Why do files become corrupt

Problems with your hard disk can also lead to corrupted files. Sometimes, like in the case of a bad physical sector on the drive, your corrupted file may be part of a much larger problem.

Sometimes, smaller errors—like a cross-linked file or lost cluster—are the culprit in your file corruption problems and are not necessarily indicative of a failing hard disk. And note that cloud storage and other file syncing options may not be enough to get the job done. If you do rely on cloud storage, at least make sure that you have the option to recall previous versions of files like in Dropbox. Next up on the prevention checklist, make sure that your computer is protected from viruses and malware.

This includes not only running a good antivirus app , but using common sense when browsing and downloading. And finally, you might want to consider investing in an uninterruptable power supply UPS to help protect your computer from sudden shutdowns when you lose power. A UPS works as a battery backup that provides you a buffer against power loss. Typically, they can supply your computer with anywhere from a few minutes to an hour or more of power, giving you ample time to shut your computer down properly.

Having a good UPS can not only help prevent corrupted files from a bad shutdown, but the hardware problems they can cause, as well. If you have a corrupted file, your best bet is to try grabbing that file from the source again.

It scans your system for corrupted system files, and then replaces them with originals. If you suspect a bad update caused the problem, you might be able to roll that update back. Some apps like those included with Microsoft Office autosave multiple versions of your document, letting you open a previous version if the current version becomes corrupt.

Again, Microsoft Office apps offer built-in tools for recovering lost or corrupted documents, as do some other programs. Even if you can only recover the text from a document, you can save a lot of time when recreating the file. There are also a number of apps out there that claim they can recover different types of corrupt files. And a few that we tested were bloated with companion apps or, worse, malware.

Given that, we recommend just not using them. Browse All iPhone Articles Browse All Mac Articles Do I need one? Browse All Android Articles Browse All Smart Home Articles Customize the Taskbar in Windows Browse All Microsoft Office Articles What Is svchost. Browse All Privacy and Security Articles Browse All Linux Articles Simply by moving, deleting or changing them can cause a widespread system failure. Most system files use a.

This is designed to prevent accidents from happening. Windows system files are either located in Windows file system itself, or in your program files.

The primary folder C drive on most Windows systems also uses and stores several system files, including System Recovery and system volume information. You cannot delete a system file that Windows is actively using. These files are locked and cannot be changed. However, it is possible to unhide the hidden system files should you require. Follow these steps to reveal all hidden files, folders and drives in a Windows system:. The system checker file tool SFC is standard on all Windows systems.

It can scan your system to find, repair and replace corrupted or altered files and can automatically update damaged files to a clean version. The SFC is useful for a variety of issues, such as crashes, blue screens and bugs. This should be step one in your troubleshooting. SFC can only be run through a command from an administrator command prompt window. Of course, there is the off chance viruses or other forms of malware caused the files to become corrupt. In situations like these, the priority should be to address the virus before attempting to repair or restore the file.

Containment is the key here. Preventing file corruption starts with proper device care. And use a surge-protected outlet or power strip to protect your device from electrical surges. Also, if part of your daily routine involves a lot of downloading or file transfers, consider installing antivirus software and some form of anti-malware to protect your data.

To start, back up your files regularly. Regular file backups are a great way to ensure your data is up to date and in step with your current projects. Check out our discussion on incremental and differential backups , where we elaborate on some different ways to keep your backups current. Rushing the action, or trying to do it multiple times at once, increases your chances of damaging file data. This nugget in particular comes from personal experience.

I rushed a close action on a media file and irreparably destroyed three hours of work in 30 seconds. Though broken, corrupted files can thankfully sometimes be fixed. Back up your files regularly. Take proper care of your devices. And, make sure your devices are protected from malware.

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