Can't run CHKDSK in Windows 7 x64

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I lost power briefly tonight, so when I switched the computer back on, I tried to run a CHKDSK as a precaution. I was stopped from doing so, and Windows 7 x64 displayed the following error message:

Autochk cannot run due to an error caused by a recently installed software package. Use the system restore feature from the control panel to restore the system to a point prior to the recent software package installation.

I was able to run CHKDSK on 12/27/2018 12:53:40 PM, so this is a relatively recent phenomenon.

I remember having this problem before, and the culprit was Avast! as discussed here.

I tried to follow the old instructions, and the option to disable ‘Secure Virtual Machines’ is no longer there. I’m not positive Avast! is the culprit now. But I see Control Panel reports that I’m running version 19.3.2369, which was installed on 3/16/2019. Furthermore, AvastUI.exe is dated 3/26/2019, but has an internal timestamp of 3/22/2019 at 7:40:39 AM. Due to all the recent changes to Avast!, I wouldn’t be surprised if it was the culprit again.

I did run a sfc /scannow and that came back clean.

Is anyone else experiencing this problem? Any suggestions? I suppose I could try to uninstall Avast! and then run CHKDSK, but I’d rather save that as a last resort.

Thanks in advance for your help.

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SFC /SCANNOW never solved any of my issues.

Did you try to run checkdisk from windows?

Maybe I am just unlucky. Definately I would try to boot from installation disc (CD/USB) and run command prompt without OS running – thus stopping all potentially unwanted servicies and programs. It seems to me that is blocked by SW. Once in installed “unwanted” module of Sophos Antivirus and all ethernet comunication was accidentally blocked.

 

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Did you try to run checkdisk from windows?

Maybe I am just unlucky. Definately I would try to boot from installation disc (CD/USB) and run command prompt without OS running – thus stopping all potentially unwanted services and programs. It seems to me that is blocked by SW. Once in installed “unwanted” module of Sophos Antivirus and all ethernet comunication was accidentally blocked.

I did the same procedures outlined in your screenshot when I got the error. How is booting from a CD different from scheduling a disk check that runs at boot-up before Windows loads?

As I said, the last time I saw this, Avast! had locked something on my hard drive and that was preventing CHKDSK from running.

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If you have rescue media that would work better since you would be totally free of Avast’s influence.

Alternatively, you may need a program that will tell if there is a locked file, such a program would reveal if that is the cause.

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anonymous wrote:

If you have rescue media that would work better since you would be totally free of Avast’s influence. Alternatively, you may need a program that will tell if there is a locked file, such a program would reveal if that is the cause.

OK.  I do have a Windows 7 repair disc and I booted from that.  I was then able to get to command prompt and entered “chkdsk c: /f”.  I was told that the drive was in use but chkdsk could run if I unloaded the volume.  I did that and chkdsk ran successfully and found no problems.

That was easier than uninstalling Avast!  Thanks everyone.

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Have you checked the event log, did chkdsk /v give anymore information?

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