Ongoing HD problem:

[Navyguy]

I have a Dell Dimension 8200 with XP SP3, 160G hard drive with DSL
connection. I have
Windows Firewall(set to notify), Avira Antivirus, Spybot, Windows
Defender and Hive Cleanup.

I recently had some serious issues with my computer; this started when
MSN Live Msgr stopped signing on automatically, then my login
procedure was changed via remote assistance; and was told my MFT was
corrupted. I also became infected with a Trojan Horse virus which I
deleted but still resides on its host program.

With all these considerations it was felt that the best course of
action was to reinstall XP. I successfully did this using the recovery
CD provided by Dell by first deleting the (C partition and created a
new partition, formatted it, and reinstalled XP, then uploaded 30+
updates from Microsoft, including SP2 and SP3, and IE7 and MSN Live
Mail.Then created a System Restore point.

Even though the system has returned to somewhat normal operation I
decided to run a chkdsk to make sure. It found file problems and
suggested running a chkdsk /f which I've done several times but it
doesn't complete and hangs in step 2 of 3 (verifying indexes). I now
realize that I needed to format my HD to remove the Trojan Horse virus
and then reinstall XP. However there are some considerations.

I have a Seagate Baracuda 3.5 PATA/100 ST3160815A HD and intially I
started to check the HD using the CD from Seagate. I started to
download diagnostics from the CD when Avira caught a malware from the
CD! It says it contains HEUR/Malware Suspicious code so I cancelled
the process.

So my question is this; if I format my HD do I need this CD to install
any drivers? If so, then obviously I can't use this CD because of the
suspicious malware code and will probably require a new HD. If not,
can I install XP using the recovery disk or do I need a stock copy of
XP? If I need a stock copy is there a way to get it? Another point,
even if I did purchase a new HD I would still need to install XP
somehow.

I would appreciate any advice or suggestions.


Thanks,

Robert

 

[Bill Blanton]

I recently had some serious issues with my computer; this started when
MSN Live Msgr stopped signing on automatically, then my login
procedure was changed via remote assistance; and was told my MFT was
corrupted. I also became infected with a Trojan Horse virus which I
deleted but still resides on its host program.

With all these considerations it was felt that the best course of
action was to reinstall XP. I successfully did this using the recovery
CD provided by Dell by first deleting the (C partition and created a
new partition, formatted it, and reinstalled XP,

Even though the system has returned to somewhat normal operation I
decided to run a chkdsk to make sure. It found file problems and
suggested running a chkdsk /f which I've done several times but it
doesn't complete and hangs in step 2 of 3 (verifying indexes). I now
realize that I needed to format my HD to remove the Trojan Horse virus
and then reinstall XP. However there are some considerations.

I have a Seagate Baracuda 3.5 PATA/100 ST3160815A HD and intially I
started to check the HD using the CD from Seagate. I started to
download diagnostics from the CD when Avira caught a malware from the
CD! It says it contains HEUR/Malware Suspicious code so I cancelled
the process.

It's probably a false positive.
http://www.avira.com/en/threats/section/fulldetails/id_vir/2703/heur_malware.html
Heuristic scanning is not an exact science, and low level disk tools contain
a lot of code that access the hardware directly.

 

[Ron Badour]

You have not provided any information showing that a drive format is
required. In fact, a format is seldom required to get rid of an infection.
As I write this I am cleaning a PC that so far has 34 infections and in the
past I have cleaned systems with 200 to 400 infections of every sort without
formatting.

HEUR/Malware Suspicious code: This is not a definite virus/Trojan--it is
merely being flagged as being suspicious code. The following was found
here:

http://www.avira.com/en/threats/section/fulldetails/id_vir/2703/heur_malware.html

HEUR/Malware is a heuristic detection routine designed to detect common
malware characteristics. Avira AntiVir recognizes unknown malware
proactively using its AHeAD technology. To achieve this, Avira performs
innovative structural analyzing.

On the basis of the composition of a file, the sequence of significant code
sequences or based on particular behavior patterns, the heuristics can
determine with a high probability whether it is dealing with a harmful or
virulent file.

HEUR/Malware in particular is reported when a program seems to contain
suspicious functionality.

