Fix for "File or directory is corrupted and unreadable” error in WIndows

Portable SSD Portable | Extreme | Extreme Pro SSD
1

It seems my SanDisk Portable Drive had started giving me an error message in MS Windows that read, “file or directory is corrupted and unreadable.” I also had some files disappear when I was moving them from one computer to another using the drive.

Did anyone else have this problem? If so, there’s a chance the drive has a bad sector. In this case, running a Command Line Check Disk Scan using the CHKDSK command seemed to fix the problem, and bring back some of the missing files.

  1. In the Start menu search bar, search for command prompt
  2. Select Run as administrator.
  3. Type chkdsk x: /f /r (replace “x” with your actual drive letter, i.e. checkdsk e: /f /r).
  4. Press Enter.

Hope this might be of help to someone else running into this problem.

–Gary

1 Like
2

Hi @gfriedmann
Have you opened a Support Case? If not opened, for more information, please contact the SD Technical Support team for best assistance and troubleshooting:
https://kb.sandisk.com/app/ask

3

No, I did not need to create a Support Case at this time; however, I did want to share some helpful information for others who may have had similar experiences, especially when reading about so many having problems with files disappearing or drive issues, and that this might be something to try. --Gary

4

I have also faced a similar issue in the past. I have run a Check Disk Scan using the CHKDSK command, which helped fix the issue and recover some missing files.

To run the command, search for Command Prompt in the Start menu, select Run as administrator, then type chkdsk x: /f /r (replace “x” with your drive letter) and press Enter. I am also mentioning the link to the blog post related to this issue, this might help others dealing with a similar problem.

5

Yes, in some cases, CHKDSK can fix logical file system errors. However, if your hard drive is dying, it will mess things up. CHKDSK can cause physical damage to the drive’s platters, sectors, or the read/write head, leading to permanent data loss. If you want to access the health of the drive, consider using a specialized tool like CrystalDiskInfo.

I hope this blog helps you resolve the ‘file or directory is corrupted and unreadable’ issue.

6

Yes this really help me. I don’t normally write review but I have to write here.
It was on January 13, 2025 on Sunday that I was using my hard drive to copy files from my laptop into the drive and the cable shake that was how I lost contact to my hard drive. It was telling me file corrupted. I loose the drive and fix it back still same issue, I Change the data cable same result. I took it to a repairer he said the only option is to format it. Looking at how I will loose important information I begin looking for solution online and boom I was here.

I decided to give it a trial and amazingly it work well perfectly using the command prompt. To reach out to me whatsapp +23480231049, Facebook Amos Istifanus Gamaje

7

When encountering this issue, users usually fix it with the CHKDSK command:

  1. Run Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. Enter the below command: chkdsk /f h: and then press Enter. (Replace h: with the drive letter of your unreadable disk or drive.)

If this method fails, try to format the drive. This method will lose data; try to get back your files with the free data recovery tool.