9 Methods to Restore Corrupted Files

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In today’s digital age, encountering corrupted files is a common yet frustrating experience that can lead to significant data loss and disrupt productivity. File corruption can arise from various issues, including unexpected system crashes, malware infections, or hardware malfunctions. Understanding effective strategies to restore corrupted files is crucial for mitigating these challenges and safeguarding valuable information. This article explores the top 10 methods to restore corrupted files, providing practical solutions to help you recover your essential data.​

Dealing with corrupted files can be a daunting experience, but several methods can help restore your valuable data. Below are ten effective strategies to recover corrupted files:

🛠️Method 1: Restore from Backup

  • Regular data backups are essential for safeguarding against data loss due to file corruption. Windows offers built-in backup solutions like File History, which allows users to restore previous versions of files.​

Steps to Restore Files Using File History:

  1. Connect the external drive used for File History backups to your computer.
  2. Press Win + S, type “Restore your files with File History,” and select the corresponding result.​
  3. Navigate through the available backups to locate the desired file version.​
  4. Select the file and click the green “Restore” button to return it to its original location.​

🛠️Method 2: Utilize the ‘Previous Versions’ Feature

Windows’ ‘Previous Versions’ feature allows users to restore earlier versions of files or folders, provided that System Protection is enabled.​

Steps to Restore Previous Versions:

  1. Right-click the file or folder and select “Properties.”​
  2. Navigate to the “Previous Versions” tab.
  3. Choose the desired version from the list and click “Restore.”​

🛠️Method 3: Run the System File Checker (SFC)

The System File Checker (SFC) is a Windows utility that scans and repairs corrupted system files.​

How to Run SFC:

  1. Press Win + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin).”​
  2. In the Command Prompt window, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.​
  3. Wait for the process to complete; it may take some time.​

🛠️Method 4: Use the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) Tool

DISM is a command-line tool used to repair Windows images, including the recovery environment, setup, and Windows PE.​

Steps to Use DISM:

  1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
  2. Type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter.​
  3. Allow the process to complete; this may take several minutes.​

🛠️Method 5: Perform a Check Disk (CHKDSK) Scan

CHKDSK is a utility that checks the file system and file system metadata of a volume for logical and physical errors.​

Running CHKDSK:

  1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.​
  2. Type chkdsk C: /f /r (replace ‘C:’ with the appropriate drive letter) and press Enter.​
  3. If prompted to schedule the scan on the next restart, type ‘Y’ and press Enter.​
  4. Restart your computer to initiate the scan.​

🛠️Method 6: Change File Formats

Sometimes, converting a corrupted file to a different format can make it accessible.

Steps to Change File Format:

  1. Use an online file converter📁 or a dedicated software tool.​
  2. Select the corrupted file and choose a different format (e.g., convert a .docx file to .pdf).​
  3. Attempt to open the newly converted file.​

This method is particularly useful for document and image files.

🛠️Method 7: Open with Alternative Programs

Different software applications may have varying levels of tolerance for file corruption. Attempting to open a corrupted file with an alternative program might yield success.​

Examples:

  • Use LibreOffice to open a corrupted Microsoft Word document.​
  • Try VLC Media Player for corrupted video files.​

Experimenting with different programs can sometimes bypass corruption errors.​

🛠️Method 8: Use File Repair Software

When native methods fail to restore corrupted files, specialized file repair software can be an effective solution. These tools are designed to fix specific types of file corruption, allowing you to recover and access your important data.​

Recommended File Repair🗃️ Tools:

  • WinfrGUI: A free, user-friendly software that provides a graphical interface for Microsoft’s command-line Windows File Recovery tool, simplifying the process of recovering deleted files on Windows systems.
Download WinfrGUI Free
  • EaseUS Fixo: A comprehensive tool capable of repairing corrupted documents, images, videos, and audio files. It offers a user-friendly interface and supports a wide range of file formats. ​
  • Wondershare Repairit: This software specializes in repairing damaged videos, photos, and documents. It supports batch processing and provides a high success rate in file recovery. ​

🛠️Method 9: Seek Professional Data Recovery Services

In cases where software solutions are ineffective, especially with severely corrupted or physically damaged storage devices, professional data recovery services offer specialized expertise to recover your data.​

When to Consider Professional Services:

  • Physical Damage: If the storage device has suffered physical harm, such as water damage or mechanical failure.​
  • Severe Corruption: When files are extensively corrupted, and standard recovery methods fail.​
  • Critical Data: For highly important data where the risk of further loss must be minimized.​

Notable Data Recovery Service Providers:

  • Secure Data Recovery: Offers services for hard drives, SSDs, and RAID systems with a “No Data, No Recovery Fee” guarantee. ​
  • SalvageData: Provides recovery solutions for various devices and emphasizes fast, secure service.

💡FAQs on Restoring Corrupted Files

Q1: Can all corrupted files be restored?
A: Restoration success depends on the extent and type of file corruption.

Q2: What’s the safest way to repair corrupted files?
A: Using reputable file repair software or professional services is safest.

Q3: Can antivirus programs repair corrupted files?
A: Antivirus programs can remove viruses but might not restore the affected files.

Q4: Does file size impact recovery success?
A: Larger files might pose more significant challenges in restoration.

Q5: Are online file repair tools reliable?
A: Some tools offer limited success and might not work for complex issues.

Q6: How can one prevent file corruption?
A: Regular backups and reliable antivirus software help prevent corruption.

Conclusion

Dealing with corrupted files can be daunting, but with the appropriate tools and techniques, recovery is often achievable. By implementing the methods outlined in this article, you can enhance your ability to restore corrupted files and minimize potential data loss. Additionally, adopting proactive measures such as regular data backups, maintaining updated antivirus software, and ensuring proper system shutdowns can significantly reduce the risk of file corruption in the future. Staying informed and prepared is key to effectively managing and preventing file corruption issues.

Also Read 10 Effective Softwares to Recover Corrupted Files