error #993 Partition contains open files.Use operating system check utility

Hi,
I tried everything to fix this but this message still shows if I try to check for errors on my drive C: using PowerQuest Partition Magic 8.0.I thought running microsoft chkdsk can solve this problem but not workable.

What can I do? Is it possible that this is a hardware malfunction, like bad harddrive? Or is there any other way to fix it?

And is it possible, that my Windows XP has troubles from time to time to start-up because of this error message?What harms can this error pose to my PC?

I would appreciate every help I can get.

How are you running chkdsk? Within Windows or on restart?

That is a Partition Magic error message, and, typically, it means that PM is not "seeing" things properly. As said, chkdsk /f will take care of it. Usually, there is nothing to worry about UNLESS you mean that you do have problems (unrelated) at start up.
From Symanted:

Quote:

---

Error 993: "Partition contains open files. Use the operating system check utility" Situation:
While using one of the following products, you see the message "Error 993: Partition contains open files. Use the operating system check utility." - Norton PartitionMagic - PartitionMagic - PartitionMagic Pro - Drive Image - Drive Image Pro - DriveCopy - ServerMagic
Solution:
To fix this error

1. Disable any antivirus programs on your system.
2. Do one of the following on the affected partition:
   
   • In Windows 9x/Me, run ScanDisk.
   • In Windows NT/2000/XP, run CHKDSK /F

---

To fix this error:
1. Disable any antivirus programs on your system.
2. For Windows 2000/XP systems: Run CHKDSK
To run CHKDSK:
1. Boot from your Windows 2000 or XP installation CD.
2. Select the Repair option.
3. Select the Recovery Console option.
4. If you have a Windows 2000 system, type the following at the command prompt: CHKDSK /F. If you have a Windows XP system, type the following at the command prompt: CHKDSK /P
5. Once the disk check has completed, type the following at the command prompt: CHKDSK /R.

More help :- http://www.windrivers.com/chat/chat.asp

Read very carefully and follow steps, For Windows XP Type CHKDSK/P