Allocation error

[Celeste]

I had a message when I was running my Norton Utilities defragger that file 0044._dd has an allocation error on drive C. Defrag asked me to run Disk Doctor (scandisk) which I did, but I kept getting the same message thru several runs. Finally, the message went away, but defrag is stalled at between 30 and 40 percent. This had changed my memory from 70 percent free to 30 percent. I suspect that a large mistaken download I had previously done (Adobe Reader 6) did not properly uninstall and left something behind in an inappropriate file. The question is...how do I get rid of it short of reformatting my hard disk?

[nocode]

i can't remember if 98 has the system restore utility, but if you are running ME, 2000 pro, or xp, you may try that before wiping the hard drive.

[Daedleus]

I would suggest purging all of your temp folders. Depending on what version of Windows you are using, the temp folders will be located in different locations.

In Win9x/ME, it would be within the root system folder. Example: C:\Windows\Temp and Windows\Temporary Internet Files\.

Win2k/XP temp folders can be found here: C:\Documents and Settings\your username here\Local Settings.

You couls also try running a search for the particular file. See if you can delete it outright, or at least find out where exactly it is located.

[Celeste]

Thanks nocode & Daedleus...file deleted...problem solved! Phew!!