Scan & Defrag

dd

Distinguished
Apr 3, 2004
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0
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Archived from groups: microsoft.public.win98.gen_discussion (More info?)

My scheduled tasks will not start at the scheduled times because of an error.
I always have to go to my desktop and "end task" of the following:
hotsync
alarmapp
viewmgr
digstream
usbmonit
wkcalrem
stimon
ptsnoop
kb891711
How can I get my tasks to run on schedule?
DD
 
G

Guest

Guest
Archived from groups: microsoft.public.win98.gen_discussion (More info?)

What tasks? And are they not running on schedule, or are they starting
and then failing? Your subject mentions Scandisk and Defrag. Are those
the tasks you're running? If so, do any other tasks run on schedule?
(You can set one to simply run Notepad.exe for a test.) What are the
extended details of the problem tasks (command line used, how it is
scheduled, etc.)

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP Shell/User
http://www.grystmill.com/articles/cleanboot.htm
http://www.grystmill.com/articles/security.htm

"DD" <DD@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:00EF4DFC-1BBD-4BED-A802-2FEA001F45CB@microsoft.com...
> My scheduled tasks will not start at the scheduled times because of an
error.
> I always have to go to my desktop and "end task" of the following:
> hotsync
> alarmapp
> viewmgr
> digstream
> usbmonit
> wkcalrem
> stimon
> ptsnoop
> kb891711
> How can I get my tasks to run on schedule?
> DD
>
 

dd

Distinguished
Apr 3, 2004
236
0
18,680
Archived from groups: microsoft.public.win98.gen_discussion (More info?)

The Scan starts when scheduled and then I get this message "windows or
another program has been writing to this drive. Quitting some running
programs may enable scandisk to finish . . . ."
I have Scan Disk and Defrag scheduled to run once a week but they don't run
because they start and fail. I don't think I have any other tasks scheduled
(?) How do I set one to run Notepad.exe for a test?
DD

"Gary S. Terhune" wrote:

> What tasks? And are they not running on schedule, or are they starting
> and then failing? Your subject mentions Scandisk and Defrag. Are those
> the tasks you're running? If so, do any other tasks run on schedule?
> (You can set one to simply run Notepad.exe for a test.) What are the
> extended details of the problem tasks (command line used, how it is
> scheduled, etc.)
>
> --
> Gary S. Terhune
> MS MVP Shell/User
> http://www.grystmill.com/articles/cleanboot.htm
> http://www.grystmill.com/articles/security.htm
>
> "DD" <DD@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:00EF4DFC-1BBD-4BED-A802-2FEA001F45CB@microsoft.com...
> > My scheduled tasks will not start at the scheduled times because of an
> error.
> > I always have to go to my desktop and "end task" of the following:
> > hotsync
> > alarmapp
> > viewmgr
> > digstream
> > usbmonit
> > wkcalrem
> > stimon
> > ptsnoop
> > kb891711
> > How can I get my tasks to run on schedule?
> > DD
> >
>
>
 
G

Guest

Guest
Archived from groups: microsoft.public.win98.gen_discussion (More info?)

OK, it's what I thought. Don't worry about the Notepad.exe test, your
Task Scheduler is working fine.

There are typically several things running in the background on Windows
98 systems that frequently write to the hard drive. Log files, for
instance, are kept open by some programs and regularly annotated. For
this reason, it's difficult to run Scandisk or Defrag without first
disabling those background applications.

Let me propose a different solution:
Regular maintenance on your system consists of more than just running
scandisk and defrag. TEMP files and other files should be gotten rid of,
regular spyware scanning should be performed, antivirus scanning, too,
but that's one task it's good to schedule. A cursory review of your
system, particularly what's running in the background, is also a wise
habit. The articles in my signature deal with the maintenance and
security habits that I use, myself. If you take some time at whatever
interval seems best--one week, two weeks, a month, depending on your
habits--to run through these procedures manually, then once Defrag
starts up you'll be free to leave the machine until morning. How long it
takes depends on what you decide to do before starting Defrag, and, of
course, also depends on your system's hardware. For myself, I figure a
half hour not including any delays that result from slow dial-up
connection (need to get updates.)

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP Shell/User
http://www.grystmill.com/articles/cleanboot.htm
http://www.grystmill.com/articles/security.htm

"DD" <DD@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:B7B3F15C-B778-450E-91BF-4E15C4FD58B0@microsoft.com...
> The Scan starts when scheduled and then I get this message "windows or
> another program has been writing to this drive. Quitting some running
> programs may enable scandisk to finish . . . ."
> I have Scan Disk and Defrag scheduled to run once a week but they
don't run
> because they start and fail. I don't think I have any other tasks
scheduled
> (?) How do I set one to run Notepad.exe for a test?
> DD
>
> "Gary S. Terhune" wrote:
>
> > What tasks? And are they not running on schedule, or are they
starting
> > and then failing? Your subject mentions Scandisk and Defrag. Are
those
> > the tasks you're running? If so, do any other tasks run on schedule?
> > (You can set one to simply run Notepad.exe for a test.) What are the
> > extended details of the problem tasks (command line used, how it is
> > scheduled, etc.)
> >
> > --
> > Gary S. Terhune
> > MS MVP Shell/User
> > http://www.grystmill.com/articles/cleanboot.htm
> > http://www.grystmill.com/articles/security.htm
> >
> > "DD" <DD@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> > news:00EF4DFC-1BBD-4BED-A802-2FEA001F45CB@microsoft.com...
> > > My scheduled tasks will not start at the scheduled times because
of an
> > error.
> > > I always have to go to my desktop and "end task" of the
following:
> > > hotsync
> > > alarmapp
> > > viewmgr
> > > digstream
> > > usbmonit
> > > wkcalrem
> > > stimon
> > > ptsnoop
> > > kb891711
> > > How can I get my tasks to run on schedule?
> > > DD
> > >
> >
> >
 
