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Q131741: Interrupted Disk Defragmenter Causes Lost Clusters

Article: Q131741
Product(s): Microsoft Windows 95.x Retail Product
Version(s): 
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): 
Last Modified: 17-DEC-2000

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The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Windows 95 
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SYMPTOMS
========

If your computer loses power, is shut down, or is reset while you are running
the Windows 95 Disk Defragmenter tool, lost clusters may be left on the hard
disk.

CAUSE
=====

During defragmentation, Disk Defragmenter duplicates files and moves them to
unused clusters on the hard disk before writing the files to contiguous
clusters. If Disk Defragmenter is interrupted, space designated to receive files
during the move process remains improperly allocated and unusable.

Note that this problem is limited to lost clusters and does not result in data
loss.

RESOLUTION
==========

Use the Windows 95 ScanDisk tool (or another disk repair program that is
compatible with Windows 95) to repair the hard disk.

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Keywords          :  
Technology        : kbWin95search kbZNotKeyword3

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