ByComputer users often face errors like ‘The file or Directory is Corrupted and Unreadable‘. This problem occurs when a file or folder gets corrupted or there is some kind of error in the disk. This error can occur in USB drives, hard drives, SD cards, or other storage devices.
Below are the effective ways to solve this problem.
1. Restart the computer
Sometimes, this problem can be temporary and can be solved by restarting the system. If this method does not work, try other methods.
2. Use CHKDSK command in CMD
CHKDSK (Check Disk) is a Windows tool that can check and repair disk problems. To run it:
1. Press Windows + R and type cmd.
2. Select Run as Administrator at the command prompt.
3. Enter the following commands:
“`bash
chkdsk X: /f /r /x
“`
(replace ‘X’ with your drive letter here)
4. Let the process complete and restart the computer.
3. Scan and repair disk
Windows has an Error Checking Tool available, which you can use as follows:
1. Open File Explorer and right-click on the affected drive.
2. Select Properties and go to the Tools tab.
3. Press the Check button in the Error Checking section.
4. Windows will scan and attempt to fix any errors.
4. Format the Drive
If the above methods don’t work, Formatting the affected drive can be the last resort.
1. Open File Explorer and right-click on the drive.
2. Select the Format option.
3. Select NTFS or exFAT as the File System.
4. Check Quick Format and press the Start button.
⚠ Note: Formatting will erase all data, so it is mandatory to take a backup first.
5. Repair the drive with Windows PowerShell
1. Press Windows + X and select PowerShell (Admin).
2. Enter this command:
“`powershell
repair-volume -driveletter X
“`
(replace X with the letter of the affected drive)
3. Check the drive after the process is complete.
6. Reassign the Drive Letter
1. Press Windows + X and open Disk Management.
2. Right-click on the affected drive and select Change Drive Letter and Paths.
3. Press the Change button and assign a new drive letter.
4. Press OK and restart the system.
7. Check the physical connection of the USB drive or SD card
Sometimes, this error can also occur due to hardware problems. Make sure that:
The USB drive is correctly connected to the port.
The SD card is properly inserted into the card reader.
Check the drive on another computer.
8. Scan for viruses and malware
Sometimes, viruses can also corrupt files. Use Windows Defender or any other antivirus tool and perform a full system scan.
9. Reinstall the hard drive inside Windows
If the problem is with the external hard drive, uninstall and reinstall the drive:
1. Press Windows + X and open Device Manager.
2. Right-click on the affected drive in Disk Drives and select Uninstall Device.
3. Restart the computer.
10. Perform a System Restore
If this problem started recently, use the System Restore feature of Windows:
1. Press Windows + S and type Create a restore point.
2. Click System Restore and select the previous point.
3. Follow the instructions and restart the system.
Conclusion
There are several ways available to fix ‘The file or directory is corrupted and unreadable’ error. CHKDSK tool, changing drive letter, system scan, drive formatting, and checking hardware connection are the main solutions. If none of the methods work, it is best to seek help from a professional technician.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) related to ‘The file or Directory is Corrupted and Unreadable’ error
1. What is the ‘The file or Directory is Corrupted and Unreadable’ error?
It is a Windows error that occurs when a file, folder or storage device (USB, hard drive, SD card) becomes corrupted and Windows cannot access it.
2. Why does this problem occur?
The main causes of this error are:
Irregular Shutdown (Sudden Power Cut or System Crash)
Virus or Malware Attack
Bad Sectors in Hard Drive
Not Removing USB or SD Card Properly
Corrupt File System
3. How to fix this error?
Try the following methods to resolve it:
Use the CHKDSK command (`chkdsk X: /f /r /x`)
Scan and repair the drive
Change the drive letter
Format the drive (if data recovery is not possible)
Repair the drive with Windows PowerShell
Perform a virus scan
Use System Restore
4. Can running CHKDSK delete data?
No, the CHKDSK command does not delete data, but if a file is already corrupted, it may be difficult to recover.
5. Can I fix this issue without formatting?
Yes, you can try CHKDSK, drive letter change, error checking tool, and virus scan first. If nothing works, then only consider formatting.
6. What should I do if I am having this issue with my USB drive or SD card?
Check the USB drive by connecting it to another computer.
Run `chkdsk` command in CMD.
Try the data recovery tool before formatting the drive.
7. Can a virus cause this error?
Yes, malware or viruses can damage and corrupt the file system. Scan the entire drive with good antivirus software.
8. What to do if none of the methods work?
If all the above solutions don’t work, then:
Use data recovery software (EaseUS, Recuva, or Stellar).
If the hard drive is damaged, seek technical help
9. Can reinstalling Windows solve the problem?
If the problem is on the system drive (C:), reinstalling Windows can be a last resort, but it is important to back up data first.
10. What can be done to avoid this error in the future?
Always remove USB drives and hard drives correctly
Use UPS so that the system does not shut down suddenly due to a power cut.
Run virus scans on your system regularly
Use S.M.A.R.T monitoring tools to check the health of the hard drive.
