Guide: How to Fix Corrupt Folder and Files on Windows 10 PC
Users of Windows 10 PCs may be alarmed to find that a folder or file won’t open, with a pop-up message indicating it is corrupt or unreadable. Here’s how to fix the issue and open the file or folder.
Users of external hard drives or USBs may encounter an error message that reads “X: is not accessible” (where X is the respective drive letter), followed by a prompt to format the disk. Formatting the drive would erase all files and folders, so it should be avoided.
To prevent future data loss, Windows 10 users can take steps to recover corrupted folders and files.
How did the file or folder get corrupted?
Uncovering the root causes of this unfortunate event is essential to finding a successful solution.
The file or folder is inaccessible due to damage to the partition on which it is stored, either a Master File Table (MFT) or File Allocation Table (FAT).
Computer users are facing a growing threat from viruses and malware. These malicious programs can cause serious damage to computers, leading to data loss and system crashes. It is essential for users to take steps to protect their systems from these threats.
A physical damage to a pendrive or other external drive has been reported.
A user failed to properly disconnect an external drive, resulting in data loss.
Both internal and external drives should be supported by the solutions provided, with further details available as needed.
Damaged external drives can’t be recovered without professional help. Data recovery success depends on the drive’s condition, so take it to an expert for assessment.
1. Scan for viruses and other threats
Windows 10 users now have access to Microsoft Defender, the preinstalled antivirus app that has become one of the most reliable security solutions available.
Protect your computer from malware and viruses by downloading, installing and running Malwarebytes and the Microsoft Safety Scanner app. Be sure to get the latest version of each before running them.
2. Check for system errors
Press the Windows key + E keyboard shortcut to open File Explorer, then right-click on the damaged drive and select Properties.
Users can check the Error box on the Tools tab.
Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 will now automatically detect and repair common disk-related issues in the background.
3. Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool
Microsoft recommends running the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool to check for memory leaks or similar issues. To access it, open Control Panel and search Windows Search. Then, go to System and Security> Administrative Tools and double-click the tool.
To restart your PC and check for problems, click the ‘Restart now and check for problems (recommended)’ option in the popup. Be sure to save your work before clicking, as the computer will automatically reboot afterwards.
4. Run Check Disk Command
Check Disk command is a popular fix for corrupted file and folder errors. To use it, open Command Prompt with administrator privileges by searching for it in Windows Search and selecting Run as Administrator from the left pane. Make sure to close all other programs before running the command.
Run the check disk command in the command prompt, replacing the letter ‘x’ with the drive letter of a damaged internal or external drive.
It may take a while, but once the process is complete, check to see if you can access the previously corrupted file or folder. If you’re still receiving the message “The file or folder is corrupt or unreadable,” further action may be necessary.
If you encounter a message indicating the volume is in use by another process, type ‘Y’ and press Enter to confirm the scan schedule and restart your computer. This will initiate the scan when your device boots up.
5. Format and restore data
If you use an external hard drive or flash drive, you may encounter the error message ‘The file or folder is corrupt or unreadable’ with an option to format it. However, formatting the drive will erase all data stored on it.
Backing up data is essential for data recovery. Popular apps such as Recuva and EaseUS make it easy to do so.
If you’re having trouble accessing a file or folder, attempt to recover the data before formatting the drive. To do this, right-click on the drive letter and select ‘Format’. If that doesn’t work, then formatting may be your only option.
6. How to Prevent data loss
No matter the location of your data, there is always a risk of loss due to various causes. To protect your information, creating automatic backups is essential. Popular cloud services such as OneDrive, Google Drive and Dropbox can be used for this purpose. Alternatively, an external drive can also be used for backups; however, it too is vulnerable to errors and physical damage. Ultimately, having a backup option is better than none at all.
Prevention is better than cure
To avoid future data loss, it’s best to back up your files in the cloud. If you’ve already experienced data loss, you may be able to recover it using file recovery software like EaseUS or Recuva. However, success depends on a variety of factors such as whether the data has been overwritten or damaged beyond repair. Take this as a lesson and ensure your files are securely backed up in the cloud going forward.
Restoring your computer to an earlier point in time can help with various Windows errors, but it may not always work. Learn the difference between recovery and reset functions and how to carry them out by clicking the link below.
How to Fix Corrupt Folder and Files on Windows 10 PC: benefits
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Final note
If you’re having trouble with corrupted folders and files on your Windows 10 PC, this guide can help. Got questions? Ask us. And don’t forget to share the love by passing it along to your friends.
If you have any questions about fixing corrupt folders and files on Windows 10 PCs, please ask us in the comments section or contact us directly. This guide is for educational purposes only. If you want to correct any misinformation about the guide, please contact us. If anyone wants to add more methods to the guide, they can also contact us. For help, use our contact page or follow us on Whatsapp, Facebook and Twitter. We usually respond within 24-48 hours (weekends excluded). For software updates and discussion join our Telegram channel.
