
windows"..

So defrag utility does not work from DOS. Defragging from Windows
does work, since it constantly restarts and says "drive's content
changed: restarting", then tried defrag from Safe mode (from Run
command prompt) but had the same issue "drive's content changed:
restarting", just less frequently. Finally I tried "Selective
startup" in Msconfig, unchecked all boxes, restarted into Safe mode,
then run command from command prompt. I was able to defrag, but it
took a huge time. And I still I faced the same problem a few times,
"drive's content changed: restarting".
Is there better method or better tool for defragging? The default
windows tool is too ugly.

The following is what I usually post for that problem. It looks like
Blanton came up with something quicker. STILL, I would spend time
with stuff like DiskAction & BHOCop to determine what is constantly
writing to the hard disk -- you may want to stop it permanently!

I must warn that Scandisk may not do a great job when there is a
great one to do...
http://cquirke.mvps.org/9x/scandisk.htm
Therefore, perhaps UNcheck "Automatically fix errors" on it's front
screen. It will then ask whether you want each error fixed. If it
sounds truly horrible, say "No!", and post the log. The log will be
"C:\Scandisk.log". Do not let it constantly restart, either. (When
running Scandisk in DOS, there won't be such a box to uncheck. You
must "Scandisk /Checkonly", instead. It will write to the same .log.
The Auto-Scandisk that runs from DOS after a crash must be set to
"Prompt" the bad ones in C:\Windows\Command\Scandisk.ini.) REALLY,
in light of all THAT, the BEST thing to do is to have a full system
backup to run to! Would you like my list of backup apps?

1. Turn off screen saver.
(R-Clk Desktop, Properties, Screen Saver-- None)
2. Turn off power management.
(Control Panel, Power Management-- Always On,Never,Never,Never)
3. Suspend Task Scheduler using its Advanced menu.
4. Disable any permanent internet cable connection.
5. Turn off interfering programs. Use "StartupCop" or "EndItAll2"
from PCMag (below). Or "START, Run, MSConfig, Startup tab". Note
what is unchecked. Then, go to the General tab & disable the
entire
Startup
Group, by clicking "Selective.." & unchecking "Load Startup...".
Reboot.
Don't forget to re-enable before the next boot.
6. Use "HDValet" from PCMag, or
(a) "Control Panel, Internet Options, Delete Files button,
bolt Delete all offline content, OK, OK"
(b) "START, Run, %TEMP%", & delete all files that will let you.
This will likely be "C:\Windows\Temp". This is best done
after a fresh boot, unless you have not seen the message
"Reboot to complete this install".
7. Run Scandisk (Thorough, usually w/o write testing. Check all
three items under "Scandisk, Advanced button, 'Check files for'
box".
If you want to be informed as it does a fix, UNcheck
"Automatically fix errors" on the front screen, or look inside
"C:\Scandisk.log" afterwards.)
8. "START, Run, Defrag /p /details".
Apparently "/p" defrags the unmovables.

The purpose of steps 1-5 is only to prevent constant restarts of
Scandisk & Defrag, if you get them; but DEFINITELY turn off
the Virus Scanner. Scandisk should be done perhaps once a month,
and certainly after every serious crash. Do a Defrag after a sluggish
boot or when this says so:
http://www.pcmag.com/ 's CrackUp by Gregory A. Wolking
& Bob Flanders. Also, take DiskAction to determine what is
constantly writing to the HDD, which causes the restarts. Take
BHOCop & StartupCop by Neil J. Rubenking too.

"DiskAction" by Rick Knoblaugh reports the last 12 processes
that access any partition. It discovered the Microsoft Windows
Critical Update Notification tool was accessing my HDD every
five minutes. It can be uninstalled in "Control Panel, Add/Remove
Programs". Then, occasionally, "START, Windows Update" on your own.

"BHOCop" by Patrick Philippot found a Browser Helper Object
called Wavehelper Class, created by "Wavetop", that was building
a monstrosity of an error log called "Logit.txt" in here. "START,
Find, F/F, Logit.txt"-- see one?

http://support.microsoft.com/default...;EN-US;q287914
Articles about Scandisk
http://support.microsoft.com/default...;en-us;Q286263
Articles about Defrag

--
Thanks or Good Luck,
There may be humor in this post, and,
Naturally, you will not sue,
Should things get worse after this,
PCR

-------------


Just find good defrag program for win 98, PerfectDisk 4
It have Analyze disk option and other handy features:

http://uploading.com/files/4dm3ecce/pd40dsi.zip

Archive password is "w".