G

Guest

Guest
Archived from groups: microsoft.public.win98.gen_discussion (More info?)

Any one of the background apps you list can be interfering with Scandisk and Defrag.
If you want to determine which is causing the problem, EndTask on one of them and
then try running Defrag, and see if the problem goes away.

I would start with viewmgr, but instead of using End Task, do this:
Click Start> Settings> Control Panel> Viewpoint Manager, and select "Disable
auto-updating for the Viewpoint Manager".
Reboot and viewmgr should not be running any longer (it is not needed anyway).

If that does not fix the problem, End Task on kb891711 and see if you can complete
Defrag.
--
Glen Ventura, MS MVP Shell/User, A+
~ In memory of our friend, MVP Alex Nichol ~
http://aumha.org/alex.htm
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm


"DD" <DD@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:B7B3F15C-B778-450E-91BF-4E15C4FD58B0@microsoft.com...
> The Scan starts when scheduled and then I get this message "windows or
> another program has been writing to this drive. Quitting some running
> programs may enable scandisk to finish . . . ."
> I have Scan Disk and Defrag scheduled to run once a week but they don't run
> because they start and fail. I don't think I have any other tasks scheduled
> (?) How do I set one to run Notepad.exe for a test?
> DD
>
> "Gary S. Terhune" wrote:
>
> > What tasks? And are they not running on schedule, or are they starting
> > and then failing? Your subject mentions Scandisk and Defrag. Are those
> > the tasks you're running? If so, do any other tasks run on schedule?
> > (You can set one to simply run Notepad.exe for a test.) What are the
> > extended details of the problem tasks (command line used, how it is
> > scheduled, etc.)
> >
> > --
> > Gary S. Terhune
> > MS MVP Shell/User
> > http://www.grystmill.com/articles/cleanboot.htm
> > http://www.grystmill.com/articles/security.htm
> >
> > "DD" <DD@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> > news:00EF4DFC-1BBD-4BED-A802-2FEA001F45CB@microsoft.com...
> > > My scheduled tasks will not start at the scheduled times because of an
> > error.
> > > I always have to go to my desktop and "end task" of the following:
> > > hotsync
> > > alarmapp
> > > viewmgr
> > > digstream
> > > usbmonit
> > > wkcalrem
> > > stimon
> > > ptsnoop
> > > kb891711
> > > How can I get my tasks to run on schedule?
> > > DD
> > >
> >
> >
 
G

Guest

Guest
Archived from groups: microsoft.public.win98.gen_discussion (More info?)

On Sun, 20 Mar 2005 07:21:01 -0800, "DD"
<DD@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:

>The Scan starts when scheduled and then I get this message "windows or
>another program has been writing to this drive. Quitting some running
>programs may enable scandisk to finish . . . ."
>I have Scan Disk and Defrag scheduled to run once a week but they don't run
>because they start and fail. I don't think I have any other tasks scheduled
>(?) How do I set one to run Notepad.exe for a test?
>DD

Try disabling the screensaver. You could probably run them
successfully from Safe Mode if that would help. Also disable the
screensaver.

Regards,

Bill Watt
Computer Help and Information http://home.epix.net/~bwatt/
 
G

Guest

Guest
Archived from groups: microsoft.public.win98.gen_discussion (More info?)

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;q287914
Articles about Scandisk
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q286263
Articles about Defrag

I must warn that Scandisk may not do a great job when there is a
great one to do...
http://cquirke.mvps.org/9x/scandisk.htm
Therefore, perhaps UNcheck "Automatically fix errors" on it's front
screen. It will then ask whether you want each error fixed. If it sounds
truly horrible, say "No!", and post the log. The log will be
"C:\Scandisk.log". Do not let it constantly restart, either.
(When running Scandisk in DOS, there won't be such a box to uncheck. You
must do it in "C:\Windows\Command\Scandisk.ini", per cquirke's advice.)
REALLY, in light of all THAT, the BEST thing to do is to have a full
system backup to run to! Would you like my list of backup apps?

