File or directory is corrupted and unreadable​

The “File or directory is corrupted and unreadable” error can be one of the most frustrating issues when it comes to managing files and directories on your Windows operating system. The error often appears when you try to open a file, access a folder, or copy data to/from a disk. It indicates that the file system on your device has encountered a problem, causing the file or directory to become corrupted or unreadable.

This error can occur for various reasons: physical damage to a storage device, improper shutdowns, software crashes, malware infections, or even human errors like accidentally removing a drive while it’s in use. When Windows can’t read or access a file or directory, it might display an error message like:

“The file or directory is corrupted and unreadable”

“You need to format the disk in drive X: before you can use it.”

In such cases, your files could be at risk of permanent loss. However, there are methods to recover these files or fix the issue and prevent data loss. This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough on understanding the error, troubleshooting possible causes, and implementing solutions to restore access to corrupted files and directories.

1. Understanding the Error Message

Before diving into solutions, it’s important to understand why this error occurs and what it means. The error typically indicates that a file or folder is inaccessible due to corruption in the file system. This can happen for many reasons, including:

File System Corruption: This occurs when the file system becomes damaged. The file system is the structure that manages how data is stored and retrieved on your storage device. If there’s corruption, the operating system can no longer read or access files properly.

Bad Sectors: Bad sectors on your hard drive or other storage media are damaged parts of the disk that are unable to hold data. If your file or directory is located in a bad sector, you may encounter this error.

Virus or Malware Infections: Malware can modify or damage files and directories, leading to corruption. It might alter the file system structure or directly corrupt files, making them unreadable.

Improper Shutdowns: If your computer is shut down abruptly, the file system might not have the chance to close properly, leading to file system corruption. This is often the case when the computer loses power or crashes while files are being written.

File System Incompatibility: If the disk was formatted with a file system that’s incompatible with Windows (e.g., EXT4 used by Linux), Windows may not be able to read the disk properly, triggering the error.

2. Diagnosing the Issue

When faced with the “File or directory is corrupted and unreadable” error, the first step is to diagnose the cause. Here’s how you can start:

Step 1: Check for Physical Damage

Inspect the physical storage device (hard drive, USB stick, SD card, etc.) for any visible signs of damage. Look for scratches, dents, or issues with the connector. If it’s an external hard drive or USB stick, try connecting it to a different computer or port to see if the issue persists.

Step 2: Try Opening the File or Folder on Another Device

If possible, try to access the corrupted file or directory on a different computer. This will help determine if the issue is specific to your computer or the storage device itself.

Step 3: Use Disk Management to Check for Errors

Open Disk Management by typing disk management in the Windows search bar. Check the health of the storage device where the file or directory resides. If the disk is marked as “RAW” or shows as unallocated, this could indicate corruption in the file system.

3. Using Built-In Windows Tools to Fix the Issue

Windows provides several built-in tools that can help you fix a corrupted file or directory. These tools are useful for checking and repairing the file system.

Step 1: Run Check Disk (CHKDSK)

CHKDSK is a built-in tool in Windows that checks the integrity of the file system and fixes any errors it finds.

Here’s how to use CHKDSK to resolve the error:

Open Command Prompt as Administrator:

Type cmd in the Windows search bar.

Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.

Run CHKDSK: In the Command Prompt, type the following command and press Enter:

sh

chkdsk X: /f

Replace X: with the drive letter of the storage device containing the corrupted file or directory. The /f option tells CHKDSK to fix any errors it detects.

Allow CHKDSK to Fix the Errors:

CHKDSK will analyze the file system, identify errors, and attempt to fix them. If it finds any problems, it will attempt to repair them automatically.

Depending on the size of the drive and the extent of the corruption, this process could take some time.

Step 2: Use the System File Checker (SFC)

If CHKDSK doesn’t solve the issue, you can try running the System File Checker (SFC) to check for corrupt system files:

Open Command Prompt as Administrator again.

Type the following command and press Enter:

sh

sfc /scannow

Wait for the scan to complete. The System File Checker will attempt to repair any corrupted or missing system files that might be causing the problem.

4. Accessing and Recovering Data from the Corrupted File/Directory

If CHKDSK and SFC don’t solve the issue, you might still be able to recover the data from the corrupted file or directory using data recovery software or techniques. Here are some ways to recover your files:

Step 1: Use Data Recovery Software

Panda Assistant also prioritizes data security by ensuring that the recovery process does not overwrite or further damage the lost data. This approach makes it an ideal tool for users who are concerned about privacy and want to avoid compromising their information. The software supports both Windows and Mac operating systems, ensuring a wide range of compatibility.

With Panda Assistant, users can rely on a comprehensive solution to recover lost files, restore data from corrupt or damaged storage devices, and maintain their peace of mind knowing their critical information is in safe hands. Whether for personal or professional use, Panda Assistant proves to be a reliable and effective choice for data recovery.

5. Preventing Future File Corruption

While you can often recover from the “File or directory is corrupted and unreadable” error, it’s always better to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are some tips to protect your files:

Use Antivirus Software: Keep your computer protected from malware by using up-to-date antivirus software. Malware infections are one of the leading causes of file corruption.

Safely Eject External Devices: Always eject external devices properly before unplugging them. Removing a device while data is still being written can cause file system corruption.

Regular Backups: Back up your important files regularly. Use cloud storage, external drives, or automated backup software to ensure your files are safe in case of corruption.

Avoid Abrupt Shutdowns: Never turn off your computer or unplug devices during an ongoing file transfer or when the system is in use. Use a surge protector to avoid sudden power loss.