defrag

Make sure all are shut down including the screensaver.
Do a (Ctrl,Alt,Delete) and end task on everything except Explorer and Systray then try scan disk and defrag.

If that still fails then boot up into safe mode and run them from there.

While booting up just start tapping the F8 key and you should get a menu that has the option "safe mode"

okkkk....I need step by step instructions here because I am a little computer illiterate...do I need to first shut down the computer and then when I start it do the ctrl,alt,delete?

About once a month.
Try running scandisk then defrag in safe mode (hit f8 when it says "starting windows", select safe mode)

Thankyou for your help....it finally worked. :)

Thanx for the help.

This is pretty much a repeat of THINGS mentioned above, with my comment added to it all under one rooftop. <smile>

Always run Defrag & Scandisk from a CLEAN BOOT. Shut down the system, wait 1 min, then turn it back on.

After boot up, press CTRL&ALT&DEL keys at the same time.
This will bring up a window. Highlight ALL the items in the window (EXCEPT FOR EXPLORER) and choose ENDTASK each time.

You will have to repeat for each item as the window will close each time. This will get rid of all programs and TSRs that are running. It will come right back to normal after you re boot.

After the pop up window says only EXPLORER, then go into file manager, delete any old files, and unwanted items, empty download dir's, get rid of any junk. Clear out the Cache DIRs & Temporary Internet folders, Get rid of items in the Cookie folder etc.....

Then run ScanDisk first, then run Defrag

Now it is entirely debatable as to "How often you should do this"

As far as Scandisk, it would never hurt you, if you have a problem scandisk finds, it has to be fixed anyways regardless.

As far as Defrag, you have to understand what it really does to know how often you should use it. Basically (without getting technical) it puts certain folders first, takes empty spaces out, puts files right next to each other so that it can access it easier, and some other things. Now in order to do this, it takes the file and MOVES the file from one spot to another.

There have been RARE instances (Usually do to electrical voltage problems, low memory, and currupted Operating Systems, bad spots on your hard drive, that when it copies the file and pastes it to another part of the drive, it did not copy it correctly. Or if there is a bad spot on the drive, it may have slipped thru and pasted it to a damadged part of the drive. (ScanDisk will cover you against this for the most part which is why you run it first.)

Its like a Back up. People make 2 or 3 to make sure one works or copied correctly, or if a disk gets damadged by human error.

Now I am not trying to scare ya, It is something that needs to be done, I would say once every other month or so, or sooner depending on usage and performance of the puter.

If you have anything important, copy it somewhere safe, do not interuppt scandisk or Defrag in the process, do it late at night when power spikes are at their minimum, Make sure screen savers are disabled, make sure you touch nothing while it running.

To make a long story short, when ya fix something, sometimes it can not be fixed as good as new, sometimes it can be noticed that it was repaired. Just like anything today, but Scan Disk, & Defrag ARE  valuble tools, and they are OK to be used, just use caution with these programs, and and don't think your 150 % safe .

Cars get sick, they go to a mechanic, the mechanis messes something else up. Cars get into an accident, they get fixed at the body shop. Are they ever the same? Are they still like brand new after all those hands have been in it? Only way to avoid it is not own a car and you will never see or meet a body man or mechanic. But we take chances.

This is just my opinion, I am sure others may disagree, but it is just what it is, MY COMMENT....

Good Luck

BTW: I run Scan Disk & Defrag Once a month myself...hee hee but I also wipe out my drive, or change the hard drive around 2 times a year if I have not sold it as I do every year for a new system.

Glad to help.