In the unlikely occurrence of a false positives we would kindly ask for your
help and send the file to our virus lab using the quarantine functionality
of AntiVir.
******************************************
I doubt that a Seagate CD is infected. I would either use the diagnostics
to check the drive or if this makes you nervous, download the diagnostics
from Seagate.

http://www.seagate.com/www/en-us/support/downloads/seatools/


--
Regards

Ron Badour
MS MVP
Windows Desktop Experience

 

[Daave]

I have a Dell Dimension 8200 with XP SP3, 160G hard drive with DSL
connection. I have
Windows Firewall(set to notify), Avira Antivirus, Spybot, Windows
Defender and Hive Cleanup.

I recently had some serious issues with my computer; this started when
MSN Live Msgr stopped signing on automatically, then my login
procedure was changed via remote assistance; and was told my MFT was
corrupted. I also became infected with a Trojan Horse virus which I
deleted but still resides on its host program.

With all these considerations it was felt that the best course of
action was to reinstall XP. I successfully did this using the recovery
CD provided by Dell by first deleting the (C partition and created a
new partition, formatted it, and reinstalled XP, then uploaded 30+
updates from Microsoft, including SP2 and SP3, and IE7 and MSN Live
Mail.Then created a System Restore point.

Clarification, please. What you are describing is known as a Clean
Install. But these are not done with Recovery CDs. Am I correct to
assume that what you used is in fact a "Reinstallation CD"?

Even though the system has returned to somewhat normal operation I
decided to run a chkdsk to make sure. It found file problems and
suggested running a chkdsk /f which I've done several times but it
doesn't complete and hangs in step 2 of 3 (verifying indexes). I now
realize that I needed to format my HD to remove the Trojan Horse virus
and then reinstall XP. However there are some considerations.

If you are getting these results on a *fresh install* of XP, I would
suspect a bad hard drive.

I have a Seagate Baracuda 3.5 PATA/100 ST3160815A HD and intially I
started to check the HD using the CD from Seagate. I started to
download diagnostics from the CD when Avira caught a malware from the
CD! It says it contains HEUR/Malware Suspicious code so I cancelled
the process.

It's good to check the health of your hard drive.

What do you mean by the phrase "download diagnostics from the CD"? This
would be impossible! I am not familiar with this Seagate CD (did you
create it yourself or is this an actual Seagate CD?). But you would
either being running the diagnostic program from the CD (most likely) or
perhaps install the program from the CD onto on your hard drive. Please
describe this CD in detail. Is it bootable?

It looks like you can download a diagnostic tool called SeaTools for
Windows. Have you tried that? Site:

http://www.seagate.com/www/en-us/support/downloads/seatools

I'm guessing that this is a false positive on Avira's part. Still, what
is the exact message? What actual file is it flagging?

Or does one of your Dell disks contain a hard drive diagnostic?

Some Dells come with a hidden partition on your hard drive with a set of
diagnostic tools. In these PCs, pressing one of the F keys at bootup
(before Windows would normally start loading) takes you there. Or
perhaps you do have a Dell diagnostics CD. Need more info!

So my question is this; if I format my HD do I need this CD to install
any drivers?

Which CD? Please describe it fully.

If so, then obviously I can't use this CD because of the
suspicious malware code and will probably require a new HD. If not,
can I install XP using the recovery disk or do I need a stock copy of
XP?

Which recovery disk? The Dell one? I still need to know what it says on
the disk: Recovery or Reinstallation CD?

If I need a stock copy is there a way to get it?

I doubt very much you need a stock copy (i.e., generic OEM) of XP!

Another point,
even if I did purchase a new HD I would still need to install XP
somehow.

If your curent drive is shot and you purchase a new drive to replace it,
then of course you will need to install XP on it. Sometimes what people
do is clone the contents of the old drive to the new one (which is the
equivalent of installing XP). But to be on the safe side, I would just
install fresh.

 

[db]

what you might try
instead of formatting
and re-installation is
to use the fdisk first.

with the fdisk command
you can obliterate the
partitions and data in
them.

then with the fdisk you
can recreate new one(s)
and set the size(s) too

afterwards you can
format and install the
o.s.

in fact, you can try the
fdisk at this time and
simply view your disks.



