rgalindo96
asked on
Windows XP skipping autochk
In an attempt to repair my partition that Windows was reporting as bad, I used Power Quest Drive Image 2002 to backup my files and then restore them onto the same drive. I've used Drive Image 2002 before and have never had any problems. This time however I encountered a problem that I cannot seem to figure out or get around. The problem lies with the autochk program at boot time. Shortly after the Windows XP logo appears, Windows XP tries to run autochk and cannot. It reports "autochk program not found .... skipping autochk". It then reboots and repeats the same cycle over and over again without end. The only way to stop it is to turn the computer off. I've tried using the Last Know Good Configuration from the boot menu but that didn't work and I've also tried using the recovery console. I ran fixboot, fixmbr and even chkdsk /r but no change. I can't even access safe mode. I've basically run out of options and have posted this question with hopes that someone will help. I've given up on calling Symantec after their answering service put me on hold for almost an hour. This question is good for 500 points for anyone that can a solution.
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
Do you have PowerQuest (Symantec) Partition Magic? This problem sometimes comes up because the system partition is hidden. Take a look at this web page. There is a utility you can download to unhide the partition and correct the problem:
http://www.techspot.com/vb/showthread/t-7746.html
http://www.techspot.com/vb/showthread/t-7746.html
LeeTutor,
Disculpe por favor, pero hay un eco?
;-]
AZSanDiegoHB
Disculpe por favor, pero hay un eco?
;-]
AZSanDiegoHB
Oops, guess there was sort of an echo there. I found the answer I gave by doing a search on previous XP questions, and didn't notice that you quoted the same link... Sorry 'bout that.
ASKER
AZSanDiegoHB,
Your solution worked but now I have another problem. It turns out my partition type was 0x44, not 0x17 like said but I still went ahead and changed it to 0x07 and rebooted my computer and that message did in fact go away and I was able to get into my desktop. However, it was not my original desktop but a new freshly installed Windows XP desktop. All the programs I had on there were gone. The files and folders were still there but they were not loaded or pre-installed. I am going to reinstall the backup image and change the partition type to something other than 0x07. To what I don't know yet. It's going to be a trial and error type thing. If you have a suggestion I'd really appreciate it. I am still going to give you the 500 points on account you did solve my problem. Thanks for your help.
Your solution worked but now I have another problem. It turns out my partition type was 0x44, not 0x17 like said but I still went ahead and changed it to 0x07 and rebooted my computer and that message did in fact go away and I was able to get into my desktop. However, it was not my original desktop but a new freshly installed Windows XP desktop. All the programs I had on there were gone. The files and folders were still there but they were not loaded or pre-installed. I am going to reinstall the backup image and change the partition type to something other than 0x07. To what I don't know yet. It's going to be a trial and error type thing. If you have a suggestion I'd really appreciate it. I am still going to give you the 500 points on account you did solve my problem. Thanks for your help.
a few thoughts...
from what i've read, 0x44 is not a valid type, and 0x07 is a desirable setting.
make sure that the hotfix in question is uninstalled before altering the partition type, to help with isolating the problem.
if after trial and error you can't get the balance right, you might consider wiping out the partitions and starting over with partition magic or something similar. after all, the problems started after windows reported a bad partition, then the hotfix compounded it (by all appearances), then the crazy reboot related to a hidden partition.
from what i've read, 0x44 is not a valid type, and 0x07 is a desirable setting.
make sure that the hotfix in question is uninstalled before altering the partition type, to help with isolating the problem.
if after trial and error you can't get the balance right, you might consider wiping out the partitions and starting over with partition magic or something similar. after all, the problems started after windows reported a bad partition, then the hotfix compounded it (by all appearances), then the crazy reboot related to a hidden partition.
ASKER
AZSanDiegoHB,
It turns out I was able to finally repair my computer once I restored the backup image I had done earlier. Once I restored it, I ran Partition Magic and marked the partition hidden and then ran ptedit and changed the partition type from 0x17 to 0x07 and it worked. Just want to mention that I had Norton GoBack on my computer and that's why the partition was marked as 0x44 to begin with. I've read this is typical of Norton GoBack. Anyway, I appreciate all you help. Thanks AZSanDiegoHB.
It turns out I was able to finally repair my computer once I restored the backup image I had done earlier. Once I restored it, I ran Partition Magic and marked the partition hidden and then ran ptedit and changed the partition type from 0x17 to 0x07 and it worked. Just want to mention that I had Norton GoBack on my computer and that's why the partition was marked as 0x44 to begin with. I've read this is typical of Norton GoBack. Anyway, I appreciate all you help. Thanks AZSanDiegoHB.
Also check out this older solution from Kenneniah:
https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/20763444/Autochk-not-found.html