circlecircle

How to Solve 'Corrupted Files' on USB Drives and Memory Cards

img

How to Solve 'Corrupted Files' on USB Drives and Memory Cards

Have you ever plugged your USB drive or memory card into a computer, excited to access your files, only to be greeted with the dreaded “file is corrupted” message? It can be a frustrating experience, especially when the files in question hold important data or cherished memories. But don't worry! Here are some simple steps on how to tackle this issue and recover your precious data.

Recognizing the Problem

First things first, how do you know that your files are corrupted? Generally, when you try to open a file and it either doesn't open at all, displays error messages like “The file or directory is corrupted and unreadable,” or the content appears garbled and unreadable, it's a clear sign that the files have become corrupted.

Initial Steps

Before you dive into fixing the issue, here are a few initial steps to undertake:

  1. Try a Different Computer or USB Port: Sometimes, the problem isn’t with the drive or card but with the computer or USB port you're using. Try connecting it to a different port or computer to rule this out.

  2. Scan for Viruses: Use your antivirus software to scan the USB drive or memory card. Malware or viruses can sometimes cause file corruption.

  3. Backup: If possible, make a copy of the corrupted files. While not always feasible, it's a good precaution to take if you can still access and copy the files.

Fixing Corrupted Files

Windows Built-in Tools

Using CHKDSK:

Windows has a tool called CHKDSK that checks for file system errors and fixes them. Here's how to use it:

  1. Connect your USB drive or memory card to your computer.
  2. Open “This PC” or “My Computer” and note the drive letter assigned to your device.
  3. Press the Windows key + X and choose “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” from the menu.
  4. In the command prompt, type chkdsk E: /f (replace E with the drive letter of your USB drive or memory card) and press Enter.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions. CHKDSK will attempt to fix any found errors.

Using File Explorer:

  1. Connect your device to your computer and open File Explorer.
  2. Right-click on the device’s icon and select 'Properties'.
  3. Go to the 'Tools' tab and click on the 'Check' button under the 'Error checking' section.
  4. Allow the process to complete and follow any prompts to fix found issues.

Third-party Data Recovery Software

If the built-in Windows tools don’t get the job done, you might need to use third-party data recovery software. These programs can often recover data from corrupted or damaged files. There are many options available online, both free and paid. Be sure to select a trustworthy software, download it from the official website, and follow the instructions provided by the software to attempt file recovery.

Preventing Future File Corruption

After you've dealt with your corrupted files, it’s important to take steps to prevent this issue from recurring. Here are a few tips:

  1. Safely Remove Hardware: Always use the “Safely Remove Hardware” option before unplugging your USB drive or memory card. This ensures that all processes have been properly concluded and reduces the risk of file corruption.

  2. Keep Devices Safe: Protect your devices from physical damage and exposure to extreme temperatures or moisture.

  3. Regular Backups: Regularly backup your files to another location, such as an external hard drive or cloud storage. This way, you'll always have a second copy in case of corruption.

  4. Keep Your Software Updated: Ensure your computer and antivirus software are up-to-date to protect against malware that could corrupt your files.

  5. Use High-Quality Devices: Invest in high-quality USB drives and memory cards from reputable manufacturers. Cheap, low-quality devices are more prone to failure and corruption.

In conclusion, corrupted files on USB drives and memory cards can be a pain, but with patience and the right approach, it’s often possible to recover your data. Remember to take preventative measures to minimize the chances of this happening again. With the steps provided above, you're well on your way to protecting your data and fixing any future corruption issues with ease.