Just found out today that I can no longer do a disk check/error fix.  Don't have any idea when this problem occured since it's been weeks since I last used it.  It gives me 4 lines of script...in part "System is NTFS...cannot open volume for direct access".  I assume I lost some files somewhere/somehow.  The questions is, how do I fix this?  I tried a system restore, but the "automatic" date goes back to the 2nd...didn't work.  I do not know how to make my own system restore point since I don't know what goes into that space for the name.  Any one have any answers?  Sure do appreciate all of you on this forum who are so knowledgeable and helpful for dummies like me.

leesa,

we assume you are using WIN XP, and trying to run the check disk utility from local disk properties.

Try using this command from command prompt:
go to start > RUN, and type cmd
on the command prompt type   chkdsk /F
please note there is a space between chkdsk   and /F, you will be prompted to schedule this volume for check disk as it is in use by another process, type Y, and restart your system.
Inform about the result

I followed your directions, and it did the same as before, except this time there was no 4 line dialogue on the  blue page telling me it couldn't do it.  It went on to open up.  Yes, I have Windows XP.  That black page told me something else was using the resources.  Don't understand what that could be either.

I read somewhere about using Hibernation mode, and that it makes a double file on the hard drive....or something to that effect.  Anyway, the person was having problems with something, had been using hibernation mode, and was told to clean it out etc. because it took up too much space.  I didn't understand exactly what they meant, but since I use hiberation mode regularly, could this be part of the problem with chkdsk?

Well, I have spent most of the day checking, cleaning, etc., and doing all the things I know to get chkdsk to work.  I even, against my better judgement, redownloaded IE7.  Still nothing.  Now I am considering crashing the computer, and starting all over.   That will be a pain in the rear getting everything updated, but I know I need to do a dskchk by the way my computer is running.

About the hibernation thing....I found the article, did what they said, and that also made no difference.  Restored hibernation because I like that feature, and have been using it for a couple years.

I even got out the 1000 page XP book that supposedly has all the answers.  They don't even address this problem, so that wasn't any help either.

Any one with any suggestions sure would be appreciated before I decide to crash in a few days.  Thanks group.  Appreciate your help
Leesa

See if this is your problem, from your first post I would assume it is.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/823439/en-us

If you are already updated to SP2, then try this solution.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555484/en-us

Hope one of these solutions solves the problem.

Thank you!!!!  The first one is the error I get.  The solution says to dowload the latest service pak.  I have everything that has been sent by Microsoft....including Service Pak 2 a long time ago.  I don't know what else there is to downlod.  

I will try what the second one suggests because I do have Spyware Doctor, and maybe that did something.  

I will advise tomorrow what happens.  Again THANK YOU!!!!!

I'm back.  Got up very early today to try these, and guess what happened?  Absolutely nothing.  I uninstalled IE7 also.  So, my friend, I am totally stumped.  Do you think a total crash would fix the problem?

   I DID IT!!!!!!!  Chkdsk works!!!!!  I started uninstalling programs that I seldom use, and among them was the problem.  I have no idea which one was at fault, but have no plans to reinstall any of them.

I am soooooo happy I could scream.