Master File Table corrupt

[Minos]

I get the following message on one of my hard disks
"Corrupt master file table."
When I run chkdsk /f or other options, it shows the file
system is NTFS and it shows the corrects volume label but
repeats the message above and shows "CHKDSK aborted"
chkntfs shows the following
Cannot query state of drive f:
In the Disk Management of Computer Management it shows
the disk drive but does not show the volume label and the
file system.
In the "System" option of the "Event viewer" it shows the
following message:
The file system structure on the disk is corrupt and
unusable. Please run the chkdsk utility on the volume F:.

Can someone please help?

 

[Chad Harris]

Minos--

You may find this KB and 2 articles a helpful reference--and as is often
the case although you didn't state what version of XP you are running, I
believe this Win 2K article fully will apply whether it's XP RTM or XPSP1 or
XP SP2 RTM, and I don't know whether you have a usable current backup, so
having read these articles below--here's what I'd do if I were you.

1) If you don't have Perfect Disk from Raxco or Disk Keeper (the full
version from Exec Soft) download either one. Use them to do a boot defrag
of your MFT. You can use full versions to try free for 30 days. They are
one of the best investments you can make if you want your OS to run
optimally. Of course there are other good defraggers but I don't think you
can go wrong with these two. MFTs rarely become fragmented, but they do and
yours might be.

Download a Defragger that can Defrag the MFT at boot:

http://www.raxco.com/products/downloadit/perfectdisk2000_download.cfm

http://www.executive.com/coverpage.asp

Defragging Tools
http://lists.gpick.com/pages/Defragging_Tools.htm

Files Excluded by the Disk Defragmenter Tool (Why you shouldn't use the
Watered Down Disk Defragger that MSFT has installed in XP from Exec
Soft)--It won't defrag your MFT
http://support.microsoft.com/defaul...port/kb/articles/Q227/3/50.ASP&NoWebContent=1


2) Then I'd try to run a chkdsk /r. Go to your run box or command prompt
and type in "chkdsk /r and it will give you the dialogue opportunity to run
it on next boot and I'd go on and close programs and reboot and let it run.
A Chkdsk /r implies f meaning it will include f and is more comprehensive.
If that does not clear up your problem, then boot from the CD to the
Recovery Console, using your CD and run a chkdskr /r command from there.
For some reason, it often will work when a chkdsk /r:

Benefits of Using Chkdsk
http://www.pegasus-ofs.com/eSupport/using_CHKDSK.htm

MS Chkdsk KBs
http://www.ss64.com/nt/chkdsk.html

Running Chkdsk to Repair File Systems
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/...Windows/XP/all/reskit/en-us/prkd_tro_xudm.asp

Running Chkdsk from My Computer or Windows Explorer
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/...Windows/XP/all/reskit/en-us/prkd_tro_tvlq.asp
______________________________________

Booting from Recovery Console

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;307654

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;q314058

http://www.wown.com/j_helmig/wxprcons.htm

_______________________________________

The Master File Table (MFT) Explained
http://www.ntfs.com/ntfs-mft.htm

Q: How do I repair a corrupt master file table?
http://www.ntfs.com/quest14.htm

Error Message:Corrupt master file table. CHKDSK aborted.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows200...2000/techinfo/reskit/en-us/w2000Msgs/2418.asp

How to Locate and Correct Disk Space Problems on NTFS Volumes in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;315688&Product=winxp

hth,

Chad Harris


I get the following message on one of my hard disks
"Corrupt master file table."
When I run chkdsk /f or other options, it shows the file
system is NTFS and it shows the corrects volume label but
repeats the message above and shows "CHKDSK aborted"
chkntfs shows the following
Cannot query state of drive f:
In the Disk Management of Computer Management it shows
the disk drive but does not show the volume label and the
file system.
In the "System" option of the "Event viewer" it shows the
following message:
The file system structure on the disk is corrupt and
unusable. Please run the chkdsk utility on the volume F:.

Can someone please help?

 

[Richard Urban]

This has what, to do, with a **"corrupt"** MFT?

--
Regards:

Richard Urban

aka Crusty (-: Old B@stard

 

[Chad Harris]

Crusty--

Unless you're parsing the meaning of "corrupt MFT" differently than I am
and the MSFT sites and others I put up on it, I trhink the "what" is it has
to do with fixing the poster's problem. I eagerly await your definition of
"corrupt MFT" and your solutions for dealing with the problem that
distinguish from mine. So far I don't see them--in your post that lacked
substance.

Best,

Chad Harris

This has what, to do, with a **"corrupt"** MFT?

--
Regards:

Richard Urban

aka Crusty (-: Old B@stard

 

[Chad Harris]

As explicitly and specifically as I can say it, Richard, I was hoping that
defragging and chkdsk /r might be able to *repair* his problem. I didn't
exzpect him to "delete" the corrupt file, and as one of my links said, he
may have to format the drive and reinstall. I was hoping to get rid of the
error he's having and avoid reformatting. There are multiple MSKBs that
recommend running chkdsk to repair a "corrupt MFT" dating back from the NT
kernel's inception.

Again, I thought my links might address the problem, and I've seen a number
of permutation and combinations of chkdsk problems and errors like this one
solved by running the chkdsk /r command from the RC.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;176646&sd=tech

http://www.jsiinc.com/SUBE/tip2000/rh2008.htm

http://tinyurl.com/6h69z

I'm still looking forward to my latest edition of the Crusty Old Bastard
Guide to Fixing a Corrupt MFT--post away. Where do it be?

Regards,

Chad Harris
___________________________________________




This has what, to do, with a **"corrupt"** MFT?

--
Regards:

Richard Urban

aka Crusty (-: Old B@stard

 

[CS]

I get the following message on one of my hard disks
"Corrupt master file table."
When I run chkdsk /f or other options, it shows the file
system is NTFS and it shows the corrects volume label but
repeats the message above and shows "CHKDSK aborted"
chkntfs shows the following
Cannot query state of drive f:
In the Disk Management of Computer Management it shows
the disk drive but does not show the volume label and the
file system.
In the "System" option of the "Event viewer" it shows the
following message:
The file system structure on the disk is corrupt and
unusable. Please run the chkdsk utility on the volume F:.

Can someone please help?

Hi Minos:

Unfortunately, when the MFT is corrupt and chkdsk can not make
repairs, it usually means you have hard drive problems. First thing
to do is download a diagnostic utility from the maker of your hard
drive and run it using the thorough diagnostic mode.

Hopefully you have a recent backup of your data. If not, there are
utilities which can rescue data from the drive. If the trouble turns
out to be not with the hard drive, it may be possible to get access to
the data. But in all likelihood, you're looking at a complete
reformat and re-install of XP.