Two copies of one hard drive partition showing up in Windows

[slck0]

I have a Windows ME computer that recently started crashing (more often than usual) and bringing up Scandisk every time it boots up. It freezes partway through Scandisk, even in Safe Mode, so I've been canceling it. I noticed today that it was showing three hard drive partitions when I only have two. I checked "My Computer" and it shows 3 hard drive letters as well --
C: - the usual first partition with 55.8GB capacity
D: - the usual second partition with 55.8GB capacity
E: - a "fake" copy of C:, also showing 55.8GB capacity but slightly different used and free details (off by .05GB from disk C: ) It also appears to have files identical to the C: drive and I can access the files in either one.

Anyone know how to fix such a thing? If not, I guess I'm up for a reformat soon anyway.

[(jj)]

The only way that I know of that would cause that is if you have disk compression enabled. Compression makes a mirror of your drive and compresses the files, then as you access the files they are de-compressed on the fly. This was used a lot when hard drives were smaller and prices were higher, but normally most people never use it anymore.

[slck0]

Thanks for the quick reply. I went into the System Information and it shows they're not compressed:
Drive A:
Description 3 1/2 Inch Floppy Drive

Drive C:
Description Local Fixed Disk
Compressed No
Size 55.86 GB (59,981,463,552 bytes)
Free Space 8.45 GB (9,073,491,968 bytes)

Drive D:
Description Local Fixed Disk
Compressed No
Size 55.90 GB (60,020,162,560 bytes)
Free Space 14.29 GB (15,341,158,400 bytes)

Drive E:
Description Local Fixed Disk
Compressed No
Size 55.86 GB (59,981,463,552 bytes)
Free Space 8.47 GB (9,090,727,936 bytes)

Drive F:
Description CD-ROM Disc