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I am unable to run CHKDSK, it cannot lock or open volume for direct access.
John Savill
July 2, 1999
1 Min Read
A. When you run Check Disk (CHKDSK) or AutoChk on a partition on whichNT 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 avirus checker or disk monitor tool. To correct disable any 3rd party services ordevices that may be locking the partition.
Start the Services control panel applet (Start - Settings - Control Panel - Services)
Select the service and click Startup
Set the startup type to Manual and click OK
Repeat for any other services
Start the Devices control panel applet (Start - Settings - Control Panel - Devices)
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?').
Restart the machine, the drive should no longer be locked
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