How to Fix “The File or Directory is Corrupted and Unreadable” Error

Ever tried to open a file and found it damaged or unreadable? Don't worry, there are ways to fix this and get your important data back.

Imagine being able to get back into your precious family photos, key work documents, or favorite music without losing them. Sounds good, right? With the right steps, you can get past "the file or directory is corrupted and unreadable" error and take control of your digital stuff again.

Let's figure out why these errors happen and how to fix them. We'll work together to save and get back your important files and folders.

Part 1: What Causes the "the file or directory is corrupted and unreadable" Error?

Knowing the root of the problem can help us tackle it more effectively. Some common culprits behind this error include:

• Hardware Problems: Sometimes, parts of your computer like the hard drive or RAM might not be working right, causing the data to get messed up. So, hardware issues can trigger the error and block you from accessing your files or folders.
• Software Glitches: If there are bugs or issues with your computer's software, it can mess up files and folders, making them unreadable.
• Power Troubles: If your computer suddenly loses power while it's working with files, like during a power outage or a crash, it can mess things up and lead to that error message.
• Malicious Software: Viruses or malware can get into your computer without you knowing and mess up your files so you can't read them.
• Physical Damage: Sometimes, things like spills, drops, or extreme temperatures can physically harm your computer's storage, causing files to get corrupted and show that error message.

Understanding why this error is popping up is super important because it helps us figure out how to fix it properly.

Part 2: How to Fix the "the file directory is corrupted and unreadable" Error

Once you've identified the potential cause of the "the file directory is corrupted and unreadable" error, it's time to take action. Here are several effective solutions to try:

Fix 1: Reboot your PC

Sometimes, a simple reboot can work wonders in resolving the "the file or directory is corrupted and unreadable" error. Before trying more advanced solutions, restart your computer and see if the issue persists. A reboot can clear temporary files, release system resources, and potentially fix any minor glitches causing the error.

Fix 2: Disable Antivirus

Antivirus software is designed to protect your system from threats, but in some cases, it can inadvertently interfere with file operations and cause corruption. Try temporarily disabling your antivirus program and check if the "the file or directory is corrupted and unreadable" error is resolved. If the issue is fixed, you may need to update or reconfigure your antivirus software to prevent future conflicts.

Fix 3: Scan the Disk Drive

Windows provides a built-in tool to scan and fix disk errors, which can help resolve the "the file or directory is corrupted and unreadable" error. Here's how to use it:

Step 1: Right-click on the affected drive and select "Properties". Navigate to the "Tools" tab and click "Check" under the "Error-checking" section.

Step 2: Select the "Scan drive" option and let Windows scan and attempt to repair any errors found on the drive.

Fix 4: Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool

Faulty RAM can also lead to data corruption and the "the file or directory is corrupted and unreadable" error. To check for any memory-related issues, run the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool:

Step 1: Press the Windows key + R to open the "Run" dialog box.

Step 2: Type "mdsched.exe" and press Enter.

Follow the on-screen instructions to perform the memory diagnostic test.

Fix 5: Run a Command Line Check Disk (CHKDSK) Scan

The CHKDSK command is a powerful tool for scanning and repairing disk errors, which can be especially useful in resolving the "the file or directory is corrupted and unreadable" error. Here's how to use it:

Step 1: Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.

Step 2: Type "chkdsk /f /r" and press Enter. (This command will scan the drive and fix any errors it finds.)

Follow the on-screen instructions to perform a thorough disk scan and repair any errors.

Fix 6: Use the Startup Repair Tool

If the above solutions don't work, you may need to use the Startup Repair Tool to fix any underlying system issues that could be causing the "the file or directory is corrupted and unreadable" error:

Step 1: Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app. Switch to the “System” tab, scroll down, and select "Recovery."

Step 2: Under the "Advanced startup" section, click "Restart now." Your PC will restart into the Recovery Environment.

Step 3: Select "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "Startup Repair."

The Startup Repair tool will scan and attempt to repair any startup issues, which may resolve the "the file or directory is corrupted and unreadable" error.

Part 3: BONUS: Fix Corrupted Files with Wondershare Repairit

If the "the file or directory is corrupted and unreadable" error persists after trying all the above solutions, it's time to consider using a third-party data recovery tool like Wondershare Repairit. This powerful software is designed to scan and repair corrupted files, ensuring you don't lose your valuable data due to the "the file or directory is corrupted and unreadable" error.

Wondershare Repairit - File Repair

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• Repair damaged files with all levels of corruption, including blank files, files not opening, unrecognizable format, unreadable content, files layout changed, etc.

• Support to repair all formats of PDF, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Zip, and Adobe files.

• Perfectly repair corrupted files with a very high success rate, without modifying the original file.

• No limit to the number and size of the repairable files.

• Support Windows 11/10/8/7/Vista, Windows Server 2003/2008/2012/2016/2019/2022, and macOS 10.10~macOS 13.

Wondershare Repairit uses advanced algorithms to analyze and repair corrupted files, including photos, videos, documents, and more. It can handle various file types and corruption scenarios, making it an invaluable tool for recovering your precious data.

Wondershare Repairit offers several advanced features to enhance the repair process, such as deep scan mode for more thorough analysis, batch repair for multiple files or directories, and the ability to pause and resume the repair process as needed.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use Wondershare Repairit to fix the "the file or directory is corrupted and unreadable" error:

Step 1: Launch the program and select the appropriate repair mode based on the type of file or directory you need to repair. For example, if you're dealing with corrupted files, choose the "File Repair" mode.

Step 2: In the main interface, click on "Add” to browse and select the corrupted files or directories you want to repair. Alternatively, you can drag and drop corrupted files to Repairit’s interface.

Step 3: Once the files or directories are added, hit the “Repair” button. Wondershare Repairit will automatically scan and analyze them for corruption. During the repair process, you can monitor the progress and see which files or directories have been successfully repaired.

Step 4: Once the repair process is complete, you can preview the repaired files or directories to ensure they have been fixed correctly. Click on the "Save" button to save the repaired files or directories to a location of your choice.

By following these steps and utilizing Wondershare Repairit's powerful capabilities, you can significantly increase your chances of recovering your valuable data and overcoming the "the file or directory is corrupted and unreadable" error.

Conclusion

Encountering the "the file or directory is corrupted and unreadable" error can be a frustrating experience, but with the right approach, it's possible to resolve the issue and regain access to your files and directories.

If all else fails, consider using a data recovery tool like Wondershare Repairit to repair corrupted files and directories, ensuring you don't lose your valuable data. With patience and perseverance, you can bid farewell to the "the file or directory is corrupted and unreadable" error and regain control over your digital life.