Quick query regarding "the volume is dirty" message.

redmandarin

Hi guys, I've just switched on my pc and instead of the usual Windows XP logo, the following message was displayed (I made a few quick scribblings before it all went off the screen, so some later parts are incorrect or missing ):

Checking file system on C:
The type of file system is NTFS
The volume is dirty
CHKDSK is verifying files (stage 1 of 3)
File verification completed
CHKDSK is verifying indexes (stage 2 of 3)
Correcting error in the index $130 for file 33733
Sorting index $130 in the file 33733
75 percent completed
Recovering orphaned file 195059(1) (40.gif)
More about this file followed
Recovering orphaned file ...
A page of text followed in the same style,
stating the recovery of several differently numbered orphaned files
100 percent complete

Then Windows XP loaded as usual.

This has never happened before. Can someone please tell me what caused it, is it likely to happen again and is my pc ok now?

Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks.

albertross_2

did you shut it down properly?

do you ever backup?

Browntoa

does it rarely when it has crashed badly

if it starts to happen all the time then i would suspect a hard disk that is in the early stages of failing

redmandarin

Thanks a lot for your replies.

Hi albertross, I shut it down properly last time. I backed up all my important documents and photos to CD last week, but I don't know what else would be important to back up, or how to do it!

Hi Browntoa, the system didn't crash at all. The pc is only about three and a half years old - so this could possibly be the start of it being on its way out, then? This is worrying - it was bought for me as a birthday present, I love it (it's a Dell) and I can't afford a new one! :sad:

albertross_2

how much data do you have on the c: drive, (c:, right click, properties in explorer)?

Does it have a DVD writer?

The disk is probably ok, but if you do have further problems, new ones are only £20-30

redmandarin

Hi albertross, thanks for your help. It says: Used space 11.9 GB, Free space 59.7 GB. It doesn't have a DVD writer.

I hope it'll be ok, but in the event of it going pear shaped, where would be the best place for me to get a new hard disk and do you think a "not very techie" type (me) would be able to remove the old one and fit a replacement?

albertross_2

It's easy to fit a new HD, take the cover off, undo a couple of screws and plugs, and fit the new one. https://www.ebuyer.com

The tricky bit is reinstalling the software and your data, especially if you don't have the XP disks.

You could backup your system to about 10 CD's using norton ghost or acronis trueimage, but they aren't free, about £20-30, then if it did go bang, you can put it all on a new hard disk easily.

This is all just in case, there may be nothing wrong with your existing hard disk, but it is always a good idea to backup

redmandarin

That's great advice albertross, thanks! :T

£20-30 for the norton or acronis and about the same amount for a new hard disk would be very reasonable compared to the cost of a new pc! I definitely need to buy the software and back up, just in case!

Fingers crossed it will be ok though! Cheers!