Errors Caused by Cross-Linked Files or Lost Clusters (71609)
The information in this article applies to:
• Microsoft Windows 3.0
• Microsoft Windows 3.0a
• Microsoft Windows 3.1
• Microsoft Windows 3.11
• Microsoft MS-DOS operating system 3.1
• Microsoft MS-DOS operating system 3.2
• Microsoft MS-DOS operating system 3.21
• Microsoft MS-DOS operating system 3.3
• Microsoft MS-DOS operating system 3.3a
• Microsoft MS-DOS operating system 4.0
• Microsoft MS-DOS operating system 4.01
• Microsoft MS-DOS operating system 5.0
• Microsoft MS-DOS operating system 6.0
This article was previously published under Q71609
SYMPTOMS
In Windows 3.0, you receive an unrecoverable application error (UAE)
or a "Violated System Integrity" error when you try to access a file.
In Windows 3.1 enhanced mode, your system stops responding (hangs)
when you try to access a file. In either Windows version, printer
output may be garbled.
CAUSE
These symptoms may indicate that you have cross-linked files or lost
clusters (or allocation units).
WORKAROUND
Running the MS-DOS CHKDSK utility (CHKDSK.COM) can identify these
problems and, optionally, correct them. The following is the correct
syntax for running the CHKDSK command
CHKDSK [<drive>:] [<pathname>] [/F] [/V]
where:
• <drive> specifies the drive is to be analyzed.
• <pathname> allows the specification of a particular directory and
file type using wildcard characters.
• /F tells MS-DOS to repair any errors found.
• /V echoes the filename(s) as they are being checked.
The parameters enclosed in brackets ([]) are optional. If you use
these parameters, type them without the brackets.
Parameters enclosed in angle brackets (<>) are variables. Substitute
actual values for these variables. For example, substitute
for:
WARNING: Before using CHKDSK, exit Windows. You should NEVER run this
utility with the /F parameter from Windows; doing so corrupts files on
the hard disk.
CAUTION: Running CHKDSK/F on a hard drive with a large number of lost
clusters may result in damaged files, loss of data, and the loss of
directory integrity. For more information regarding CHKDSK, please read the
"Microsoft MS-DOS User's Guide and User's Reference" (pages 44-45 for
version 4.01 and pages 381-383 for version 5.0).
REFERENCES
"The MS-DOS Encyclopedia," by Microsoft Press, pages 774-780
"Microsoft MS-DOS User's Guide and User's Reference," pages 44-45 for
version 4.01 and pages 381-383 for version 5.0.
Modification Type: |
Major |
Last Reviewed: |
11/26/2003 |
Keywords: |
KB71609 |
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