"PCR" wrote in message
...
Hot-text wrote:
Aster Aster Aster Hmm

That will not FIX BAD Cluster in Sectors

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/218160

Aster Get you a WINDOW 98 with a BAD Cluster and you will see that
all you say will not Work!
If you do not have and running Win98 in time you will have a BAD
Cluster and ask for help your will not Work
and we will help Just remember if you can not Defrag 9 out of 10
it's a BAD Cluster

I find myself fully in agreement with MEB in this matter! (But that is a
good article you posted.)

"PCR" wrote in message
...
Aster wrote:
I tried to defrag HD from MS DOS, I restarted PC into a MS-DOS
prompt, typed

defrag c: /f /sd- /skiphigh

but got message saying that "this program requires microsoft
windows"..

So defrag utility does not work from DOS. Defragging from Windows
does work, since it constantly restarts and says "drive's content
changed: restarting", then tried defrag from Safe mode (from Run
command prompt) but had the same issue "drive's content changed:
restarting", just less frequently. Finally I tried "Selective
startup" in Msconfig, unchecked all boxes, restarted into Safe mode,
then run command from command prompt. I was able to defrag, but it
took a huge time. And I still I faced the same problem a few times,
"drive's content changed: restarting".
Is there better method or better tool for defragging? The default
windows tool is too ugly.

The following is what I usually post for that problem. It looks like
Blanton came up with something quicker. STILL, I would spend time
with stuff like DiskAction & BHOCop to determine what is constantly
writing to the hard disk -- you may want to stop it permanently!

I must warn that Scandisk may not do a great job when there is a
great one to do...
http://cquirke.mvps.org/9x/scandisk.htm
Therefore, perhaps UNcheck "Automatically fix errors" on it's front
screen. It will then ask whether you want each error fixed. If it
sounds truly horrible, say "No!", and post the log. The log will be
"C:\Scandisk.log". Do not let it constantly restart, either. (When
running Scandisk in DOS, there won't be such a box to uncheck. You
must "Scandisk /Checkonly", instead. It will write to the same .log.
The Auto-Scandisk that runs from DOS after a crash must be set to
"Prompt" the bad ones in C:\Windows\Command\Scandisk.ini.) REALLY,
in light of all THAT, the BEST thing to do is to have a full system
backup to run to! Would you like my list of backup apps?

1. Turn off screen saver.
(R-Clk Desktop, Properties, Screen Saver-- None)
2. Turn off power management.
(Control Panel, Power Management-- Always On,Never,Never,Never)
3. Suspend Task Scheduler using its Advanced menu.
4. Disable any permanent internet cable connection.
5. Turn off interfering programs. Use "StartupCop" or "EndItAll2"
from PCMag (below). Or "START, Run, MSConfig, Startup tab". Note
what is unchecked. Then, go to the General tab & disable the
entire
Startup
Group, by clicking "Selective.." & unchecking "Load Startup...".
Reboot.
Don't forget to re-enable before the next boot.
6. Use "HDValet" from PCMag, or
(a) "Control Panel, Internet Options, Delete Files button,
bolt Delete all offline content, OK, OK"
(b) "START, Run, %TEMP%", & delete all files that will let you.
This will likely be "C:\Windows\Temp". This is best done
after a fresh boot, unless you have not seen the message
"Reboot to complete this install".
7. Run Scandisk (Thorough, usually w/o write testing. Check all
three items under "Scandisk, Advanced button, 'Check files for'
box".
If you want to be informed as it does a fix, UNcheck
"Automatically fix errors" on the front screen, or look inside
"C:\Scandisk.log" afterwards.)
8. "START, Run, Defrag /p /details".
Apparently "/p" defrags the unmovables.

