Member Avatar for jayinwww

I get this error now when I start windows:

One of your disks needs to be checked for consistency

I was on MSN when I got a message from a friend saying download this pdf document when I downloaed it I saw a MOS shortcut on my desktop but I downloaded it right away, this morning I saw my computer not running at its normal fast speed so I restarted and saw that error but it's been fine for days.

I think it's from a virus or my hard drive is going, any ideas if there is a way to fix this other then system restore or by replacing the hard drive?

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by goldeagle2005

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As described, the boot message "One of your disks needs to be checked for consistency" can point to several different problems: an NTFS/metadata flag set after an improper shutdown, real physical problems on the platters, or file damage caused by malware (the unexpected "MOS" shortcut and a recently downloaded PDF make that a plausible vector). is right that a disk check is a sensible step, but a safer, ordered approach avoids losing important data or confusing hardware failure with infection.

Priority steps (in order): make a current backup of irreplaceable files to external media or another machine; if malware is suspected, isolate the PC from the network first. If the data is critical, create a full disk image with an imaging tool (Clonezilla, Macrium Reflect, etc.) before performing repairs. Gathering evidence before destructive fixes preserves recovery options.

Diagnostics to run next: review the System event log for disk/NTFS or I/O errors to help decide whether this is hardware or filesystem corruption; check the drive’s S.M.A.R.T. status with a utility like CrystalDiskInfo or the drive maker’s diagnostic package (Seagate/WD tools) and run the long/extended test. If S.M.A.R.T. shows growing reallocated sectors or the manufacturer’s long test fails, plan to replace the drive. If hardware looks healthy, allow Windows’ file‑system repair to complete and then check for any FOUND.000/.CHK recovered fragments.

Malware cleanup/verification: update signatures and run a full AV plus an anti‑malware scanner (and an offline rescue scan if needed), inspect startup items with msconfig or Autoruns for suspicious shortcuts or tasks (the "MOS" .lnk is a red flag), and remove persistence items before trusting the machine. If repairs uncover many corrupt files, repeated boot checks, or an infection that can’t be fully removed, restoring from a clean backup or installing Windows on a replacement drive is the safest resolution.

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Member Avatar for goldeagle2005

That message you got could point to a disk failure, specifically a bad sector, although it's not definitive. Tis error is also seen if you shut down the system improperly. Just to be sure, run a check disk with a surface scan on the hard drive. About the sytem running slow, try running an adware scan on the computer.

Member Avatar for jayinwww

I also found out that other people are having the same problem, I take it it's some sort of a pdf virus but havn't found a fix for it yet.

Whats the best way to run a disk check?

Member Avatar for goldeagle2005

Use your Windows XP CD to boot into Recovery Console. In there, type chkdsk /r C: to run a thorough check on drive C:

Or, you can run the same command in a command prompt window.

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