1. Turn off screen saver (R-Clk Desktop, Properties, Screen Saver--
None)
2. Turn off power management (Control Panel, Power Management-- Always
On,Never,Never,Never)
3. Disable any permanent internet cable connection, perhaps.
4. Suspend Task Scheduler
5. Turn off interfering programs. Use "StartupCop" or "EndItAll2" from
PCMag (below). Or "START, Run, MSConfig, Startup tab". Note what is
unchecked. Then, go to the General tab & disable the entire Startup
Group, by clicking "Selective.." & unchecking "Load Startup...". Reboot.
Don't forget to re-enable before the next boot.
6. Use "HDValet" from PCMag, or
(a) "Control Panel, Internet Options, Delete Files button, bolt Delete
all offline content, OK, OK"
(b) "START, Run, %TEMP%", & delete all files that will let you. This
will likely be "C:\Windows\Temp". This is best done after a fresh boot,
unless you have not seen the message "Reboot to complete this install".
7. Run Scandisk (Thorough, usually w/o write testing. Check all three
items under "Scandisk, Advanced button, 'Check files for' box". If you
want to be informed as it does a fix, UNcheck "Automatically fix errors"
on the front screen, or look inside "C:\Scandisk.log" afterwards.)
8. "START, Run, Defrag /p /details". Apparently, "/p" Defrags the
unmovables.

The purpose of steps 1-5 is only to prevent constant restarts of
Scandisk & Defrag, if you get them; but DEFINITELY turn off the Virus
Scanner. Scandisk should be done perhaps once a month, and certainly
after every serious crash. Do a Defrag after a sluggish boot or when
this says so:
http://www.pcmag.com/ 's CrackUp, by Gregory A. Wolking & Bob Flanders.
Also, take DiskAction, to determine what is constantly writing to the
HDD, which causes the restarts. Take BHOCop & StartupCop too.

"DiskAction" reports the last 12 processes that access any partition. It
discovered the MS Critical Update Notification Tool was accessing my
HDD every five minutes. It can be uninstalled in "Control Panel,
Add/Remove Programs". Then, occasionally, "START, Windows Update" on
your own.

"BHOCop" found a Browser Helper Object called Wavehelper Class, created
by "Wavetop", that was building a monstrosity of an error log called
"Logit.txt" in here. "START, Find, F/F, Logit.txt"-- see one?

Now, my hard drive is quieter than my mouse. (Of course, I now also have
384 MB RAM, up from an initial 64, eliminating Swap File activity.)


--
Thanks or Good Luck,
There may be humor in this post, and,
Naturally, you will not sue,
should things get worse after this,
PCR
pcrrcp@netzero.net
"DD" <DD@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:B7B3F15C-B778-450E-91BF-4E15C4FD58B0@microsoft.com...
| The Scan starts when scheduled and then I get this message "windows or
| another program has been writing to this drive. Quitting some running
| programs may enable scandisk to finish . . . ."
| I have Scan Disk and Defrag scheduled to run once a week but they
don't run
| because they start and fail. I don't think I have any other tasks
scheduled
| (?) How do I set one to run Notepad.exe for a test?
| DD
|
| "Gary S. Terhune" wrote:
|
| > What tasks? And are they not running on schedule, or are they
starting
| > and then failing? Your subject mentions Scandisk and Defrag. Are
those
| > the tasks you're running? If so, do any other tasks run on schedule?
| > (You can set one to simply run Notepad.exe for a test.) What are the
| > extended details of the problem tasks (command line used, how it is
| > scheduled, etc.)
| >
| > --
| > Gary S. Terhune
| > MS MVP Shell/User
| > http://www.grystmill.com/articles/cleanboot.htm
| > http://www.grystmill.com/articles/security.htm
| >
| > "DD" <DD@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
| > news:00EF4DFC-1BBD-4BED-A802-2FEA001F45CB@microsoft.com...
| > > My scheduled tasks will not start at the scheduled times because
of an
| > error.
| > > I always have to go to my desktop and "end task" of the
following:
| > > hotsync
| > > alarmapp
| > > viewmgr
| > > digstream
| > > usbmonit
| > > wkcalrem
| > > stimon
| > > ptsnoop
| > > kb891711
| > > How can I get my tasks to run on schedule?
| > > DD
| > >
| >
| >
 
G

Guest

Guest
Archived from groups: microsoft.public.win98.gen_discussion (More info?)

> The free ScanDefrag is the most advanced disk maintenance
> program there is. It runs Disk Cleanup, ScanDisk, and Disk
> Defragmenter. It's easy to setup and use, and it can deal with
> problems like "drive's contents have changed: restarting...".
> Get it and read about all the options it has that you can use.

http://home.earthlink.net/~bblanton2/scandefrag/main.htm
http://www.blueorbsoft.com/scandefrag/index.html

--
Jack E. Martinelli 2002-05 MS MVP for Shell/User / DTS
Help us help you: http://www.dts-L.org/goodpost.htm

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/default.aspx
In Memorium: Alex Nichol
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/meetexperts/nichol.mspx
Your cooperation is very appreciated.
------
"DD" <DD@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:00EF4DFC-1BBD-4BED-A802-2FEA001F45CB@microsoft.com...
> My scheduled tasks will not start at the scheduled times because of an
error.
> I always have to go to my desktop and "end task" of the following:
> hotsync
> alarmapp
> viewmgr
> digstream
> usbmonit
> wkcalrem
> stimon
> ptsnoop
> kb891711
> How can I get my tasks to run on schedule?
> DD
>