I am unable to run CHKDSK, it cannot lock or open volume for direct access.

A. When you run Check Disk (CHKDSK) or AutoChk on a partition on which NT is installed you may receive one of the following messages

• Cannot lock volume for direct access
• Cannot open volume for direct access

This can be caused by a 3rd party application locking the partition such as a virus checker or disk monitor tool. To correct disable any 3rd party services or devices that may be locking the partition.

1. Start the Services control panel applet (Start - Settings - Control Panel - Services)
2. Select the service and click Startup
3. Set the startup type to Manual and click OK
4. Repeat for any other services
5. Start the Devices control panel applet (Start - Settings - Control Panel - Devices)
6. Set the startup type to disabled for any 3rd-party devices who you think might be causing the lock problem but BE CAREFUL. If you are unsure the device you are disabling may stop system startup create a second hardware profile and test (see 'Q. How can I safely disable a device?').
7. Restart the machine, the drive should no longer be locked

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