Do you need to repair the corrupted directory? We explore every essential element in this article. Nothing can be more frustrating than encountering an error message that reads File or directory is corrupted and unreadable.
This error message can be caused by various reasons, making it a daunting task to recover the lost data and fix the issue.
Fortunately, there are several solutions available that can help you repair a corrupted directory on your device.
If you want to know how to repair a corrupted directory, this article will explore the 8 best solutions to fix this error.
Why is folder corrupted?
There are various reasons for encountering the file or directory is corrupted error. Some common causes include:
- Hard disk failure: If there are issues with the hard disk, it can lead to the file or directory being corrupted and unreadable in the drive. A hard disk failure can occur due to physical damage, power surges, or wear and tear over time.
- Software bugs: Bugs in the operating system or applications can cause files and folders to become corrupted. This can happen due to coding errors, compatibility issues, or other software-related problems.
- Virus or malware infections: Viruses and other forms of malware can cause extensive damage to files and folders on a computer. They can infect files, change extensions, and even delete or corrupt them.
- Power failure or system crash: If the computer shuts down unexpectedly due to a power outage or system crash, it can result in data corruption. When the computer is restarted, it may report that the folder is corrupted and unreadable.
- Physical damage to storage media: Damage to storage media, such as a scratched CD or hard disk, can cause files and folders to become corrupted. This can make accessing the files and data stored on the damaged media impossible.
- Human error: Accidentally deleting files or folders, or making other mistakes, can also lead to data corruption. For example, deleting a critical system file can cause the system to become unstable and report errors.
To repair a corrupted directory, and get your system up and running, follow the steps below.
How do you fix the file or directory is corrupted and unreadable Windows 10?
Before moving ahead with the solutions listed in this article, we recommend restarting your system. Restarting your PC can help resolve many minor glitches and allow your device to remove any minor errors.
This is one effective way to repair a corrupted directory.
But If this step does not work, go ahead with the solutions below.
1. Temporarily Disable Windows Defender Antivirus
- In the search bar, type antivirus, then choose Windows Security.
- Choose Virus & threat protection.
- Scroll down and select Manage settings.
- Turn off the toggle under the Real-time protection option to temporarily disable the Windows Defender antivirus.
- Check to see if this step helped to fix the problem.
2. Scan the Drive
- Hold the Windows + E keys simultaneously to launch File explorer.
- Click on This PC option on the left side of your screen, right-click on your drive, and select Properties.
- In the Properties menu, click the Tools tab and select the Check button.
- Select the Scan drive option to begin scanning your drive.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the scan.
3. Set a New Drive Letter
- Hold the Windows + R keys simultaneously to open the Run dialogue.
- Type diskmgmt.msc into the run dialogue box and hit Enter.
- In the Disk Management window, right-click the drive and select Change Drive Letter and Paths.
- Choose the drive letter and select the Change button.
- In the Change Drive Letter or Path window, check the Assign the following drive letter option and choose a new letter from the drop-down menu.
- Confirm the action by clicking OK.
4. Check your PC for Viruses or Malware
- Hold the Windows + I keys simultaneously and choose Update & Security.
- On the left-hand side of your screen, select Windows Security, and on the right side choose Virus & threat protection.
- In the Virus & threat protection window, click the Scan options button.
- In the Scan options window, select Full scan.
- After the scan, reboot your system and check if the problem has been fixed.
5. Use the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool
- In your search bar, type windows memory and choose Open.
- In the Windows Diagnostic menu, choose the Restart now and check for problems option.
- Save all your work and close any running apps before beginning the scan.
- Check if this process has fixed the problem.
6. Run the CHKDSK Command
- In the search bar, type cmd and click Run as administrator.
- Input the following command into the command prompt and hit Enter. Ensure to replace X with the letter that matches your drive partition.
chkdsk / f x
- Give some time for this process to complete scanning.
- Once the scan is complete, verify whether the problem has been resolved.
7. Format the External Hard Drive
- Plug in your drive and open Windows explorer by pressing Windows + E simultaneously.
- Right-click on the drive and select Format from the drop-down menu.
- Choose the file system you want; under the Volume label option, give your drive a name and check the Quick Format box.
- Select start to begin the format process.
Back up all your documents because this process will permanently delete your files.
8. Use Safe Mode
- Click the Start menu, select the Power button and choose Restart.
- Choose the Troubleshoot option and select Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings from the menu and choose Restart to commence.
- Choose any version of Safe Mode from the list of options by clicking the corresponding key.
How do you check if a folder is corrupted?
You can check if a folder is corrupted on your device by simply running the command below in the command prompt. This step was adequately explained in solution 6, so check it out.chkdsk / f x
In conclusion, we have explored some effective solutions to fix corrupted folder external hard drives on your Windows. These steps will fix this problem and get your system running quickly.
If none of the solutions worked for you, you could also check out some external folder repair tools like Repair Toolbox to help resolve these issues.