The purpose of steps 1-5 is only to prevent constant restarts of
Scandisk & Defrag, if you get them; but DEFINITELY turn off
the Virus Scanner. Scandisk should be done perhaps once a month,
and certainly after every serious crash. Do a Defrag after a sluggish
boot or when this says so:
http://www.pcmag.com/ 's CrackUp by Gregory A. Wolking
& Bob Flanders. Also, take DiskAction to determine what is
constantly writing to the HDD, which causes the restarts. Take
BHOCop & StartupCop by Neil J. Rubenking too.

"DiskAction" by Rick Knoblaugh reports the last 12 processes
that access any partition. It discovered the Microsoft Windows
Critical Update Notification tool was accessing my HDD every
five minutes. It can be uninstalled in "Control Panel, Add/Remove
Programs". Then, occasionally, "START, Windows Update" on your own.

"BHOCop" by Patrick Philippot found a Browser Helper Object
called Wavehelper Class, created by "Wavetop", that was building
a monstrosity of an error log called "Logit.txt" in here. "START,
Find, F/F, Logit.txt"-- see one?

http://support.microsoft.com/default...;EN-US;q287914
Articles about Scandisk
http://support.microsoft.com/default...;en-us;Q286263
Articles about Defrag

--
Thanks or Good Luck,
There may be humor in this post, and,
Naturally, you will not sue,
Should things get worse after this,
PCR

-------------


Just find good defrag program for win 98, PerfectDisk 4
It have Analyze disk option and other handy features:

http://uploading.com/files/4dm3ecce/pd40dsi.zip

Archive password is "w".

On 01/09/2010 01:17 PM, Aster wrote:
PerfectDisk 4

Ah come'on, is this group going to become yet another link repository
for stolen software...

There are already groups, forums, torrents, and sites DEVOTED to that
type of activity, why not keep that junk over there. What's wrong, not
enough users over there???

http://www.perfectdisk.com
which SELLS the product though it hasn't supported [been installable in]
Win9X in a number of versions, it supposedly handles almost any disk format.

You should note though, that the program has caused issues in its
various versions. You might want to look at
Diskkeeper
which Microsoft chose the "lite" version of for its XP defragmenter.

OR, there is the search engines which can supply you with
links/information for FREE versions, scripts, or other.

--
MEB
http://peoplescounsel.org/ref/windows-main.htm
Windows Info, Diagnostics, Security, Networking
http://peoplescounsel.org
The "real world" of Law, Justice, and Government
___---

On 01/09/2010 01:17 PM, Aster wrote:
PerfectDisk 4

Ah come'on, is this group going to become yet another link repository
for stolen software...

There are already groups, forums, torrents, and sites DEVOTED to that
type of activity, why not keep that junk over there. What's wrong, not
enough users over there???

http://www.perfectdisk.com
which SELLS the product though it hasn't supported [been installable in]
Win9X in a number of versions, it supposedly handles almost any disk format.

You should note though, that the program has caused issues in its
various versions. You might want to look at
Diskkeeper
which Microsoft chose the "lite" version of for its XP defragmenter.

OR, there is the search engines which can supply you with
links/information for FREE versions, scripts, or other.

--
MEB
http://peoplescounsel.org/ref/windows-main.htm
Windows Info, Diagnostics, Security, Networking
http://peoplescounsel.org
The "real world" of Law, Justice, and Government
___---

Aster wrote:
"PCR" wrote in message
...
Hot-text wrote:
Aster Aster Aster Hmm

That will not FIX BAD Cluster in Sectors

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/218160

Aster Get you a WINDOW 98 with a BAD Cluster and you will see that
all you say will not Work!
If you do not have and running Win98 in time you will have a BAD
Cluster and ask for help your will not Work
and we will help Just remember if you can not Defrag 9 out of 10
it's a BAD Cluster

I find myself fully in agreement with MEB in this matter! (But that
is a good article you posted.)

"PCR" wrote in message
...
Aster wrote:
I tried to defrag HD from MS DOS, I restarted PC into a MS-DOS
prompt, typed

defrag c: /f /sd- /skiphigh

but got message saying that "this program requires microsoft
windows"..

