chkdsk loop

[Gary Karasik]

Hi,

I've a version of the "chkdsk loop" problem that doesn't fit any of the
reports I've been able to find: The XP/SP2 workstation boots fine unless I
run CHKDSK (setting it to run from Windows Explorer, C:, Properties, Fix).
Once I run reboot and run CHKDSK, the machine then runs CHKDSK continually
and refuses to reboot unless I use F8/Last Known Good....

If I run CHKDSK from Recovery Console, there's no problem until the next
time CHKDSK is run from Explorer, when the same cycle repeats.

Anyone got any thoughts on this?

GaryK

 

[Ron Martell]

Hi,

I've a version of the "chkdsk loop" problem that doesn't fit any of the
reports I've been able to find: The XP/SP2 workstation boots fine unless I
run CHKDSK (setting it to run from Windows Explorer, C:, Properties, Fix).
Once I run reboot and run CHKDSK, the machine then runs CHKDSK continually
and refuses to reboot unless I use F8/Last Known Good....

If I run CHKDSK from Recovery Console, there's no problem until the next
time CHKDSK is run from Explorer, when the same cycle repeats.

Anyone got any thoughts on this?

GaryK

Does the CHKDSK ever finish? If not how far does it get before it
restarts from the beginning?

Have you tried using the hard drive manufacturer's diagnostic utility
to check for a hardware problem with the drive itself?

Good luck

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP (1997 - 2006)
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

"Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference
has never been in bed with a mosquito."

 

[Stubby]

CHKDSK restarts if the file system changes at all. This happens if
you have a service running. All it has to do is write to a log file and
CHKDSK will restart.

 

[Gary Karasik]

Thanks, Ron. Yes the chkdsk completes successfully. Doesn't find any bad
sectors.

GaryK

 

[Gary Karasik]

Thanks for the response. Could you amplify your comments? It's my
understanding that CHKDSK is running before the services start; is that
wrong? How could I find out which service is running and writing a log file?

GaryK

 

[Ron Martell]

Thanks, Ron. Yes the chkdsk completes successfully. Doesn't find any bad
sectors.

GaryK

And then it starts all over again, right away?

Or does it run again the next time you reboot the computer?

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP (1997 - 2006)
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

"Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference
has never been in bed with a mosquito."

 

[Gary Karasik]

CHKDSK completes, the PC restarts, and then goes right back into CHKDSK. The
PC never actually boots unless I hit F8 and select Last Known Good.... After
selecting that it boots fine and works fine until the next time I select
CHKDSK from Windows Explorer. Running CHKDSK from Recovery Console causes no
problems at all; this problem only surfaces when selecting CHKDSK from
Windows Explorer.

I've tried booting into Safe mode but don't see any obvious cause of this
behavior.

GaryK

 

[Ron Martell]

CHKDSK completes, the PC restarts, and then goes right back into CHKDSK. The
PC never actually boots unless I hit F8 and select Last Known Good.... After
selecting that it boots fine and works fine until the next time I select
CHKDSK from Windows Explorer. Running CHKDSK from Recovery Console causes no
problems at all; this problem only surfaces when selecting CHKDSK from
Windows Explorer.

I've tried booting into Safe mode but don't see any obvious cause of this
behavior.

GaryK

Have you looked in Event Viewer for any error records that correspond
to these reboots? That may provide a clue as to the cause of them.

Also open Control Panel - System - Advanced and click on the Settings
button in the Startup and Recovery (bottom) section. In the Startup
and Recovery window click on the checkbox for "automatically restart"
to clear it if it is selected. Click on Apply and OK as needed to
exit.

If the automatic restart box was selected try running CHKDSK again now
that this has been cleared. If a BSOD results then the contents of
that will provide a direct clue as to the underlying cause of your
problems.

Good luck

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP (1997 - 2006)
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

"Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference
has never been in bed with a mosquito."

 

[Gary Karasik]

If the automatic restart box was selected try running CHKDSK again now
that this has been cleared. If a BSOD results then the contents of
that will provide a direct clue as to the underlying cause of your
problems.

Good one!

I'll look at that. Thanks.

GaryK