--

db·´¯`·...¸><)))º>
DatabaseBen, Retired Professional
- Systems Analyst
- Database Developer
- Accountancy
- Veteran of the Armed Forces

"share the nirvana" - dbZen

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

[Navyguy]

This is the Trojan Horse virus:

Trojan horse Downloader.Generic8.TVN It was under Local Settings\Temp
Internet Files
Content.IE5\PWT3Az83\getfile-081220-aps(1).gif


In addition I updated and scanned with Avira as soon as I installed it
and it still found (2) warnings although there use to be (3). This
troubles me since this is a new install and I did format the
partition. The
warnings are as follows:

Starting the file scan:
Begin scan in 'C:\'
C:\hiberfil.sys [WARNING] The file could not be opened!
C:\pagefile.sys [WARNING] The file could not be opened!

If I can avoid formatting my HD I would certainly prefer not to but
I'm unable to complete a chkdsk /f. So if there's way to remove this
virus I'd like to know how?


Thanks,

Robert

 

[Daave]

I am confused, Navyguy. I thought you said you performed a clean
install, which if course would have eradicated that trojan. Or are you
just mentioning it for historical reasons? If the latter, don't worry
about it, it ain't there anymore! If this is recent and it's just a .gif
file, I'm curious as to what it means. Perhaps there is malicious code
embedded in this graphic file... Did you clear your browser cache?

Also, there is no reason to worry that Avira is unable to scan
hiberfil.sys and pagefile.sys. That's normal.

You say you want to avoid formatting your hard drive. But I thought you
said in another post that you did just this! Do you mean you want to
avoid formatting it *again*? Or did you just intend to format it, but
haven't done so yet?



This is the Trojan Horse virus:

Trojan horse Downloader.Generic8.TVN It was under Local Settings\Temp
Internet Files
Content.IE5\PWT3Az83\getfile-081220-aps(1).gif


In addition I updated and scanned with Avira as soon as I installed it
and it still found (2) warnings although there use to be (3). This
troubles me since this is a new install and I did format the
partition. The
warnings are as follows:

Starting the file scan:
Begin scan in 'C:\'
C:\hiberfil.sys [WARNING] The file could not be opened!
C:\pagefile.sys [WARNING] The file could not be opened!

If I can avoid formatting my HD I would certainly prefer not to but
I'm unable to complete a chkdsk /f. So if there's way to remove this
virus I'd like to know how?


Thanks,

Robert

 

[Ron Badour]

I am not sure why you are providing the Trojan's name--is it still on your
hard drive or what? Also, unless there is a **brand new **development that
I am unaware of, a .gif file cannot be a Trojan.

The warnings you got were of files that were in use. For example, the page
file, otherwise called the swap file, is always in use.

Regarding the chkdsk problem--either use the diagnostic software on the
Seagate CD or download Seatools and check the health of your hard drive.

--
Regards

Ron Badour
MS MVP
Windows Desktop Experience


This is the Trojan Horse virus:

Trojan horse Downloader.Generic8.TVN It was under Local Settings\Temp
Internet Files
Content.IE5\PWT3Az83\getfile-081220-aps(1).gif


In addition I updated and scanned with Avira as soon as I installed it
and it still found (2) warnings although there use to be (3). This
troubles me since this is a new install and I did format the
partition. The
warnings are as follows:

Starting the file scan:
Begin scan in 'C:\'
C:\hiberfil.sys [WARNING] The file could not be opened!
C:\pagefile.sys [WARNING] The file could not be opened!

If I can avoid formatting my HD I would certainly prefer not to but
I'm unable to complete a chkdsk /f. So if there's way to remove this
virus I'd like to know how?


Thanks,

Robert

 

[Daave]

I am not sure why you are providing the Trojan's name--is it still on
your hard drive or what? Also, unless there is a **brand new
**development that I am unaware of, a .gif file cannot be a Trojan.

Apparently, if a site is compromised, it could have a .gif file embedded
with malicious JavaScript:

http://blogs.zdnet.com/security/?p=1361

I believe there are some .mp3 files that have similar problems (not
*.mp3.exe files either!).

 

[Ron Badour]

Thanks for link--crap, something else to worry about.
--
Regards

Ron Badour
MS MVP
Windows Desktop Experience

 

[Daave]

I know. :-(

Thanks for link--crap, something else to worry about.

 

[Navyguy]

Clarification, please. What you are describing is known as a Clean
Install. But these are not done with Recovery CDs. Am I correct to
assume that what you used is in fact a "Reinstallation CD"?


If you are getting these results on a *fresh install* of XP, I would
suspect a bad hard drive.


It's good to check the health of your hard drive.

