I can't partition my drive

[TruckerT]

I am trying to partition my HD and I get errors with PartitionMagic. It says error 1513, I need to run chkdsk. I run chkdsk with the /f option, reboot - it runs and says errors are fixed. Then back to PartitionMagic, but it says I have errors. Back to chkdsk, back to PartitionMagic...... If I run chkdsk without any options under windows it says I need to run it with the /f. This is a vicious circle and I am getting dizzy.

I am running XP Pro with all the latest updates, I have a P4 on an ASUS MOBO, and the HD is 2 115 gb drives in a SATA Raid 0 configuration for a total of 228gb all in one partition.

I have another machine with an extra 80 gb drive for backups, but I am afraid if I just toast the big system drive I will not be able to get back on the LAN to restore the data. Any thoughts???

[Bradmph]

Don't use chkdsk, Use Scandisk with all the items that are available on your OS systems options that match what is shown below.
Below are win98se scandisk options. I'm sure your having a long name DOS problem I bet. They will cause problems in dos if file trees are too long or names are too long.
Once done, Defrag that drive also. Partitioning with a scattered drive could take a hell of a long time and could crash in the middle if it is using DOS memory and has a hiccup.


SCANDISK SETTINGS:

Type of Test: Standard-Its not mandatory to scan your drives surface unless you have serious problems.

Automatically fix errors: Yes

Display Summary: Yes

Log File: Replace

Cross-Linked Files: Delete

Lost File Fragments: Free

Check Files For: invalid file names, dates, times, duplicates
Yes to ALL 3 boxes shown

Check Host Drive First: Yes

Report MS-DOS Mode Name Length Errors: Yes


DEFRAG DISK SETTINGS:

When Defragging Hard Drive, Rearrange Files so Programs Start Faster: Yes

Check the Drive For Errors: Yes

Want to Use These Options Every time I Defrag My Hard Drive: Yes




Try these instead of chkdsk, It should help.

Brad

[TruckerT]

Thanks Bradmph, but Windows XP Pro doesn't use scandisk - that is for 98 and ME.

[64bit]

If your using version 8.0 of Partiton Magic upgrade to 8.1

[TruckerT]

I looked on the website and can't find an upgrade - I have Version 8.01 (Build 1274) 3/14/2003. Symantec does not have an upgrade as far as I can tell - could you tell me where I might find the upgrade file????

[64bit]

Hey check this out I found it on their support. Looks like you may have to call them for a patch....
http://www.powerquest.com/support/primus/id4525.cfm

[TruckerT]

Thanks 64bit, I saw that myself and sent them an email yesterday, but have only had an automated response so far. What a way to support your customers.

[cyberskye]

What a way to support your customers.

It could be the best way to deliver the patch. Some folks get the latest build because it's there (not always the best idea). It may not be obvious, but ALL software patches/hotfixes/errata *reduce* overall product quality and stability. These things are put together under tight schedules due to (rightfully) upset customers (and therefore mgmt) screaming for a quick fix. Quality takes time to plan/design/test. Patches - especially for security and basic functionality - need to happen yesterday

Software outfits often use controlled releases - especially for patches. It allows them to validate the fix before mass shipments/downloads by closely tracking reported issues resulting from the new patch.

We do this at my company (part of my job is release mgmt) if we have a fix for a defect reported by one customer or one region, but are concerned that it might break something in other customers' environments - it's all about reducing exposure for the customer who isn't reporting issues. Gives us time for more thorough regression testing before posting it publicly for download. When support gets a call on the issue, they email or ftp the installer.

Hard to recover from putting your customers through the "here's the fix for what the last fix broke" dance too many times.

Skye