corrupt master file table - can't run chkdsk

[Guest]

when i boot, chkdsk tries to run & says "chkdsk aborted - corrupt master file
table" i've tried defrag - it says run chkdsk
i've gone to command prompt and tried chkdsk /f and chkdsk /r /f - they
won't run at boot either - all say 'master file corrupt'
downloaded Raxco's perfect disk defragger and it can't run at boot either

HELP!?!? I don't know what else to do

 

[User1]

What file system are you using?

What OS?


when i boot, chkdsk tries to run & says "chkdsk aborted - corrupt master file
table" i've tried defrag - it says run chkdsk
i've gone to command prompt and tried chkdsk /f and chkdsk /r /f - they
won't run at boot either - all say 'master file corrupt'
downloaded Raxco's perfect disk defragger and it can't run at boot either

HELP!?!? I don't know what else to do

 

[R. McCarty]

$MFT or Master File Table contains the indexing so NTFS files
can be found and accessed. Files on an NTFS partition are ordered
numerically. Attempting any defrag while this condition exists will
not work or help. Even if Chkdsk could complete, it's likely that any
number of files/folders may be removed to clear the MFT corruption.

If Chkdsk cannot perform a Repair or Fix operation then the drive is
seriously corrupted. There are disk analysis and repair utilities that
can/may help. Gibson Research has a tool called "SpinRite" that is
a candidate. But this problem isn't really hardware in nature, it's the
partition/drive structure itself is damaged.

If your data isn't backed up or imaged, you might consider taking
the drive to a reputable PC shop and explain your problem(s).

 

[Rock]

when i boot, chkdsk tries to run & says "chkdsk aborted - corrupt master file
table" i've tried defrag - it says run chkdsk
i've gone to command prompt and tried chkdsk /f and chkdsk /r /f - they
won't run at boot either - all say 'master file corrupt'
downloaded Raxco's perfect disk defragger and it can't run at boot either

HELP!?!? I don't know what else to do

Backup the data on the disk now. Then get a drive diagnostic utility
from the drive manufacturer's web site. This will create a floppy disk.
Run the diagnostics from there to see if the drive has a problem. If
so, replace it. If not you may need to do a clean installation,
repartioning and formatting the drive.

 

[Guest]

file system? as in scsi? not sure i understand the question.
xp - home...sorry that probably was an important item i left out

 

[Guest]

ran disk diagnostic...passed
tried clean install ... same message: corrupt master file table run chkdsk!
if i weren't so frustrated, i might actually laugh

 

[Guest]

my data's backed up...i'd prefer to work on it myself as i'm almost 2 hours
from a metropolitan area and it'd be difficult to get the pc there and then
go back and get it.

 

[R. McCarty]

If you intend to clean install, then you need a disk preparation tool.
I would suggest that you completely remove all existing partitions.
As other posters have suggested, you need to verify the integrity of
the drive itself. Go to the vendor web site for the drive and download
their disk diagnostics tool. If will create a bootable floppy disk that
runs controller and media tests on the drive. If it gives the drive an OK
then proceed to create a new partition and start the install process.
This assumes you have another PC that you can use to download
the tool. BootITng, Partition Magic, Acronis Partition Expert are
some of the advanced disk management tools available. You can
also use your XP CD disk to get to the install point and opt to delete
the existing partition, exit and then run diags.
Regardless of the approach you take, you really need to run a test
on the drive and make sure it is useable.

 

[CS]

You idiot. You not only post in HTML, but you don't know that the
Master File Table is only used with NTFS? Why don't you join another
newsgroup, one that's more in line with your intellect. Perhaps, the
DOS gamers group?