PC help: Scandisk in a loop

Q When attempting to use Scandisk with my computer, which runs Windows 98SE, the PC cycles between ‘Checking file allocation tables’ and ‘Checking folders’ around 10 times, then it gives an error message to the effect that Windows or another program has been writing to the disk, and it advises me to quit some running programs to enable Scandisk to finish. How do I do that?
John Martin

A Thorough checks of a hard disk require exclusive access to the hard disk. That is because it needs to be able to directly access the hard disk, and if other applications try to do so at the same time, it causes problems.

To get rid of all other running programs, first look in the System Tray, the group of small icons at the bottom-right of the screen. Right-click on each one in turn and click on the option to Close or Exit. You should unplug the computer’s internet connection (or if on dial-up, disconnect) before quitting your firewall and antivirus programs, as this will leave you unprotected.

Once you have quit all those programs, Scandisk should run normally. If it does not, try restarting the computer in Safe Mode – restart it, then hold down the Ctrl key until the start-up menu appears. Choose Safe Mode and press Enter, then try running Scandisk once Windows has finished loading.

This is also true when checking hard disks with Windows XP. Rather than demand that all programs be stopped, Scandisk will ask to schedule the scan for the next time Windows Starts. Click on Yes and restart the computer. Windows will pause when starting in order to run Scandisk.