So defrag utility does not work from DOS. Defragging from
Windows does work, since it constantly restarts and says
"drive's content changed: restarting", then tried defrag from
Safe mode (from Run command prompt) but had the same issue
"drive's content changed: restarting", just less frequently.
Finally I tried "Selective startup" in Msconfig, unchecked all
boxes, restarted into Safe mode, then run command from command
prompt. I was able to defrag, but it took a huge time. And I
still I faced the same problem a few times, "drive's content
changed: restarting".
Is there better method or better tool for defragging? The default
windows tool is too ugly.

The following is what I usually post for that problem. It looks
like Blanton came up with something quicker. STILL, I would spend
time with stuff like DiskAction & BHOCop to determine what is
constantly writing to the hard disk -- you may want to stop it
permanently!

I must warn that Scandisk may not do a great job when there is a
great one to do...
http://cquirke.mvps.org/9x/scandisk.htm
Therefore, perhaps UNcheck "Automatically fix errors" on it's
front screen. It will then ask whether you want each error fixed.
If it sounds truly horrible, say "No!", and post the log. The log
will be "C:\Scandisk.log". Do not let it constantly restart,
either. (When running Scandisk in DOS, there won't be such a box
to uncheck. You must "Scandisk /Checkonly", instead. It will
write to the same .log. The Auto-Scandisk that runs from DOS
after a crash must be set to "Prompt" the bad ones in
C:\Windows\Command\Scandisk.ini.) REALLY, in light of all THAT,
the BEST thing to do is to have a full system backup to run to!
Would you like my list of backup apps?

1. Turn off screen saver.
(R-Clk Desktop, Properties, Screen Saver-- None)
2. Turn off power management.
(Control Panel, Power Management-- Always On,Never,Never,Never)
3. Suspend Task Scheduler using its Advanced menu.
4. Disable any permanent internet cable connection.
5. Turn off interfering programs. Use "StartupCop" or "EndItAll2"
from PCMag (below). Or "START, Run, MSConfig, Startup tab".
Note what is unchecked. Then, go to the General tab & disable
the
entire
Startup
Group, by clicking "Selective.." & unchecking "Load
Startup...". Reboot.
Don't forget to re-enable before the next boot.
6. Use "HDValet" from PCMag, or
(a) "Control Panel, Internet Options, Delete Files button,
bolt Delete all offline content, OK, OK"
(b) "START, Run, %TEMP%", & delete all files that will let you.
This will likely be "C:\Windows\Temp". This is best done
after a fresh boot, unless you have not seen the message
"Reboot to complete this install".
7. Run Scandisk (Thorough, usually w/o write testing. Check all
three items under "Scandisk, Advanced button, 'Check files for'
box".
If you want to be informed as it does a fix, UNcheck
"Automatically fix errors" on the front screen, or look inside
"C:\Scandisk.log" afterwards.)
8. "START, Run, Defrag /p /details".
Apparently "/p" defrags the unmovables.

The purpose of steps 1-5 is only to prevent constant restarts of
Scandisk & Defrag, if you get them; but DEFINITELY turn off
the Virus Scanner. Scandisk should be done perhaps once a month,
and certainly after every serious crash. Do a Defrag after a
sluggish boot or when this says so:
http://www.pcmag.com/ 's CrackUp by Gregory A. Wolking
& Bob Flanders. Also, take DiskAction to determine what is
constantly writing to the HDD, which causes the restarts. Take
BHOCop & StartupCop by Neil J. Rubenking too.

"DiskAction" by Rick Knoblaugh reports the last 12 processes
that access any partition. It discovered the Microsoft Windows
Critical Update Notification tool was accessing my HDD every
five minutes. It can be uninstalled in "Control Panel, Add/Remove
Programs". Then, occasionally, "START, Windows Update" on your
own.

"BHOCop" by Patrick Philippot found a Browser Helper Object
called Wavehelper Class, created by "Wavetop", that was building
a monstrosity of an error log called "Logit.txt" in here. "START,
Find, F/F, Logit.txt"-- see one?

http://support.microsoft.com/default...;EN-US;q287914
Articles about Scandisk
http://support.microsoft.com/default...;en-us;Q286263
Articles about Defrag

--
Thanks or Good Luck,
There may be humor in this post, and,
Naturally, you will not sue,
Should things get worse after this,
PCR

-------------


Just find good defrag program for win 98, PerfectDisk 4
It have Analyze disk option and other handy features:

http://uploading.com/files/4dm3ecce/pd40dsi.zip

Archive password is "w".

