Copyright: © 1994-2002 Symantec Corporation. All rights reserved.
Citation: © 1994-2002 Symantec Corporation. All rights reserved.


 Introducing Norton Disk Doctor

Norton Disk Doctor diagnoses and repairs a variety of disk problems. It performs several tests, checking everything from the disk's partition table to its physical surface. If Norton Disk Doctor finds a problem, it notifies you before making repairs. If you check Automatically Fix Errors, Norton Disk Doctor makes the necessary repairs automatically.

After diagnosing and repairing a disk, Norton Disk Doctor displays an easy-to-read report that lists the problems found, the problems fixed, and the areas of the disk that checked out okay.

More Info


About running Norton Disk Doctor minimized
 About running Norton Disk Doctor minimized in Windows 98 and Windows Me

There is no context-sensitive help for this feature. Click here to open the online User’s Guide.


  About undoing Norton Disk Doctor repairs in Windows 98 and Windows Me

There is no context-sensitive help for this feature. Click here to open the online User’s Guide.


 About the Norton Disk Doctor report

There is no context-sensitive help for this feature. Click here to open the online User’s Guide.


  About customizing Norton Disk Doctor

There is no context-sensitive help for this feature. Click here to open the online User’s Guide.


 Running Norton Disk Doctor when Windows starts

There is no context-sensitive help for this feature. Click here to open the online User’s Guide.


  About repair options in Windows 98 and Windows Me

There is no context-sensitive help for this feature. Click here to open the online User’s Guide.


  About lost clusters

There is no context-sensitive help for this feature. Click here to open the online User’s Guide.


 About animation and music

There is no context-sensitive help for this feature. Click here to open the online User’s Guide.


 About advanced options in Windows 98 and Windows Me

There is no context-sensitive help for this feature. Click here to open the online User’s Guide.


  About background running options in Windows 98 and Windows Me

There is no context-sensitive help for this feature. Click here to open the online User’s Guide.


 About displaying a custom message

There is no context-sensitive help for this feature. Click here to open the online User’s Guide.


 Overview of Norton Disk Doctor tests

There is no context-sensitive help for this feature. Click here to open the online User’s Guide.


  About testing the partition table

There is no context-sensitive help for this feature. Click here to open the online User’s Guide.


  About testing the boot record

There is no context-sensitive help for this feature. Click here to open the online User’s Guide.


  About testing the CMOS

There is no context-sensitive help for this feature. Click here to open the online User’s Guide.


 About testing the file system

There is no context-sensitive help for this feature. Click here to open the online User’s Guide.


 About testing the folder structure

There is no context-sensitive help for this feature. Click here to open the online User’s Guide.


  About testing compressed disks

There is no context-sensitive help for this feature. Click here to open the online User’s Guide.


  About testing the disk surface

There is no context-sensitive help for this feature. Click here to open the online User’s Guide.


 To diagnose one or more disks

There is no context-sensitive help for this feature. Click here to open the online User’s Guide.


To run Norton Disk Doctor minimized
 To run Norton Disk Doctor minimized in Windows 98 and Windows Me

There is no context-sensitive help for this feature. Click here to open the online User’s Guide.


 To specify background running options in Windows 98 and Windows Me

There is no context-sensitive help for this feature. Click here to open the online User’s Guide.


 To undo Norton Disk Doctor repairs in Windows 98 and Windows Me

There is no context-sensitive help for this feature. Click here to open the online User’s Guide.


 To disable undo file creation in Windows 98 and Windows Me

There is no context-sensitive help for this feature. Click here to open the online User’s Guide.


 To skip specific Norton Disk Doctor tests in Windows 98 and Windows Me

There is no context-sensitive help for this feature. Click here to open the online User’s Guide.


To specify general repair options
  To specify general repair options in Windows 98 and Windows Me

There is no context-sensitive help for this feature. Click here to open the online User’s Guide.


  To specify custom repair options in Windows 98 and Windows Me

There is no context-sensitive help for this feature. Click here to open the online User’s Guide.


 To determine the fate of lost clusters in Windows 98 and Windows Me

There is no context-sensitive help for this feature. Click here to open the online User’s Guide.


  To run Norton Disk Doctor when Windows starts

There is no context-sensitive help for this feature. Click here to open the online User’s Guide.


  To play animation and music during disk diagnosis

There is no context-sensitive help for this feature. Click here to open the online User’s Guide.


To display a custom message after disk diagnosis
  To display a custom message after diagnosis

There is no context-sensitive help for this feature. Click here to open the online User’s Guide.


  To specify disk surface test options in Windows 98 and Windows Me

There is no context-sensitive help for this feature. Click here to open the online User’s Guide.


