Guide to Fix the File or Directory is Corrupted and Unreadable

Signs that the File Directory is Corrupted and Unreadable Windows 10

You cannot retrieve your data because something isn’t right with your files. The symptoms that occur when there is an error in your file or directory are:

• Firstly, Error 0x80070570 shows that the location is unavailable or Windows cannot install your files. It can result in data loss.
• When trying to access corrupted and unreachable files, the “Drive: isn’t reachable” error appears.
• Your drive or memory card may have no or an unknown file system. Also, referred to as a RAW file system error.
• Furthermore, if your system takes longer to access data. Then, you need to fix the file or directory that is corrupted and unreadable error.
• In addition, low disk space on the system is another common sign that an error has occurred.

All these factors show an issue that needs to be fixed for accessing your files.

Why the Directory is Corrupted and Unreadable?

The error is caused because of multiple reasons. Some are mentioned here:

• Hardware and software issues may be messing up your files and folders.
• Subsequently, a sudden power outage or system crash can cause file corruption.
• Maybe the system is affected by any virus, threat, or malware.
• Moreover, physical damage such as humidity, heat, abrupt removal of drive, etc. can harm your system badly.

How to Fix the File or Directory is Corrupted and Unreadable Error?

Since we have understood the cause of the error, now we must fix it. There are two methods to access your data. First is the manual method and second is using an automated method. Go through a detailed step-by-step guide to effectively resolve your problem.

Manual Way to Solve the File is Unreadable or Corrupted Issue

There are several manual troubleshooting ways to access your files despite this error. These are:

1. Rebooting your System

It is the easiest and simplest way to fix this error. Rebooting the system will clear your temporary files, fix minor problems, and check system resources.

2. Temporarily Disabling Antivirus

Eventually, antivirus is installed in systems to protect from viruses and threats. However, sometimes it interferes with file and system operations. Thus, causing corruption. So, temporarily disable your antivirus and check if the error is sorted. To do so, follow the steps:

1. Open the Windows Security tab on your system.
2. Go to Virus & Threat Protection and off the antivirus installed.
   

Furthermore, update and reconfigure your antivirus regularly to fix errors. Else, try another method.

3. Scanning Disk Drive

Check the drive to fix the file or directory that is corrupted and unreadable fault. Follow the steps given:

1. Open This PC in your system.
2. Then, in the Devices and Drives section, select the affected drive. Right-click and select Properties.
3. The properties dialog box will appear. Go to the Tools tab > click Check.
   
4. Now, select Scan & Repair Drive to fix the faults in your hard drive. Click OK.

4. Checking Memory-Related Issues

Faulty RAM can sometimes cause the file or directory corrupted and unchecked error. To check it:

1. Press the Windows + R key. In the run dialog box, type the command mdsched.exe and click OK.
2. Perform a Windows Memory Diagnostic test to fix the issue.
   

The system will reboot and the test starts on the screen. Verify whether the error is fixed after the process is completed.

5. Running CHKDSK Scan

The command line checks disk command scans and repairs unresolved disk errors. To use it:

1. From the search bar open Command Prompt.
2. Next, type the command chkdsk /f /x and press Enter. (Replace x with your drive’s first letter)

6. Running Startup Repair

Follow the steps below to check if the directory is corrupted and unreadable and fix it:

1. Open Settings from the search bar. Go to Update and Security and click Recovery.
2. Then, select Restart Now from the Advanced Startup.
   
3. Now, your system will reboot. In the open window, click Troubleshoot, go to Advanced Options, and select Startup Repair.
   

The repairing process executes. Once completed, try retrieving data from your hard drive.

7. Formatting Hard Drive

Still can’t fix the file or directory is corrupted and unreadable error? The last option is to format your drive. However, it may lead to permanently losing your data. Therefore it is better to have a backup of your hard drive beforehand. There are two cases to fix the error.

Case 1: Hard Drive Exists in File Explorer

To format your drive follow these steps:

1. Go to This PC on your system or open File Explorer. Choose the drive, right-click, and select Format.
2. The format dialog box will appear. Select Quick Format and click Start.
   

After formatting, reboot your system and check if files can be accessed now.

Case 2: Hard Disk Doesn’t Exist on PC

If your hard drive isn’t in File Explorer and you find a message Hard Disk not detected. There’s a possibility it is in the disk manager. To check and fix it, follow the steps below:

1. Open the Start menu and select Disk Management.
2. Locate your drive there, right-click, and select Format. Fill in the details, select Perform a Quick Format, and click OK.
   

Overall, you can format your hard drive. However, trying the manual method is time-consuming and doesn’t guarantee the safety of your data. Hence, to quickly fix the glitches using a professional tool is recommended.

Best Approach- Fix the File or Directory is Corrupted and Unreadable Error

Following all the ways above to fix errors but it still pertains then, Windows Data Recovery is your best solution. Why? Because this tool scans and repairs corrupted and unreadable files and directories. It can fix the error without data loss and has several other advantages. Some of them are as follows:

• Recover data from drives easily without hassle.
• It is compatible with all versions of Windows.
• It allows to recover permanently deleted files from PC easily.
• Additionally, it provides advanced settings for backing up data files.
• In addition, you can batch-repair the files and directories altogether.

Steps to Use the Tool for a Quick Solution

1. Download and install the tool on your system. Run it as an administrator.
2. Select the drive and folder for recovery. Click Next.
3. You can see your selected drive, by clicking Next.
4. Then, select the Recovery Mode and click Next.
   
5. A window will display all your directory files on the hard drive. Select the files to recover, and specify the folder, where you want to restore. Click OK.
   
6. Lastly, hit the Save button.

Conclusion

It is necessary to fix the file or directory that is corrupted and unreadable error. Although using the manual method is easy, it requires time and doesn’t guarantee the safety of the files. Whereas, using the expert-recommended tool can save you time and ensures no data loss of files. Moreover, finding the cause of the error and fixing it with the right tool is the best choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

About The Author:

Deep Shikha

Deep Shikha Pandey is a Tech Writing Expert having deep knowledge about Outlook, Gmail, Yahoo, SQL, and other databases and email clients. She will guide you the best about email migration and SQL Database recovery using her expertise and making all the processes a cakewalk for the readers. Make your technical journey easy with simple layman’s blogs and accurate technical information.