By: Farzana Bashir
It can be alarming when you try to access an internal or external disk and are met with the error message: ‘the disk structure is corrupted and unreadable.’ This can be especially concerning if the disk contains valuable files. However, the good news is that in many cases, this issue can be addressed.
We’ll explore some of the common causes of this disk structure error and walk you through 7 possible ways to troubleshoot it. Most importantly, we’ll show you how you might be able to recover your files from the corrupted or unreadable drive, which can often be done successfully.
What Does “The Disk Structure is Corrupted and Unreadable” Mean?
The ‘disk structure is corrupted and unreadable’ error means that your computer is unable to read the information stored on the drive, as the file system may be damaged. This issue can appear on either an internal or external storage medium when you attempt to open it.
Common Causes of Disk Structure Corruption
The ‘disk structure is corrupted and unreadable’ error on Windows 10/11 may occur for a variety of reasons, which could include:
- The file system (NTFS, FAT32, exFAT) of the disk may become corrupted due to power interruptions, system crashes, or disconnecting the drive while it’s still in use.
- HDDs or flash drives may develop worn-out sectors or blocks, which could render data unreadable.
- Damage to the Master File Table (MFT) may cause the system to fail to locate files or folders.
- System files might be corrupted due to viruses or malware.
- A loose or faulty cable can sometimes prevent the disk from being read.
- Conflicting drive letters could cause confusion for the system.
- Outdated or incompatible drivers might contribute to disk errors.
Part 3: How to Rescue Data From Your Corrupted/Damaged Drive
Before attempting to fix the ‘disk structure is corrupted and unreadable’ issue, it’s essential to try to recover your data from the drive. This is because you might not be able to access your files if the disk is corrupted or unreadable. Additionally, you may need to format the drive in order to fix the malfunction, which could result in data loss.
However, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to retrieve your data from a corrupted or unreadable drive without using a professional data recovery tool. 4DDiG Data Recovery can assist in recovering files from inaccessible, formatted, corrupted, and unreadable internal or external disks with a high rate of success. Here are some of the tool’s features:
- The program can recover over 2000 types of files, including RAW photos, videos, audio, and many other formats.
- It supports recovery from both internal and external hard drives, SD cards, USB drives, etc.
- The tool allows you to preview recovered files based on their name and path.
- No technical knowledge is required.
- A free version is available for Windows users.
Here’s how to attempt data recovery from a corrupted or unreadable internal/external disk using this tool:
Step 1: Launch the tool on your computer. If you’re using an external drive, connect it to the same computer.
Step 2: Select the drive where your lost files were stored. Choose the file types you want to recover. Click “Scan.”
Step 3: Pause or stop the scan to preview the recovered files. You may use filter tags or keywords in the search bar to find the files you’re looking for.
Step 4: Click “Recover” to export the reclaimed files to your computer or a cloud drive account.
Part 4: Methods to Fix the Disk Structure Is Corrupted and Unreadable Error
The following are 7 methods to troubleshoot the ‘disk structure is corrupted and unreadable’ error on external hard drives and internal storage mediums:
Fix 1: Check the Hard Drive Connection
Often, a connection issue with your external or internal drive can result in the ‘disk structure is corrupted and unreadable’ error on Windows 10/11. To troubleshoot, follow these steps to check the physical connection:
On External Drive:
- Try a different USB port (switch between USB 2.0 and 3.0).
- Use a different USB cable, as faulty cables are common.
- Ensure the external drive is receiving power (check LEDs, power adapters, and outlets).
- Avoid using USB hubs; connect the drive directly to the computer.
On Internal Drive:
- Power off the computer. Open the case and check that the SATA data and power cables are securely connected.
- If not, disconnect and reconnect both cables.
- Disconnect the data cable, then power on your computer to check if the drive is spinning (vibrating).
Fix 2: Reboot Your Computer
Rebooting your computer may help resolve the ‘disk structure is corrupted and unreadable’ issue on Windows 10/11. This can clear temporary glitches, restart system services, and finish any interrupted disk operations, which often helps the system to recognize the drive again.
Fix 3: Test on Another Computer or System
Test the disk on another computer to determine whether the issue is with the disk itself or the original system. If the drive works on other computers, the problem is likely with your computer’s hardware, drivers, or software. If the error persists on both systems, the disk is likely damaged or corrupted.
Fix 4: Repair Disk Errors via CMD
You can use CMD in Windows to troubleshoot the ‘disk structure is corrupted and unreadable’ issue on both external and internal disks. CHKDSK is a built-in Windows tool that scans the drive for errors, bad sectors, and file system issues, and repairs them if necessary. Here’s how to use CMD to fix the error:
Step 1: If you are using an external drive, connect it to your computer. Then, type “cmd” in the Windows search bar and run “Command Prompt” as an administrator.
Step 2: Type the following command and press Enter:
chkdsk [place the corrupted/unreadable disk letter here]: /f /r
Step 3: After the scanning and repair process is completed, restart your computer and check if the error has been resolved.
Fix 5: Run Windows Troubleshooter
A minor hardware issue or a corrupted disk might lead to the ‘disk structure is corrupted and unreadable’ error. In such cases, you can use another Windows tool, the Hardware and Device Troubleshooter, to try to resolve the issue. Here’s how:
Step 1: Press Win + R, type “msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic,” and hit Enter.
Step 2: Click “Next.”
Step 3: Restart your computer and check if the error is resolved.
Fix 6: Reinstall Disk Driver
If your internal or external disk is not corrupted, but its driver is, this could result in the disk structure error. You can uninstall and reinstall the disk driver to potentially fix this problem. Here’s how:
Step 1: If using an external disk, connect it to your computer. Right-click the “Windows Start” button and select “Device Manager.”
Step 2: Expand “Disk drives,” right-click on the driver, and click “Uninstall device.” Confirm by clicking “Uninstall.”
Step 3: Return to the menu and choose “Scan for hardware changes” to reinstall the driver.
Fix 7: Format Your Drive
If the file system of your internal or external disk is beyond repair, formatting the drive may be necessary. This will reformat the corrupted or unreadable drive, providing it with a fresh file system. Here’s how to format the drive:
Step 1: Connect the disk to your computer if it’s an external drive. Right-click the “Windows Start” button.
Step 2: Open “Disk Management,” right-click on the corrupted drive, and choose “Format.”
Step 3: Choose a file system, such as NTFS, and adjust the volume label and allocation size. Uncheck “Perform a quick format” and click “OK.”
Fix 8: Seek Help From Professionals
If you are unable to fix the ‘disk structure is corrupted and unreadable’ error or recover your data, it may be time to seek professional help. Stop using the disk, whether it’s internal or external, and find a reputable repair and recovery service. Request a quote, and if necessary, disconnect the disk and ship it to the service provider.
Final Words
We’ve discussed the ‘disk structure is corrupted and unreadable’ issue, its possible causes, and how to troubleshoot it. Some of the solutions include checking the connection, rebooting the computer, and using built-in Windows tools like CHKDSK and Troubleshooter. Reinstalling drivers and formatting the drive can also help resolve the error. However, data loss can occur during troubleshooting, so it’s wise to recover your files first with a reliable and trustworthy tool, such as 4DDiG Data Recovery.