I'm in agreement with MEB again -- although I did that long, long ago,
myself, with software for Commodore machines -- presuming he is right
about that app which you may have inadvertently stolen & which may be
buggy &/or virus laden. Say seven Hail Mary's & seek something free to
do your defrag quicker like Blanton's effort which sounds very
reasonable to me.

Also, I must reiterate you should seek to discover what it is that
causes your restarts & decide whether you want it running at all.

--
Thanks or Good Luck,
There may be humor in this post, and,
Naturally, you will not sue,
Should things get worse after this,
PCR

Aster wrote:
"PCR" wrote in message
...
Hot-text wrote:
Aster Aster Aster Hmm

That will not FIX BAD Cluster in Sectors

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/218160

Aster Get you a WINDOW 98 with a BAD Cluster and you will see that
all you say will not Work!
If you do not have and running Win98 in time you will have a BAD
Cluster and ask for help your will not Work
and we will help Just remember if you can not Defrag 9 out of 10
it's a BAD Cluster

I find myself fully in agreement with MEB in this matter! (But that
is a good article you posted.)

"PCR" wrote in message
...
Aster wrote:
I tried to defrag HD from MS DOS, I restarted PC into a MS-DOS
prompt, typed

defrag c: /f /sd- /skiphigh

but got message saying that "this program requires microsoft
windows"..

So defrag utility does not work from DOS. Defragging from
Windows does work, since it constantly restarts and says
"drive's content changed: restarting", then tried defrag from
Safe mode (from Run command prompt) but had the same issue
"drive's content changed: restarting", just less frequently.
Finally I tried "Selective startup" in Msconfig, unchecked all
boxes, restarted into Safe mode, then run command from command
prompt. I was able to defrag, but it took a huge time. And I
still I faced the same problem a few times, "drive's content
changed: restarting".
Is there better method or better tool for defragging? The default
windows tool is too ugly.

The following is what I usually post for that problem. It looks
like Blanton came up with something quicker. STILL, I would spend
time with stuff like DiskAction & BHOCop to determine what is
constantly writing to the hard disk -- you may want to stop it
permanently!

I must warn that Scandisk may not do a great job when there is a
great one to do...
http://cquirke.mvps.org/9x/scandisk.htm
Therefore, perhaps UNcheck "Automatically fix errors" on it's
front screen. It will then ask whether you want each error fixed.
If it sounds truly horrible, say "No!", and post the log. The log
will be "C:\Scandisk.log". Do not let it constantly restart,
either. (When running Scandisk in DOS, there won't be such a box
to uncheck. You must "Scandisk /Checkonly", instead. It will
write to the same .log. The Auto-Scandisk that runs from DOS
after a crash must be set to "Prompt" the bad ones in
C:\Windows\Command\Scandisk.ini.) REALLY, in light of all THAT,
the BEST thing to do is to have a full system backup to run to!
Would you like my list of backup apps?

1. Turn off screen saver.
(R-Clk Desktop, Properties, Screen Saver-- None)
2. Turn off power management.
(Control Panel, Power Management-- Always On,Never,Never,Never)
3. Suspend Task Scheduler using its Advanced menu.
4. Disable any permanent internet cable connection.
5. Turn off interfering programs. Use "StartupCop" or "EndItAll2"
from PCMag (below). Or "START, Run, MSConfig, Startup tab".
Note what is unchecked. Then, go to the General tab & disable
the
entire
Startup
Group, by clicking "Selective.." & unchecking "Load
Startup...". Reboot.
Don't forget to re-enable before the next boot.
6. Use "HDValet" from PCMag, or
(a) "Control Panel, Internet Options, Delete Files button,
bolt Delete all offline content, OK, OK"
(b) "START, Run, %TEMP%", & delete all files that will let you.
This will likely be "C:\Windows\Temp". This is best done
after a fresh boot, unless you have not seen the message
"Reboot to complete this install".
7. Run Scandisk (Thorough, usually w/o write testing. Check all
three items under "Scandisk, Advanced button, 'Check files for'
box".
If you want to be informed as it does a fix, UNcheck
"Automatically fix errors" on the front screen, or look inside
"C:\Scandisk.log" afterwards.)
8. "START, Run, Defrag /p /details".
Apparently "/p" defrags the unmovables.

