C: drive error-checking scan problem

[Warren]

Hello,

I usually perform the hard drive error-checking function
located at Local Disk/Properties/Tools once a month. I
tried to do it several days ago, but my computer froze
when I clicked "Check Now". Alt-Crtl-Dlt couldn't get me
out of it, so I held down the ON button to turn off my
laptop. I tried to do the scan three or four more times,
but the same thing happened.

I tried a McAfee virus scan to see if I had some kind of
problem. The scan revealed no virus but froze when it
reached C:/Windows/System32/ufat.dll. Again, all I could
do was hold down the ON button.

I went to the ufat.dll file and manually scanned for
viruses. McAfee successfully completed the scan and found
none. I tried another McAfee disk scan and it froze again
on the ufat.dll file.

These may not be related but it sure seems odd. I've never
had a problem previously with either error-checking or a
virus scan. Does anyone have a suggestion about what I
should do next? My computer is a Dell Inspiron 600m
notebook using Window XP.

Thanks,
Warren

 

[Malke]

Hello,

I usually perform the hard drive error-checking function
located at Local Disk/Properties/Tools once a month. I
tried to do it several days ago, but my computer froze
when I clicked "Check Now". Alt-Crtl-Dlt couldn't get me
out of it, so I held down the ON button to turn off my
laptop. I tried to do the scan three or four more times,
but the same thing happened.

I tried a McAfee virus scan to see if I had some kind of
problem. The scan revealed no virus but froze when it
reached C:/Windows/System32/ufat.dll. Again, all I could
do was hold down the ON button.

I went to the ufat.dll file and manually scanned for
viruses. McAfee successfully completed the scan and found
none. I tried another McAfee disk scan and it froze again
on the ufat.dll file.

These may not be related but it sure seems odd. I've never
had a problem previously with either error-checking or a
virus scan. Does anyone have a suggestion about what I
should do next? My computer is a Dell Inspiron 600m
notebook using Window XP.

First, rule out a failing hard drive. Download a drive diagnostic from
the drive mftr.'s website. Dell may have its own diagnostics on their
Resources disk, but I would suggest getting the diagnostic from the
drive. mftr.'s website instead. Usually you will make a bootable
floppy. If your laptop doesn't have a floppy drive, you can get
Seagate's SeaTools to make a bootable cd. SeaTools can test non-Seagate
drives, too.

Whichever media you choose, boot with it and run a thorough test. If the
drive has errors, you will need to replace it. If the system is under
warranty, contact Dell.

Malke