Fixing Corrupted Files or Directories on Windows

This guide addresses the issue of corrupted files or directories on Windows PCs that prevent deletion due to unreadability. Here’s how to resolve such errors using the built-in Windows Check Disk utility.

Key Points

• Cause of Error:
  • Typically caused by disk drive errors where the file or directory is located.

Solution: Using Windows Check Disk (CHKDSK) Utility

Method 1: Use from Volume Properties

1. Access Properties:

   • Right-click the volume or drive containing the corrupted file or directory.
   • Click on Properties.

2. Run Check Disk:

   • Go to the Tools tab.
   • Click on Check.

3. Error Detection and Repair:

   • Windows provides options to scan and repair the volume.
   • If a severe error is detected, repair immediately.
   • Before repairing, save and close all open files on the drive.

4. Completion and Verification:

   • Once repair is complete, verify by opening previously corrupted directories.
   • If errors persist, proceed to the next method.

Method 2: Run CHKDSK from Command Prompt

1. Open Command Prompt:

   • Click on the Windows Start Menu.
   • Type CMD and run as Administrator.

2. Execute CHKDSK Command:

   • Type chkdsk <drive letter>: /f /r (e.g., chkdsk F: /f /r).
   • When prompted, press Y to start the operation.

3. Process and Patience:

   • Note that this might take a while, potentially hours, based on drive size.
   • The drive will be temporarily dismounted.

4. Result Verification:

   • Check if disk errors were repaired upon completion.

Conclusion

• If CHKDSK fails to repair certain files (e.g., image files), it might indicate serious disk problems like bad sectors.
• The CHKDSK utility can attempt to fix such errors, but some issues may require more advanced solutions.

Thank you for following this tutorial. We hope it helps resolve your disk error issues.