The purpose of steps 1-5 is only to prevent constant restarts of
Scandisk & Defrag, if you get them; but DEFINITELY turn off
the Virus Scanner. Scandisk should be done perhaps once a month,
and certainly after every serious crash. Do a Defrag after a
sluggish boot or when this says so:
http://www.pcmag.com/ 's CrackUp by Gregory A. Wolking
& Bob Flanders. Also, take DiskAction to determine what is
constantly writing to the HDD, which causes the restarts. Take
BHOCop & StartupCop by Neil J. Rubenking too.

"DiskAction" by Rick Knoblaugh reports the last 12 processes
that access any partition. It discovered the Microsoft Windows
Critical Update Notification tool was accessing my HDD every
five minutes. It can be uninstalled in "Control Panel, Add/Remove
Programs". Then, occasionally, "START, Windows Update" on your
own.

"BHOCop" by Patrick Philippot found a Browser Helper Object
called Wavehelper Class, created by "Wavetop", that was building
a monstrosity of an error log called "Logit.txt" in here. "START,
Find, F/F, Logit.txt"-- see one?

http://support.microsoft.com/default...;EN-US;q287914
Articles about Scandisk
http://support.microsoft.com/default...;en-us;Q286263
Articles about Defrag

--
Thanks or Good Luck,
There may be humor in this post, and,
Naturally, you will not sue,
Should things get worse after this,
PCR

-------------


Just find good defrag program for win 98, PerfectDisk 4
It have Analyze disk option and other handy features:

http://uploading.com/files/4dm3ecce/pd40dsi.zip

Archive password is "w".

I'm in agreement with MEB again -- although I did that long, long ago,
myself, with software for Commodore machines -- presuming he is right
about that app which you may have inadvertently stolen & which may be
buggy &/or virus laden. Say seven Hail Mary's & seek something free to
do your defrag quicker like Blanton's effort which sounds very
reasonable to me.

Also, I must reiterate you should seek to discover what it is that
causes your restarts & decide whether you want it running at all.

--
Thanks or Good Luck,
There may be humor in this post, and,
Naturally, you will not sue,
Should things get worse after this,
PCR

Just find good defrag program for win 98, PerfectDisk 4
It have Analyze disk option and other handy features:

http://uploading.com/files/4dm3ecce/pd40dsi.zip

Archive password is "w".

I'm in agreement with MEB again -- although I did that long, long ago,
myself, with software for Commodore machines -- presuming he is right
about that app which you may have inadvertently stolen & which may be
buggy &/or virus laden. Say seven Hail Mary's & seek something free to
do your defrag quicker like Blanton's effort which sounds very
reasonable to me.

Also, I must reiterate you should seek to discover what it is that
causes your restarts & decide whether you want it running at all.

--
Thanks or Good Luck,
There may be humor in this post, and,
Naturally, you will not sue,
Should things get worse after this,
PCR


-------------

Sure, no one should use aboved utility if he don't want.
I just replaced windows defragger with Windows ME defragger. I think the
restarting was caused by windows itself, I ran ScanDisk and Defrag from
Safe mode, and used Selective startup with all items unchecked.

Aster

Just find good defrag program for win 98, PerfectDisk 4
It have Analyze disk option and other handy features:

http://uploading.com/files/4dm3ecce/pd40dsi.zip

Archive password is "w".

I'm in agreement with MEB again -- although I did that long, long ago,
myself, with software for Commodore machines -- presuming he is right
about that app which you may have inadvertently stolen & which may be
buggy &/or virus laden. Say seven Hail Mary's & seek something free to
do your defrag quicker like Blanton's effort which sounds very
reasonable to me.

Also, I must reiterate you should seek to discover what it is that
causes your restarts & decide whether you want it running at all.

--
Thanks or Good Luck,
There may be humor in this post, and,
Naturally, you will not sue,
Should things get worse after this,
PCR


-------------

Sure, no one should use aboved utility if he don't want.
I just replaced windows defragger with Windows ME defragger. I think the
restarting was caused by windows itself, I ran ScanDisk and Defrag from
Safe mode, and used Selective startup with all items unchecked.

Aster