Mysterious file

[donsor]

When I tried running the Norton antivirus on my PC, it kept giving me a Window Delayed Write Failed warning further stating that "windows was unable to save all the data on the file F:\$Mft plus two other files. I found the two other files and deleted them but I can't find where this F:\$Mft file is located. I have three HDs (C,F and G). I tried search and anti-rootkit but nothing came out. Maybe if I can delete that file I may be able to run the antivirus successfully. NOTE: While running the anti-rootkit on the window registry, it listed about 4 files and then my PC automatically rebooted so fast I was unabl to read the files. any help in this area will be appreciated.

[law99]

To me it sounds like it is time to post a HJT log

[donsor]

I'm sorry but what is a "HJT log"?

[law99]

http://www.trendsecure.com/portal/en-US/tools/security_tools/hijackthis

Post results & wait for a experts help, if you think it could help.

A website with a forum dedicated just to HJT. Read the first pinned post & maybe someone else's HJT post to see what it is like.

http://forums.pcpitstop.com/index.php?showforum=25

[hitchface]

My suggestion? Get rid of Norton. Free solutions are all over the place and don't suffer the horrific and problematic nature of Norton.

AVG Free
AVG Anti-spyware
Avast!
Spybot S&D

Give those a look.

[law99]

I definitely agree with hitchface, but the way your anti-rootkit acted does not look good to me.

[Negeva]

$Mft - that's the Master File Table - I think. And, if it is why the heck is it trying to scan it.

[glc]

I think you need to run manufacturer's diagnostics on your F drive. Delayed write failures are very often due to a failing drive.

[donsor]

glc:

I did the WD Tool Diagnotics on drive F: and the result was that it was OK. But I recalled installation problems in the past such as the Norton Antivirus 2008, the CA Security Suite, and some other programs which gave me the same Window Delayed Write Failed warnings. I decided to individually remove the few remaining programs, folders and files but running antivirus after each content was removed. It continued to give me the same warning and abort the scan. I finally decided to clean the drive, format it and disabled it. It seemed to have made a great difference. Now I can complete a scan without the warning. Also the PC seemed to be a bit faster. I have two other drives which are working fine. Will a failing drive cause performance problems affecting the whold PC?

[glc]

Absolutely. Have you tested the other drives too?