Can't open files, get "fseek failed on seek_set" when trying to open

[mwj473]

Can't open files, get "fseek failed on seek_set" when trying to open

I am having issues getting files to open on latptop recently. It all started when I was working on my tax return with a certain tax software. I started the return, then came back to finish about 2 weeks later once I recieved some more tax info. When trying to open the file I had started, I got the message "fseek failed on seek_set" and the file will not open. I checked all of my previous years files and they say the same thing.

I started checking other file types on my laptop and those simply will not open. Opening pictures will now say "Windows viewer can't open this picture because photo viewer doesn't support this file format.

Any ideas how I can fix this? I'm worried I have lost thousands of pictures.

I must also say that I did let my anti virus lax for about a week in there somewhere, so not sure if a virus got in or what. It is now protected again, but no luck opening files.

Any help would be much appreciated. I have a simple Toshiba laptop with Windows 7 Home Premium installed.

 

[MilesAhead]

Do you have a Windows disc or restore CD or anything you can use to boot the machine? If so I would boot and try scandisk. See if the file system is ok. If that checks out run a virus scan. Malwarebytes antimalware is optimal.

If no problems to that point I would run a diagnostic on the HD. It could be failing.

If you don't have any bootable media or another PC with internet access see if someone will burn one of those boot disks with virus scanners loaded.

Also it's always helpful to fill in system specs as it saves a lot of back and forth about what hardware you do or don't have etc..