{"id":150284,"date":"2023-09-27T09:45:06","date_gmt":"2023-09-27T09:45:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.stellarinfo.com\/blog\/?p=150284"},"modified":"2026-01-06T07:06:27","modified_gmt":"2026-01-06T07:06:27","slug":"fix-file-or-directory-is-corrupted-and-unreadable","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stellarinfo.com\/blog\/fix-file-or-directory-is-corrupted-and-unreadable\/","title":{"rendered":"[Solved] File or Directory is Corrupted and Unreadable Error"},"content":{"rendered":"

A hard drive can run into errors for many reasons, preventing you from accessing their data. One such error is ‘File or Directory is Corrupted and Unreadable<\/strong>.’ The error makes your drive or its data inaccessible. After troubling Windows 7 and 8 users, the error is now causing issues in Windows 10 and 11.<\/p>

In a few cases, this bug also affects brand-new hard drives. This guide will help users find a solution to fix a ‘File or Directory corrupted and unreadable’ error.<\/p>

File or Directory is Corrupted and Unreadable<\/strong><\/h2>

The error prevents you from accessing your hard drive data. When you try to copy-paste, transfer, or delete files, a pop-up will show up, stating that the file or directory is corrupted and unreadable.<\/p>

\"File<\/figure>

As stated by several users, the error can affect some folders and files or the complete drive, making it inaccessible through File Explorer. Sometimes, your hard drive may contain GBs of data but still shows you 0 bytes<\/a> when you click on it. These are a few of the consequential effects of the File or Directory is corrupted and unreadable error.<\/p>

What Triggers File or Directory is Corrupted and Unreadable?<\/strong><\/h2>

The root cause behind the error could be more than one. However, we’re underlying the major reasons below, as follows:<\/p>

Incorrect Device Ejection<\/strong><\/p>

If you abruptly remove the external hard drive from your system, usually nothing happens. However, if you do this while transferring data or performing any other action on the drive, you could face multiple errors, such as ‘Windows detected a hard disk problem,’ ‘Disk Structure is Corrupted and Unreadable<\/a>,’ RAW Read Error Rate<\/a>, and more.<\/p>

Malware infection-<\/strong><\/p>

Needless to say, a malware-infected hard drive could infect your entire system, making it vulnerable to many threats. Additionally, it leads to file or data corruption. So, if your hard drive is virus-infected, you may not only receive the ‘File or directory is corrupted and unreadable’<\/strong> error but also encounter system slow-down or malfunction.<\/p>

Damaged MFT –<\/strong><\/p>

Master File Table or MFT includes the files and directory type, modifications, and size, among other information. If it gets corrupted or damaged, you cannot access your data on the drive.<\/p>

Memory Related Issues –<\/strong><\/p>

Sometimes, you may encounter this error due to memory-related issues, such as memory leakage or faulty RAM on your system.<\/p>

Logically or Physically Damaged Drive –<\/strong><\/p>

If the hard drive has too many bad sectors or is physically damaged, you may be unable to access it and its data and receive an error- File or directory is corrupted and unreadable. In case of an external hard drive, the system may deny recognizing it or even throw the External hard drive not showing up on a computer error.<\/p>

Fix the File Directory is Corrupted and Unreadable Error<\/strong><\/h2>

In a few cases, the users could fix the File Directory is Corrupted and Unreadable error with the quick fixes we’ve shared below. So, before you proceed with the methods, try these fixes!<\/p>

Quick Fixes<\/strong><\/h3>

#Reboot your system<\/strong><\/p>

Some users encountered the ‘File or Directory is corrupted and unreadable’ error when they accessed the system after putting it on sleep for a while. Putting the system in sleep mode is helpful when you want to return to work in a few minutes.<\/p>

However, making it a habit can affect your system’s performance and slow it down. So, if you’re facing the File Directory Is Corrupted and Unreadable error, reboot your system and see if it fixes the problem. Sometimes, it could be a glitch that can be fixed with a simple restart.<\/p>

#Disable your Antivirus<\/strong><\/p>

Whether you encounter this error on system or external hard drive, the reason behind it could be malware infection. In that case, you cannot access your drive and its data. However, if you’re sure of no threats on the drive, try turning off the antivirus temporarily and see if you can access your drive.<\/p>

#Change your File Location<\/strong><\/p>

If you’re facing issues accessing only some particular file or folder and not the entire hard drive, see if you can access it from a different location.<\/p>

Methods to Fix File Directory is Corrupted and Unreadable Error<\/strong><\/h2>

If quick fixes don’t seem to help, you can proceed with proven workarounds shared below:<\/p>

#1 Check your Disk for Errors<\/strong><\/h3>

Since users are receiving the file directory is corrupted and unreadable error on attempting to access the files or folders on the drive, check if it has run into any errors. To do so, you can scan your drive for errors in two ways:<\/p>

Through File Explorer<\/u><\/strong><\/p>

If the hard drive is accessible through File Explorer, follow the given steps to scan the drive for errors:<\/p>