Microsoft KB Archive/173322

= How to Disable Autochk During a Windows NT Reboot =

Article ID: 173322

Article Last Modified on 11/1/2006

-

APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0, Terminal Server Edition
 * Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0 Developer Edition
 * Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 Standard Edition

-



This article was previously published under Q173322



IMPORTANT: This article contains information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and edit the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows Registry



SYMPTOMS
When a Windows NT-based computer is shut down improperly (for example, by a power failure), Autochk scans the hard disk the next time you start Windows NT.

This operation may take a long time on large hard disks, which may not be appropriate in some production environments.



RESOLUTION
To resolve this problem, obtain the latest service pack for Windows NT 4.0 or Windows NT Server 4.0, Terminal Server Edition. For additional information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

152734 How to Obtain the Latest Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack

A hotfix is available to modify Autochk so that you have 30 seconds at startup to choose not to run Autochk during the present startup. If you cancel Autochk, it is automatically rescheduled to run the next time you start Windows NT.

WARNING: Autochk runs because it has detected that the computer was not shut down properly or because it has detected problems with the file system. Preventing Autochk from running may cause additional file system problems to occur that can lead to data loss. Microsoft does not recommend disabling Autochk from running unless you have a full backup of the volume.

WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

To disable the 30 second countdown after installing the hotfix add the following registry entry:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CCS\Control\Session Manager\AutoChkTimeOut

REG_DWORD: 1



STATUS
Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in Windows NT 4.0 and Windows NT Server 4.0, Terminal Server Edition. This problem was first corrected in Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 4.0 and Windows NT Server 4.0, Terminal Server Edition Service Pack 4.