  To specify disk surface test options in Windows NT, Windows 2000, and Windows XP

There is no context-sensitive help for this feature. Click here to open the online User’s Guide.


 To view, print, or save Norton Disk Doctor test results

There is no context-sensitive help for this feature. Click here to open the online User’s Guide.


 To open Norton Disk Doctor

There is no context-sensitive help for this feature. Click here to open the online User’s Guide.


Displays drives available for diagnosis.

You can select more than one drive to diagnose.


Uses the Undo Disk created during the most recent Norton Disk Doctor session to reverse changes made during that session.

Warning: Do not undo repairs if you have saved, deleted, or copied files since the repairs were made!


Configures Norton Disk Doctor to fix any errors it finds automatically, without prompting you first.

When checked, this feature overrides the Repair Option selected on the General Options tab.


Configures Norton Disk Doctor to fix any errors it finds automatically, without prompting you first.


Lets you select Norton Disk Doctor options.


Begins diagnosing the currently selected disk or disks.


Configures Norton Disk Doctor to check with you before making any repairs.


Configures Norton Disk Doctor to automatically repair any disk problems found during diagnosis.


Configures Norton Disk Doctor to perform disk testing only.

Use this option to create a report of disk problems without making any changes to the disk.


Configures Norton Disk Doctor to use the currently selected custom repair options.

Click Select to set custom repair options.


Lets you set custom repair options.


This button is not available because the Custom repair option is not currently selected.


Configures Norton Disk Doctor to check with you before making any repairs during this test.


Configures Norton Disk Doctor to automatically repair any disk problems found during this test.


Configures Norton Disk Doctor to create a report for this test without making any changes to the disk.


Configures Norton Disk Doctor to repair lost clusters only if the cluster constitutes fewer than the specified number of chains. If a cluster constitutes more than the specified number of chains, Norton Disk Doctor prompts you before making repairs.

A chain is a sequence of entries in the file allocation table (FAT) that represents a single file. A file must be represented by a FAT chain when the file's data is fragmented (stored on non-contiguous clusters of the disk). In this case, each FAT entry points to the next sequential cluster that stores more of the file's data.


Allows you to specify the number of chains. If a cluster constitutes fewer than this number of chains, Norton Disk Doctor will repair it automatically. If it constitutes more than this number of chains, Norton Disk Doctor prompts you before making repairs.

A chain is a sequence of entries in the file allocation table (FAT) that represents a single file. A file must be represented by a FAT chain when the file's data is fragmented (stored on non-contiguous clusters of the disk). In this case, each FAT entry points to the next sequential cluster that stores more of the file's data.


Configures Norton Disk Doctor to write lost cluster data to disk when auto-repairing lost clusters. The data is saved in sequentially numbered files located in the root directory.


Configures Norton Disk Doctor to discard lost cluster data during Auto Repair of lost clusters.


Configures Norton Disk Doctor to ask if you want to create an Undo file before repairs are made to your disk.

Creating an Undo file gives you the option of reversing changes made to your disk.


Configures Norton Disk Doctor to perform surface testing during disk diagnosis.


Configures Norton Disk Doctor to test your disk surface the currently specified number of times per session.


Lets you specify how many times per session Norton Disk Doctor tests the disk surface. Enter a new number or click the arrows to change the number that appears in the box.


Configures Norton Disk Doctor to test the disk surface repeatedly until you interrupt it.

This option is particularly useful for unattended sessions.


Configures Norton Disk Doctor to perform a general scan of the disk surface, searching for potential problems.


Configures Norton Disk Doctor to perform an in-depth scan of the disk surface, searching for potential problems.


Configures Norton Disk Doctor to test the entire surface of the disk.


Configures Norton Disk Doctor to test only the portion of the disk that currently contains files.

This type of testing takes less time to complete, but, because even unused disk space can become unstable, it's a good idea to periodically check your entire disk for potential problems.


Configures Norton Disk Doctor to display a disk map of the drive during the disk surface test.


Lets you specify how many minutes of mouse and keyboard inactivity elapse before Norton Disk Doctor begins background testing of the currently selected disk or disks.


Lets you specify how many seconds of mouse and keyboard inactivity elapse before Norton Disk Doctor begins background testing of the currently selected disk or disks.


Configures Norton Disk Doctor to run automatically whenever Windows is started.


Lists the drives that can be diagnosed automatically when Windows is started.

You can select more than one drive to diagnose automatically.


Configures Norton Disk Doctor to display an animated representation of each test procedure as it is performed.


Configures Norton Disk Doctor to play a MIDI (MID or RMI) or WAVE (WAV) sound file during diagnosis.

You must have a sound card installed to use this feature.


