CHKDSK file system error reports

[Justine]

For the last few months, I have been unable to get a clean
CHKDSK report, regardless of the use of chkdsk/r *or*
chkdsk/f at startup. The application event viewer logs
following startup chkdsk runs repeatedly show varying
numbers of "unused index entries" being "cleaned up" and
an occasional "cleaning up minor consistencies".
Nevertheless, running chkdsk (unswitched) always results
in "Windows found problems with the file system." - A 3d
party program, Fix-it 4.0, also reports file system errors
during its file system, registry, and hard disk tests, but
only suggests the use of chkdsk/f to repair them.
"Correcting errors in the Volume bitmap" also shows up
occasionally. FSUTIL reports that that the volume is not
dirty.

This chkdsk problem did NOT occur during the first few
months with my current machine, a Dell Dimension 8300
running XP Home, but I'm unable to pin down the time (or
cause) of the problem's startup.

I know this problem has been reported before, but I
haven't found useful information on its actual
seriousness, and/or whether it can be remedied (short of
reinstalling XP). My HD requires occasional defragging,
but I'm reluctant to undertake that procedure while chkdsk
is reporting file system errors. Information and clues
will be gratefully received.

 

[Andrew E]

Not running defrag is a mistake.
Try going to run,type:cmd
At the curser type:CHKDSK C: Run in read only mode to
chk and write down info.Then typeefrag C:
After type:EXIT
You might boot from xp cd,recovery,type:CHKDSK C: R
The utility will run sometimes more efficiently than in
boot-up.Try running,Sfc /Scannow in cmd also.

 

[sandeep.shah]

I get similar errors. Running defrag or not does not seem
to make any difference. After running chkdsk /f at
startup, chkdsk /p from recovery console again gives
errors. Otherwise volume is reported as 'clean'. What is
this problem? My HDD and Intel motherboard are new.

 

[Justine]

I'm wondering if my problem has to do with running NTFS on
the HD? I have an external FAT-formatted drive, and its
chkdsk reports are normally OK (no file system problems).