CHKDSK Could Not Open Volume for Direct Access.

 Last reviewed: February 2, 1998
Article ID: Q160654
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.5, 3.51, and 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.5, 3.51, and 4.0

SYMPTOMS

When chkdsk is scheduled to run on a partition where Windows NT Server is installed or when autochk runs on this partition after restarting the computer, the following error message is displayed and neither utilities are run against this partition. 

   Can not lock volume for direct access

CAUSE

This error message means that chkdsk or autochk could not lock the partition in question. This can be caused if another utility or service such as a virus checker program or a disk monitoring program locks the partition early on.

RESOLUTION

To have chkdsk or autochk lock the partition and perform their appropriate tasks, complete the following steps:

  1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.

  2. Double-click the Services icon and change the Start Type of the other third-party utility to Manual.

Additional query words: CHKDSK AUTOCHK
Keywords : ntfilesys nthw NTSrvWkst ntutil kbhw kbtool
Version : WinNT:3.5,3.51,4.0
Platform : winnt
Issue type : kbprb
Solution Type : kbworkaround

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Last reviewed: February 2, 1998
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