How to restore corrupted files in usb？

​Restoring corrupted files from a USB drive is an important task that many users face when their USB drive encounters issues. The causes of file corruption can range from improper ejection, power failure, malware, or physical damage to the USB device.

USB drives are portable, reliable, and widely used for storing data. However, like any storage device, USB drives can encounter issues that result in file corruption. Corrupted files are often inaccessible, missing, or show strange behavior, such as failing to open or displaying an error message. When you plug in your USB drive, it may not show up, or the files may appear as unreadable. These problems can be frustrating, but they are often recoverable, depending on the extent of the corruption.

There are several reasons why files on a USB drive can become corrupted:

Improper Ejection: Removing the USB drive without safely ejecting it can cause incomplete write operations, leading to corruption.

File System Errors: Errors within the file system, such as bad sectors or damaged directory structures, can result in corruption.

Malware or Virus Infection: Malware or viruses can modify or damage files, leading to corruption or deletion.

Physical Damage: Damage to the USB drive’s hardware, such as a broken connector or wear and tear, can also result in corrupted files.

Power Failures: If the USB drive is unplugged or loses power during file transfer, it may result in incomplete writes, causing corruption.

Regardless of the cause, there are several methods available to restore corrupted files from a USB drive. Below is a detailed guide on how to approach file recovery, starting from basic techniques and moving toward advanced solutions.

Step 1: Basic Troubleshooting

Before diving into recovery methods, it’s important to rule out any basic issues. Sometimes, the problem may not be with the files themselves but with how the system is reading the USB drive.

1.1. Check USB Connection and Ports

Try a Different USB Port: Plug the USB drive into another USB port on your computer to ensure the issue isn’t with the port.

Try a Different Computer: If the USB drive isn’t showing up or is malfunctioning on one computer, try it on another to see if the problem persists.

1.2. Use a Different Cable (if applicable)

For USB drives that use detachable cables, try using a different cable. A faulty or damaged cable may prevent proper data access.

1.3. Check for External Issues

Ensure there are no issues with the USB drive itself, such as physical damage or wear. If the drive is damaged, the chances of recovery decrease, and professional recovery services may be necessary.

Step 2: Use Built-in Tools for Basic File Recovery

Operating systems come equipped with built-in tools that can help you attempt to fix file system issues or recover minor corruption.

2.1. Use CHKDSK (Check Disk)

CHKDSK is a built-in Windows tool that can scan and fix file system errors and bad sectors on a USB drive.

Open Command Prompt as an Administrator.

Type the command:

bash

chkdsk X: /f

Replace “X” with the drive letter of your USB drive. The /f flag tells CHKDSK to fix any errors it finds.

Press Enter and allow CHKDSK to run. It will check the drive for errors and attempt to fix them.

Once the process is complete, check if the corrupted files are accessible.

If CHKDSK successfully fixes the file system, you may be able to access the corrupted files. However, if the files are still missing or corrupted, further recovery steps are required.

2.2. Use the Windows Error Checking Tool

For users who prefer a graphical interface, Windows also provides an error-checking utility.

Open File Explorer and right-click on the USB drive.

Select Properties.

Go to the Tools tab and click on Check under the “Error checking” section.

Follow the prompts to scan and repair the drive.

After the process completes, check if your corrupted files can be accessed.

Step 3: Use Data Recovery Software

If the built-in tools do not resolve the issue, you can use specialized data recovery software. These programs are designed to scan for lost or corrupted files on damaged drives and recover them to a usable state.

3.1. Panda Assistant

Panda Assistant can be a valuable tool for restoring corrupted files from a USB drive. It offers an intuitive interface and powerful recovery capabilities, making it a great choice for users dealing with inaccessible or corrupted files. Here’s how Panda Assistant can help:

Scanning for Corruption: Panda Assistant thoroughly scans your USB drive for any corrupted, deleted, or inaccessible files. It can detect file system issues, such as errors caused by improper ejection, power failures, or malware, which often lead to file corruption.

File Recovery: Once the scan is complete, Panda Assistant presents a list of recoverable files. You can preview the files before proceeding, ensuring that the ones you need are intact.

Safe Recovery Process: Panda Assistant ensures that files are recovered safely without causing additional damage to the USB drive or other data. It restores files to a secure location, avoiding overwriting data on the corrupted drive.

Support for Multiple File Types: The software supports a wide range of file types, including documents, images, videos, and more, allowing you to recover all your essential files from a corrupted USB drive.

Step 4: Manually Recover Files Using File Recovery Tools

For more advanced users, manually recovering files with specialized file recovery tools may be an option. These tools allow you to recover files from corrupted or damaged USB drives even when the drive’s file system is no longer readable.

4.1. Use TestDisk

TestDisk is an open-source data recovery tool that can recover lost partitions and files from damaged USB drives.

Download and install TestDisk.

Launch the program and select the USB drive.

Follow the on-screen instructions to recover lost partitions or files.

Once recovery is complete, TestDisk will display the recovered files. Save them to another location.

4.2. Use PhotoRec for File Recovery

PhotoRec, a companion tool to TestDisk, is designed specifically for recovering lost files, especially photos, videos, and documents, from corrupted or damaged storage devices.

Download and install PhotoRec.

Open the program and select the USB drive to recover from.

Select the file types you want to recover.

Allow PhotoRec to scan and recover the files.

Save the recovered files to a separate drive.

Step 5: Recover Files from a Physically Damaged USB Drive

If your USB drive is physically damaged, the chances of recovery can be reduced, but there are still methods you can try.

5.1. Freeze the USB Drive (A Temporary Solution)

Sometimes, if the USB drive has physical damage to the circuit board or internal components, freezing it can temporarily fix some issues. This method is highly experimental and not guaranteed to work, but it has worked for some users:

Place the USB drive in a sealed plastic bag to protect it from moisture.

Place the bag in the freezer for several hours.

After freezing, immediately connect the drive to your computer and attempt to recover the files.

Note: This method is a temporary solution and may not work in all cases.

5.2. Use Professional Data Recovery Services

If the USB drive is severely damaged and none of the software solutions work, you may need to contact a professional data recovery service. These companies have specialized equipment and expertise to recover data from physically damaged drives.

Professional services can be expensive, but if the data is critical, it may be the best option. Many recovery services offer free consultations to evaluate the drive and provide an estimate of recovery costs.

Step 6: Preventing Future Data Loss

Once you have successfully restored your corrupted files, it’s essential to take steps to prevent future data loss or corruption.

Safely Eject the USB Drive: Always safely eject the USB drive from the computer to ensure all data has been written correctly.

Back Up Your Files: Regularly back up your important files to multiple locations (e.g., cloud storage, external hard drive).

Use Antivirus Software: Install reliable antivirus software to protect your USB drive from malware and viruses.

Avoid Physical Damage: Handle your USB drive with care, and avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or physical shock.