What do you mean by the phrase "download diagnostics from the CD"? This
would be impossible! I am not familiar with this Seagate CD (did you
create it yourself or is this an actual Seagate CD?). But you would
either being running the diagnostic program from the CD (most likely) or
perhaps install the program from the CD onto on your hard drive. Please
describe this CD in detail. Is it bootable?

It looks like you can download a diagnostic tool called SeaTools for
Windows. Have you tried that? Site:

http://www.seagate.com/www/en-us/support/downloads/seatools

I'm guessing that this is a false positive on Avira's part. Still, what
is the exact message? What actual file is it flagging?

Or does one of your Dell disks contain a hard drive diagnostic?

Some Dells come with a hidden partition on your hard drive with a set of
diagnostic tools. In these PCs, pressing one of the F keys at bootup
(before Windows would normally start loading) takes you there. Or
perhaps you do have a Dell diagnostics CD. Need more info!


Which CD? Please describe it fully.


Which recovery disk? The Dell one? I still need to know what it says on
the disk: Recovery or Reinstallation CD?


I doubt very much you need a stock copy (i.e., generic OEM) of XP!


If your curent drive is shot and you purchase a new drive to replace it,
then of course you will need to install XP on it. Sometimes what people
do is clone the contents of the old drive to the new one (which is the
equivalent of installing XP). But to be on the safe side, I would just
install fresh.




- Show quoted text -- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Sorry for the delay, but I have been running scans. I will try an
answer your questions (I hope the text doesn't get jumbled so they are
unreadable)

Clarification, please. What you are describing is known as a Clean
Install. But these are not done with Recovery CDs. Am I correct to
assume that what you used is in fact a "Reinstallation CD"?


yes, I used a Reinstalltion CD to install XP

If you are getting these results on a *fresh install* of XP, I would
suspect a bad hard drive.

This is the point of contention. I tried running chkdsk /f again last
night but it did the same thing. However, this time I was able to
press one of the keys on the keyboard and it canceled it. Previously I
had to press f8, and select 'last know setting that worked' to get out
of it.

What do you mean by the phrase "download diagnostics from the CD"?
This would be impossible! I am not familiar with this Seagate CD (did
you create it yourself or is this an actual Seagate CD?).

Its an actual Seagate CD, sorry for the wording, I meant I started the
diagnostics not downloaded them. When I insert it, says: This CD
contains utilities and other helpful tools to help you install your
drive.

See support /Registration/Services section for addition documentation
about installing disc drives.

Below that it says:
Click to view these documents:
PATA installation Guide
SATA installation Guide
Installation Guides in additional languages

It gives the following choices:

Disk Wizard installation software
Sea Tools Diagnostics
Registration/Services/Information
Data Recovery Services

perhaps install the program from the CD onto on your hard drive.
Please describe this CD in detail. Is it bootable?

I installed Sea Tools on my system, It does have bootable options for
DOS but requires either a floppy drive and diskette, or a CD , but
burner software must be capable of burning a CD from ISO image.

It looks like you can download a diagnostic tool called SeaTools for
Windows. Have you tried that?

I did run the Sea Tools long drive self test yesterday and it passed
and then ran the long generic test and it also passed.

I then downloaded the file recovery program to my E: drive and scanned
my C: drive and it shows (Recognized) (highlighted in green) (1) NTFS
file, (6) FAT12 files,(highlighted in orange) (19) FAT32 files, (4)
FAT12 files, (1) NTFS file, (highlighted in red) (4) FAT 12 files,
(8) FAT 32 files, (4) FAT 16 files.

I then scanned my E: drive and it shows (highlighted in green) (1)
NTFS file




Robert

 

[Navyguy]

I am confused, Navyguy. I thought you said you performed a clean
install, which if course would have eradicated that trojan. Or are you
just mentioning it for historical reasons? If the latter, don't worry
about it, it ain't there anymore! If this is recent and it's just a .gif
file, I'm curious as to what it means. Perhaps there is malicious code
embedded in this graphic file... Did you clear your browser cache?

Also, there is no reason to worry that Avira is unable to scan
hiberfil.sys and pagefile.sys. That's normal.

You say you want to avoid formatting your hard drive. But I thought you
said in another post that you did just this! Do you mean you want to
avoid formatting it *again*? Or did you just intend to format it, but
haven't done so yet?

