I always scan and defrag my computer on Friday. But, for the past 2 weeks, when I try to do scan disk, it tells me "Cannot open volume for direct access. Windows is done checking the disk" What is up with this? I use Windows XP. TY!
Skye.

What version of XP are you Using SP1 /SP2 or SP3?

If its SP 1 there is a bug Fixed by upgrading to SP2 is to do with the error checking routine

But in the meanwhile Have you got CCleaner?
www.ccleaner.com
Install and run that on the Registry cleaner that will drag a lot of old useless links out
Then Try a defrag. If no Joy run CCleaner on the cleaner Unticking the cookies and Internet History boxes...To keep your Place This will pull out a lot of files (as it a first "sweep") but it won't harm anything Delete those then Try again defragging If it works the completion Time will be very short.

I am running SP3. Should I still go ahead and install the ccleaner? I usually scan and defrag every Friday, so I am falling behind! It has done this for 2 weeks now. TY for responding!
Skye.

Yes CCleaner usually clears Most corrupt files and those odds and ends left over after uninstalling.
An older Program I still use which does much the same thing and is worth a look at (rarely updated) called Easycleaner http://personal.inet.fi/business/toniarts/ecleane.htm

By the way if you are doing a file clearance on Windows "Disk Cleanup" Untick the "Compress old files" box on this program, will give you a little respite (again, you'll lose nothing)
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