OS loads before Disk Check can run: Need advice on 3rd party Disk Check Software

[Steady Teddy]

I'm having trouble getting disk check to run(running XP Pro).
Whenever I try to run it, the Disk Check screen gives the message: "Windows cannot open the volume for direct access."
The pc then reboots back to the desktop. I heard that the reason for this might be because my cpu is so fast that
Windows loads before it is able to run Disk Check.
I used to be able to get disk check to run by closing out some programs using the sys configuration utility but today I had to do this at least 20 times before I could get disk check to run after rebooting. It didn't matter WHICH program I closed out in Startup in order to get disk check to run. All I had to do was uncheck and check any item in the startup menu and then reboot to run disk check.
I'm not having any problems (as far as I know) with my pc but I try to run disk check every couple of weeks just for maitenance.
Assuming I cannot find an easier method to get disk check to run, can anyone recommend a reliable Disk Check/Defrag Utility?
I do not need utilies that include an Antivirus or any of that "Win Doctor" garbage! I only want a the basic software to efficiently check my hard drive properly.

What are some reliable XP compatible disk check utilities that I should consider?

Thanks in advance

[Hpro]

The pc then reboots back to the desktop. I heard that the reason for this might be because my cpu is so fast that Windows loads before it is able to run Disk Check.

Way to go - LOL !

No this is for sure not the case forget about that one..!
The case is that some Software has written some entries intot he registry and this making the problems while you are trying to load either CHKDSK or DEFRAG - you can read about this in Q160654 - Err Msg Can Not Lock Volume for Direct Access_files
at microsofts website.. here is the Link to it so all you need to do is to read..
Hpro

[mike breck]

I'd almost forgotten how useful making a Test Hardware Profile could be, until I read your link Hpro.

It is probably one of the more under-utilised trouble-shooting techniques.

Nice to see you back at PCMech, Hpro.

[Alfie]

Are you attempting to run chekdisk while in Windows?
When you right click on C: and the screen pops up,choose tools,Diskcheck and enable both options,XP should tell you that it can't do this in Windows,but can schedule it for the next restart of the computer,click yes(OK) and restart the computer,does chekdisk start up(blue screen with Chekdisk is scheduled to run hit any key to stop it)?

[Steady Teddy]

Hpro, you're my hero!

The link you provided was the cure for my problem.

Thanks again

[Hpro]

Thanks to Mike -
Alfie - you can run CHKDSK without any problem on the desktop as long you don't have any other Direct Disk Access Programs run - Try it.! The same problem Steady Teddy experienced on his computer - almost made me loose my mind some long time ago - when I installed Nortons Speed Disk and then after uninstalling it would not only lock up CHKDSK but also there was no way to Defrag the hard drive anymore with neither - Win2K's Defrag nor with Diskeeper - I was almost so far to Reinstall Win2K but because this is always my last resort - I searched the MSsoft FAQ - and found that link above - saved it to my hard drive -
there are a lot more Q's which are very helpfull - just type the error and mostly it will show up - on MSsoft's website..
Hpro