Va. DMV to be fully operational Thurs.

Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) reports that the Virginia Deparment of Motor Vehicles will be fully operational on Thursday, more than a week after the agency was virtually shuttered by the failure of a computer storage drive at a warehouse south of Richmond.

State officials estimate up to 45,000 people have been unable to renew their drivers' licenses while computers have been down. The agency will extend its hours in coming days and weekends to process the backlog.

Officials reported Wednesday that the state's Department of Taxation was able to access taxpayer accounts and issue refunds and liens for the first time in seven days. In all, 26 agencies have been affected by the computer issues. Officials say network problems have been largely resolved though some agencies continue to grapple with minor problems.

"There are some lingering issues," said Chief Information Officer Sam Nixon.

According to the DMV, all 74 locations will be open until 6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday to accommodate anticipated lines. The following DMV offices will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 4: Abingdon, Alexandria, Charlottesville, Chesapeake, Chesterfield, Fair Oaks (open 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.), Hampton, Harrisonberg, Leesburg, Lynchburg, Richmond-Broad Street, Roanoke, Virginia Beach-Buckner, Woodbridge.

--Rosalind Helderman