Lets you type the pathname of a sound file to be played during diagnosis. You can also use the [image] button to the right of the text box to browse your system for a sound file.

You must have a sound card installed to play sound files.


Lets you browse your system and select a sound file to be played during diagnosis.

You must have a sound card installed to play sound files.


Plays the selected sound file.

You must have a sound card installed to play sound files.


This is unavailable because the Play Music check box is not currently checked.


Configures Norton Disk Doctor to display a custom message in addition to the standard error messages.

Click Edit to enter a custom message.


Displays the Custom Message text box.


This button is unavailable because the Show custom message check box is not currently checked.


Lets you enter a custom message to be displayed in addition to the standard error messages.


Closes this dialog box and saves any changes you have made.


Closes this dialog box without saving any changes you have made.


Flips between pages of the test results.


Closes this dialog box without generating a detailed report for the current session.


Generates a detailed report for the current session.


Lets you print the detailed report for the current session.


Accepts the currently selected print options, prints the detailed report file, and closes this dialog box.


Closes this dialog box without accepting the currently selected print options or printing the detailed report file.


Configures Norton Disk Doctor to bypass partition table testing.

The partition table maintains your computer's hard disk drive’s data.


Configures Norton Disk Doctor to bypass CMOS testing.

The CMOS chip maintains your computer's hardware setup data.


Configures Norton Disk Doctor to bypass testing the host drive of compressed disk volumes.

The host drive contains the data and program files that create and maintain the compressed drive.


Configures Norton Disk Doctor to bypass the compression test on compressed disk volumes.


Configures Norton Disk Doctor to ignore erroneously reported additional hard disk drives.


Configures Norton Disk Doctor to check frequently for compressed disk volumes when diagnosing floppy drives.

Uncheck this option to save time when diagnosing floppy disks that do not contain compressed disk volumes.


Configures Norton Disk Doctor to ignore file dates and times.

Normally, Norton Disk Doctor reports files whose date and time stamps reflect future dates and times. In some cases, however, this does not indicate a problem. For example, you may receive files from another user whose system is set to a different time zone. Check this option to have Norton Disk Doctor ignore file date and time stamp verification.


Stops testing of the currently selected disks.


Stops the disk surface test currently in progress and continues disk diagnosis.


This button is unavailable because a disk surface test is not currently in progress.


Stops the disk diagnosis currently in progress and begins testing the next selected drive.


This button is unavailable because there are no additional drives selected for diagnosis or a surface test is not currently in progress.

To stop the disk diagnosis currently in progress click the Stop button.


Displays a list of disk tests.

The current status of each test is indicated graphically next to the test name:

test in progress

test completed

test skipped


Displays the progress of the disk test currently being performed.


Lets you select the location of the Undo file from a list of available drives.

Warning: Do not undo repairs if you have saved, deleted, or copied files since the repairs were made!


Accepts the current drive selection, closes this dialog box, and begins the Undo process.


Closes this dialog box without accepting the current drive selection or beginning the Undo process.


Lets you set a repair option for this test.

Ask Me First [image] Configures Norton Disk Doctor to check with you before making repairs during this test.

Auto-Repair [image] Configures Norton Disk Doctor to automatically repair problems found during this test.

Skip Repairs [image] Configures Norton Disk Doctor to perform disk testing without making any changes to the disk.


Closes this dialog box and saves any changes you have made.


Closes this dialog box without saving any changes you have made.


Lets you specify how long a pause in foreground activity is required before Norton Disk Doctor begins disk diagnosis in the background. Type in a new number or click the arrows to change the number that appears in the box.

To have Norton Disk Doctor diagnose your disk in the background while you work on other things, click Diagnose on the Norton Disk Doctor main window, then minimize Norton Disk Doctor.


Choose an item to determine how you want to be notified if an error is found with your disk:

Display report window [image] any disk problems found are displayed in a dialog box.

Sound a short alarm [image] an alarm sounds if a problem is found with your disk.

Flash taskbar area [image] the taskbar flashes if a problem is found with your disk.

Sound alarm and flash taskbar [image] a short alarm sounds and the taskbar flashes if a problem is found with your disk.


Configures Norton Disk Doctor to print the detailed report to the default printer. Click the [image] button to set printer options or to select a different printer.


Configures Norton Disk Doctor to print the detailed report to a file. Use the text box to enter a filename. Click the [image] button to save the file to an alternate folder or drive.


Lets you set printer options or select a different printer.


Lets you select an alternate folder or drive for saving the detailed report file.


Corrects the indicated disk errors and continues the disk diagnosis.


Continues disk diagnosis without correcting the indicated disk errors.


Stops disk diagnosis without correcting the indicated disk errors.


Closes this dialog box and continues disk diagnosis.


