Member Avatar for ejames81

sometimes when i run scan disk, i get a pop up window that says scan disk has restarted 10 times would you like to continue or cancel. do any of you know of any way to prevent this window from popping up in the first place? it's a window 98 that i want to milk/baby til july when microsoft updates are no longer available. thanks, Ed James

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by Sebastian42

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Brief expert follow-up that builds on , and without repeating prior steps: ScanDisk on Windows 9x requires exclusive access to the drive, and resident file‑system hooks (real‑time AV, anti‑spyware, background utilities, or leftover drivers) are the usual culprits when ScanDisk keeps restarting. The observation of an intermittent "mcagent" error strongly points to McAfee components still loading even when the main UI appears disabled.

Recommended troubleshooting (in order):

  • Backup first. Imaging or copying irreplaceable data before further testing eliminates the biggest risk if the drive is failing.
  • Isolate startup items without relying on third‑party "kill" utilities: use msconfig (Start → Run → msconfig) and the Startup folder (C:\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup) to disable nonessential entries, reboot, and run ScanDisk. Note that some AV drivers still load in Safe Mode; msconfig/Startup is often more reliable for removing TSRs.
  • Fully remove old AV remnants if an AV process (mcagent, mcshield, etc.) is seen in Task Manager. Use the vendor's official removal/cleanup utility when uninstall fails; then reboot and retry. Avoid killing core Explorer processes—stop only known AV/third‑party processes.
  • If software isolation fails, run diagnostics outside Windows: create an MS‑DOS startup floppy (Start → Programs → Accessories → System Tools → Create MS‑DOS Startup Disk) or a boot CD and run the drive manufacturer’s offline diagnostics. Booting outside Windows gives ScanDisk (or vendor tools) exclusive disk access and rules out OS/service interference.

If the restart persists after eliminating software causes, treat hardware failure as likely: keep backups, run manufacturer tests, and consider replacing the drive. Avoid hard power removals when utilities hang; a clean shutdown or controlled power‑cycle is safer for the disk.

Member Avatar for bigjack

Several options here.

1) Boot into Safe Mode. Keep pressing F8 during POST till screen appears with several choices. Choose Safe Mode (usually Option 3) Run ScanDisk from Safe Mode.

2) Download End It All from Use this to shut down all non-essential procceses.

3) Use CTRL+ALT+ Delete and 'End Task' everything except Explorer and Systray.

Any of these will let ScanDisk run okay. It keeps restarting because other procceses are writing to disk.

Member Avatar for ejames81

bigjack,
i visited the link that you have given me and i am going to read it over and over again. sorry i forgot to mention that i know how to get into safe mode and i have been using it during scan disk. about a third of the time i would get the pop up window. Thank you very much. Ed James

Member Avatar for bobfromphilly

You most likely have a screensaver running in the background, remove the screen saver or backgrounds and it should work, good luck

Member Avatar for ejames81

bob,
i don't think i do. how do i check? thanks for your reply, Ed James

Member Avatar for bobfromphilly

Ed, i think you must have something running in the background, its either a screensaver or spybot or norton anti-virus, if any of these are running you have to turn them off for the sandisk utility to run.

Member Avatar for ejames81

bob,
it had just occured to me after i replied to you that i have spy sweeper and mcafee firewall and AV. i also have lavasoft and spyboy, but those are inactive unless i am actually using them, i think. but the spy sweeper and mcafee will have to be disabled. i will give it a whirl tonight. thanks again, Ed

Member Avatar for bobfromphilly

Okay EJ, were you able to run your scandisk? :p

Edited by happygeek because: fixed formatting
Member Avatar for ejames81

bob,
nothing has changed. i have always been able to run the scan disk utility, but i still get the pop-up window. i have also learned something of significance recently. i was watching the system monitor and the usage level spikes when i have the mcafee enabled. then the mcagent error message appears. which is their error message. but when i disable the mcafee it stays almost consistent. i think the underlying problem is that they didn't remove all of the old version AV when they updated me to the new version AV.
soon i will be taking a break from the computer scene because my special introductory offer from road runner is ready to expire and i can't afford $45 a month. i may still log on daniweb with my sisters computer if i am able.
oh, i forgot to mention that i did try the end-it-all program, but it wouldn't load properly. the load window kept flashing, and i was lucky to shut down the computer without having to unplug the computer from the wall. i'm not sure whether i disabled the mcafee or not, but i do need the mcafee, it's my real-time AV.
thanks for the hollar, Ed

Member Avatar for Sebastian42

I have found the most effective way to prevent interruptions is to run scandisk from a boot floppy, instead of from within Windows.

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