How do I Fix the ‘The File or Directory is Corrupted and Unreadable’ Error

Follow these steps to revive your information with ease:

1. First, set up and open 4DDiG Data Recovery in your laptop. On its predominant display screen, you’ll see varied partitions, exterior drives, and folders obtainable. You can choose any drive and even navigate to a particular folder you wish to scan. Once you’ve chosen the placement, simply click on the “Start” button.



2. 4DDiG will begin scanning your chosen drive totally to search out misplaced or current information. As it discovers information, it lists them within the File View. You have the choice to pause or cease the method if wanted, but it surely’s often best to let it end for higher outcomes.



3. That’s it! Once the scanning is full, all of the recovered information will seem on the display screen. Simply select the information you wish to save and click on the “Recover” button.

Now, you may repair the error ‘the file or directory is corrupted and unreadable’ with out dropping any information.

1. Press Windows + E in your keyboard to open File Explorer.
2. Find the problematic drive and right-click on it. Then, choose ‘Format…’ from the context menu.



3. In the Format window, you may select the file system (often NTFS for Windows drives) and allocation unit dimension (default is ok for many circumstances). Then, verify the field next to Quick Format.



4. Once you’ve configured the choices, click on the ‘Start’ button.

Use Windows’ Command Prompt

As talked about earlier, file system points are one of many predominant culprits behind the error ‘the file or directory is corrupted and unreadable.’ In such circumstances, the Windows’ Command Prompt instrument can come in useful.

1. Press Windows + S keys and enter cmd into the search bar. Then, choose ‘Run as administrator’ to launch it.



2. Type the next command and hit the Enter key: chkdsk X: /f (Replace X with the drive letter of the disk you wish to verify and restore.)



3. After CHKDSK completes, it is going to show a abstract of the scan outcomes. If it discovered and repaired any points, it will likely be famous within the report.

Alternatively, if you’re not very conversant in the command line, there’s one other simple technique to verify and repair file system errors in your disk.

1. Open the File Explorer by urgent Windows + E in your keyboard.
2. Navigate to ‘This PC’ or ‘My Computer’ within the left sidebar. Then, right-click on the inaccessible drive and choose ‘Properties.’



3. Head to the ‘Tools’ tab on the high. Under the ‘Error checking’ part, click on the ‘Check’ button.

3. What if the ‘File is Corrupted and Unreadable’ Error Occurs on Drive C?

The ‘file or directory is corrupted and unreadable’ error can happen not solely when accessing information on exterior disks but in addition in your native drive, similar to Drive C.

In addition to the strategies talked about above, there are two more methods to handle this frequent Windows error: using Windows Startup Repair and reinstalling the OS itself.

Use Windows Startup Repair

Typically, if Drive C, which is your system drive, turns into corrupted, your laptop ought to stop to perform accurately. However, in case your laptop continues to function after receiving the error ‘the file or directory is corrupted and unreadable,’ You might must think about using Windows Startup Repair.

Here is the way you do it:

1. Press Windows + I in your keyboard after which click on on ‘Update & Security.’



2. Go to the ‘Recovery’ tab. Next, hit the ‘Restart Now’ button beneath ‘Advanced Startup.’



3. Once your laptop restarts within the superior startup mode, you’ll see some selections. Then, click on on the‘Troubleshoot’ possibility.



4. Select ‘Advanced Options.’



5. Look for the ‘Startup Repair’ possibility and click on on it. Now, windows will begin repairing your system.

Reinstall or Downgrade your Windows OS

In the Microsoft Support Community, we discover some customers in search of options to issues similar to ‘the file or directory is corrupted and unreadable Windows 11.’ The latest variations of Windows OS usually have minor bugs and are susceptible to assaults.

By reinstalling or downgrading the system, all hidden points could be successfully resolved, however it’s possible you’ll face the chance of knowledge loss.

Read Also: 
Recover Lost Data on PC and Mac with Stellar

4. How do I Prevent the Directory is Corrupted and Unreadable Error?

• Regular Backups: Maintain common backups of your necessary information and information.
• Use Reliable Storage: Always use dependable storage units and media. Low-quality or failing {hardware} can contribute to information corruption.
• Safe Removal: Always use the “Safely Remove Hardware” or “Eject” possibility when disconnecting exterior drives or units.
• Update Software: Keep your working system and software program up-to-date. Updates usually embody bug fixes and enhancements that may forestall such errors.

Bottom Line

With these options, you now not want to fret in regards to the error ‘the file directory is corrupted and unreadable.’ Some of those strategies might put you prone to information loss, similar to reinstalling the working system and formatting the disk. Fortunately, with 4DDiG Data Recovery, you may get better any misplaced information within the blink of an eye fixed.