Stops the disk diagnosis.


 Norton Disk Doctor dialog box

There is no context-sensitive help for this feature. Click here to open the online User’s Guide.


 Options for Norton Disk Doctor:  General tab

Use the General tab to specify whether you want Norton Disk Doctor to start automatically with Windows and what drives you want it to diagnose when it starts. You can also specify how you want Norton Disk Doctor to handle errors.

This tab contains:

Start automatically with Windows
Check this option to have Norton Disk Doctor start automatically when Windows starts.

Drive(s) to Diagnose
Check the drives that you want Norton Disk Doctor to diagnose when it starts with Windows.

In Windows 98 and Windows Me the following choices are also on this tab.

Ask Me First
Check this option to have Norton Disk Doctor prompt you if it finds a problem.

Auto-Repair
Check this option to have Norton Disk Doctor automatically make disk repairs if it finds a problem.

Skip Repairs
Check this option if you do not want Norton Disk Doctor to fix any disk problems it finds.

Custom
Check this option to have Norton Disk Doctor use the custom repair options you specify.

In Windows NT, Windows 2000, and Windows XP, the following option is also on this tab.

Enable Free Space Testing
Check this option to have Norton Disk Doctor perform surface testing during diagnosis.

More Info


  Custom Repair Options dialog box

There is no context-sensitive help for this feature. Click here to open the online User’s Guide.


  Options for Norton Disk Doctor:  Appearance tab

Use the Appearance tab to specify whether you want Norton Disk Doctor to show an animation and play music during diagnosis. You can also specify a custom message to appear after the diagnosis is completed and before Norton Disk Doctor shows you the test results report.

This tab contains:

Enable Animation
Check this option to show the animation during disk diagnosis.

Play Music
Check this option to play a WAV or MID file during diagnosis.

Select either a MIDI or WAV file to play during disk diagnosis
Enter the sound file (WAV, MID, or RMI format) to play. To browse for a file on your system, click the open folder  [image]  button. To try the sound file, click the play  [image]  button.

  You must have a sound card on your system to to play sound files.

Show Custom Message
Check this option to display a custom message if an error occurs.

Edit
Click to enter or change the custom message you want to display.

More Info


  Options for Norton Disk Doctor:  Surface Test tab

Use the Surface tab to enable or disable disk surface testing and to specify disk surface testing options, such as the number of passes, the type of test, what to test, and whether to show the disk map during diagnosis.

This tab appears in Windows 98 and Windows Me. To perform a surface test in Windows NT, Windows 2000, and Windows XP, on the General tab, check Enable Free Space Testing.

This tab contains:

Enable surface testing
Check this option to have Norton Disk Doctor test the disk surface.

Repetitions
Check this option to have Norton Disk Doctor diagnose your disk surface the currently specified number of times. Enter the number of repetitions you prefer.

Continuous
Check this option to have Norton Disk Doctor diagnose your disk surface repeatedly until you interrupt it. This option is useful when you want to run the tests while you're away from your system.

Normal Test
Check this option to have Norton Disk Doctor perform a general scan of the disk surface.

Thorough Test
Check this option to have Norton Disk Doctor perform an in-depth scan of the disk surface.

Entire Disk Area
Click to diagnose the whole disk.

Area Used by Files
Click to diagnose only the portion of the disk that currently contains files.

Show disk map during surface test
Click to show a map of disk usage and bad areas during diagnosis.

More Info


 Options for Norton Disk Doctor:  Advanced tab

Use the Advanced tab to specify specific disk tests that you want Norton Disk Doctor to skip and to specify how you want Norton Disk Doctor to run in the background (minimized).

This tab appears in Windows 98 and Windows Me.

This tab contains:

Skip Partition & Boot Record Tests
Check this option to skip the partition and boot record tests.

Skip CMOS Tests
Check this option to skip the CMOS test.

Only One Hard Disk
Check this option to ignore erroneously reported additional disk drives.

Skip File Date & Time Tests
Check this option to skip date and time stamp verification on files.

Skip Compression Testing
Check this option to skip the compression test on compressed disk volumes.

Skip Host Drive Testing
Check this option to skip the host drive test on compressed disk volumes.

Scan for Auto-Mount Disks
Check this option to have Norton Disk Doctor check frequently for compressed disk volumes during floppy disk testing.

Begin after [number of] idle minutes, and [number of] seconds
Enter the number of minutes and seconds that you want the foreground to be idle before Norton Disk Doctor starts diagnosing your disk in the background.

When errors are found
Choose what you want Norton Disk Doctor to do when it finds an error while running in the background. It can display the test results report, sound an alarm, flash the taskbar, or sound an alarm and flash the taskbar at the same time.

More Info