I only mentioned this for historical reasons because I thought the
Trojan Horse was still on the system.

Again a poor choice of words on my part, I didn’t format the HD, I
formatted the partition when I deleted the C: drive and installed XP
using the Reinstallation CD. However from what you say I don’t have to
worry about the Trojan Horse being there any longer.

Still the question of not being able to complete a chkdsk /f and the
MFT being possibly corrupted remains, and I’ve noticed at times that
the computer is slower than usual and others where its fast which is
the norm for this computer.



Robert

This is the Trojan Horse virus:

Trojan horse Downloader.Generic8.TVN It was under Local Settings\Temp
Internet Files
Content.IE5\PWT3Az83\getfile-081220-aps(1).gif

In addition I updated and scanned with Avira as soon as I installed it
and it still found (2) warnings although there use to be (3). This
troubles me since this is a new install and I did format the
partition. The
warnings are as follows:

Starting the file scan:
Begin scan in 'C:\'
C:\hiberfil.sys    [WARNING]   The file could not be opened!
C:\pagefile.sys    [WARNING]   The file could not be opened!

If I can avoid formatting my HD I would certainly prefer not to but
I'm unable to complete a chkdsk /f. So if there's way to remove this
virus I'd like to know how?

Thanks,

Robert

You have not provided any information showing that a drive format is
required. In fact, a format is seldom required to get rid of an
infection.
As I write this I am cleaning a PC that so far has 34 infections and
in the
past I have cleaned systems with 200 to 400 infections of every sort
without
formatting.

HEUR/Malware Suspicious code: This is not a definite virus/Trojan--it
is
merely being flagged as being suspicious code. The following was found
here:

HEUR/Malware is a heuristic detection routine designed to detect
common
malware characteristics. Avira AntiVir recognizes unknown malware
proactively using its AHeAD technology. To achieve this, Avira
performs
innovative structural analyzing.

On the basis of the composition of a file, the sequence of significant
code
sequences or based on particular behavior patterns, the heuristics can
determine with a high probability whether it is dealing with a harmful
or
virulent file.

HEUR/Malware in particular is reported when a program seems to contain
suspicious functionality.

In the unlikely occurrence of a false positives we would kindly ask
for your
help and send the file to our virus lab using the quarantine
functionality
of AntiVir.
******************************************
I doubt that a Seagate CD is infected. I would either use the
diagnostics
to check the drive or if this makes you nervous, download the
diagnostics
from Seagate.

Ron Badour
MS MVP
Windows Desktop Experience

- Show quoted text -- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

 

[Navyguy]

I am not sure why you are providing the Trojan's name--is it still on your
hard drive or what?  Also, unless there is a **brand new **development that
I am unaware of, a .gif file cannot be a Trojan.

The warnings you got were of files that were in use.  For example, the page
file, otherwise called the swap file, is always in use.

Regarding the chkdsk problem--either use the diagnostic software on the
Seagate CD or download Seatools and check the health of your hard drive.

I appreciate both you and Dave setting my mind at ease about the
warnings. I only mentioned the Trojan Horse virus for historical
reasons because I thought the Trojan Horse was still on the system.

I did install the Sea Tools and ran the scans (see post) and it
'seems' that the HD is healthy, at least it didn't give me any
warnings/messages or show anything that was wrong that I could see.



Robert

--
Regards

Ron Badour
MS MVP
Windows Desktop Experience


This is the Trojan Horse virus:

Trojan horse Downloader.Generic8.TVN It was under Local Settings\Temp
Internet Files
Content.IE5\PWT3Az83\getfile-081220-aps(1).gif

In addition I updated and scanned with Avira as soon as I installed it
and it still found (2) warnings although there use to be (3). This
troubles me since this is a new install and I did format the
partition. The
warnings are as follows:

Starting the file scan:
Begin scan in 'C:\'
C:\hiberfil.sys    [WARNING]   The file could not be opened!
C:\pagefile.sys    [WARNING]   The file could not be opened!

If I can avoid formatting my HD I would certainly prefer not to but
I'm unable to complete a chkdsk /f. So if there's way to remove this
virus I'd like to know how?

Thanks,

Robert

You have not provided any information showing that a drive format is
required. In fact, a format is seldom required to get rid of an infection.
As I write this I am cleaning a PC that so far has 34 infections and in
the
past I have cleaned systems with 200 to 400 infections of every sort
without
formatting.

HEUR/Malware Suspicious code: This is not a definite virus/Trojan--it is
merely being flagged as being suspicious code. The following was found
here:

HEUR/Malware is a heuristic detection routine designed to detect common
malware characteristics. Avira AntiVir recognizes unknown malware
proactively using its AHeAD technology. To achieve this, Avira performs
innovative structural analyzing.

On the basis of the composition of a file, the sequence of significant
code
sequences or based on particular behavior patterns, the heuristics can
determine with a high probability whether it is dealing with a harmful or
virulent file.

HEUR/Malware in particular is reported when a program seems to contain
suspicious functionality.

In the unlikely occurrence of a false positives we would kindly ask for
your
help and send the file to our virus lab using the quarantine functionality
of AntiVir.
******************************************
I doubt that a Seagate CD is infected. I would either use the diagnostics
to check the drive or if this makes you nervous, download the diagnostics
from Seagate.

Ron Badour
MS MVP
Windows Desktop Experience

- Show quoted text -- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

 

[Navyguy]

I know. :-(

Hmmmmm, do you think this is how I got the Trojan Horse?


Robert

 

[Navyguy]

what you might try
instead of formatting
and re-installation is
to use the fdisk first.

with the fdisk command
you can obliterate the
partitions and data in
them.

then with the fdisk you
can recreate new one(s)
and set the size(s) too

afterwards you can
format and install the
o.s.

in fact, you can try the
fdisk at this time and
simply view your disks.

--

db·´¯`·...¸><)))º>
DatabaseBen, Retired Professional
 - Systems Analyst
 - Database Developer
 - Accountancy
 - Veteran of the Armed Forces

"share the nirvana" - dbZen

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hello Ben,

Good to hear from you,

I'm not sure of exactly how I should proceed at this point or if I
need to format my HD. As I said, I only formated the partition not the
HD when installing XP using the Reinstallation CD. The reason I wanted
to format the HD in the first place was to remove the Trojan Horse but
it seems from what Dave and Ron have said it shouldn't be there.
However the chkdsk /f and corrupted MFT problem remains. I did use the
Sea Tools and scanned the HD (see post).




Robert

 

[db]

right.

well you have a good
perspective in that formatting
is basically a method to
resolve the issues.

however, perhaps you
need to go down further
at the machine level.

the fdisk command is the
ultimate command to wipe
the disk clean - literally.

not only will it delete the
partitions but all the
formatting and data like
the master file table too.

afterward you can prepare
the disk by recreating the
partitions with fdisk and
before the process of
installing windows and
formatting.

though similar to partitioning
programs, the fdisk works
at the machine level before
a file system is created while
disk partitioning software work
after a file system is created.

here is some more fyi:

http://search.live.com/results.aspx?FORM=IEFM1&q=fdisk+utility

--

db·´¯`·...¸><)))º>
DatabaseBen, Retired Professional
- Systems Analyst
- Database Developer
- Accountancy
- Veteran of the Armed Forces

"share the nirvana" - dbZen

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

[db]

this is pretty good read:

http://support.microsoft.com/?scid=kb;en-us;255867&x=17&y=15


--

db·´¯`·...¸><)))º>
DatabaseBen, Retired Professional
- Systems Analyst
- Database Developer
- Accountancy
- Veteran of the Armed Forces

"share the nirvana" - dbZen

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

[Navyguy]

this is pretty good read:

http://support.microsoft.com/?scid=kb;en-us;255867&x=17&y=15

--

db·´¯`·...¸><)))º>
DatabaseBen, Retired Professional
 - Systems Analyst
 - Database Developer
 - Accountancy
 - Veteran of the Armed Forces

"share the nirvana" - dbZen

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~











- Show quoted text -

I think I'm going to take your suggestion and use the fdisk and delete
everything, then format the HD, then reinstall XP so that I will have
a clean, fresh HD. This should correct the MFT problem, correct?


Robert

 

[Navyguy]

this is pretty good read:

http://support.microsoft.com/?scid=kb;en-us;255867&x=17&y=15

--

db·´¯`·...¸><)))º>
DatabaseBen, Retired Professional
 - Systems Analyst
 - Database Developer
 - Accountancy
 - Veteran of the Armed Forces

"share the nirvana" - dbZen

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~











- Show quoted text -

p.s. thank for the link, I appreciate it.

Robert