When you try to open a hard drive, SSD, external USB drive, pen drive, SD card, partition, folder, or file in Windows, you may receive an error similar to:

“The file or directory is corrupted and unreadable.”

You may also see:

“Location is not available.”

or:

“X:\ is not accessible. The file or directory is corrupted and unreadable.”

In some situations, Windows may display error code:

0x80070570

This error normally means Windows cannot correctly read the file-system information associated with the drive, directory, or file. The problem can range from a relatively minor NTFS/exFAT/FAT32 file-system inconsistency to failing storage hardware.

The most important point is this:

If the affected drive contains important data, do not immediately format it or repeatedly run repair operations. First determine whether the problem is logical file-system corruption or a possible physical drive failure.

This guide explains the causes, safe troubleshooting sequence, CHKDSK commands, data-recovery precautions, formatting options, and methods to reduce the chance of the problem happening again.

1. Where Can This Error Occur?

The error can affect almost any Windows-accessible storage device, including:

• Internal HDD
• Internal SSD
• External HDD
• External SSD
• USB flash/pen drive
• SD or microSD card
• Secondary Windows partition
• Data partition
• Individual folder or directory
• Removable storage device

For example, opening an external drive may produce:

Location is not available

E:\ is not accessible.

The file or directory is corrupted and unreadable.

The drive may still appear in File Explorer, but Windows cannot properly access its contents.

2. What Does “Corrupted and Unreadable” Actually Mean?

Windows uses a file system to keep track of files, folders, names, locations, permissions, free space, and other information stored on a volume.

Common Windows-compatible file systems include:

• NTFS
• exFAT
• FAT32

If important file-system structures become damaged or inconsistent, Windows may detect the storage device but fail to locate or interpret its files correctly.

On an NTFS volume, for example, corruption involving file-system metadata or the Master File Table (MFT) can make files or directories inaccessible.

Therefore, the error does not automatically mean that every file has been permanently lost.

The underlying data may still exist, but Windows may no longer know how to access it correctly.

3. Common Causes

3.1 Improper Removal of USB or External Drive

Disconnecting an external HDD, SSD, USB drive, or memory card while Windows is writing data can leave the file system inconsistent.

This can happen if you:

• Pull out a USB drive during copying
• Disconnect an external HDD while files are open
• Remove storage while backup software is running
• Unplug the device during file deletion or modification

3.2 Sudden Power Failure

A power failure, forced shutdown, battery failure, or system crash during a disk write can corrupt file-system structures.

Desktop computers without a UPS can be particularly vulnerable to unexpected shutdowns.

3.3 Bad Sectors or Failing Hard Drive

A hard disk can develop unreadable sectors.

If important file-system structures are located in damaged sectors, Windows may report that a file or directory is corrupted and unreadable.

A physically failing drive should be treated differently from an ordinary logical corruption problem.

3.4 USB Cable, Port, Adapter, or Enclosure Problems

Sometimes the storage media itself is not the actual problem.

An unstable connection can cause read/write errors due to:

• Damaged USB cable
• Loose connector
• Faulty USB port
• USB hub problem
• Insufficient power
• Faulty SATA-to-USB adapter
• Defective external HDD enclosure

Always rule out connection problems before performing destructive repairs.

3.5 File-System Corruption

NTFS, FAT32, or exFAT metadata can become corrupted because of:

• Interrupted writes
• System crashes
• Improper shutdown
• Storage-device errors
• Software faults
• Hardware instability

3.6 Failing USB Flash Drive or Memory Card

Flash storage has a limited write lifespan and can fail unexpectedly.

A pen drive or memory card may initially produce corrupted files and later become completely unreadable.

3.7 Drive Appearing as RAW

Open:

Win + X → Disk Management

A healthy Windows data partition will normally show a recognizable file system such as:

NTFS

or:

exFAT

If Windows shows:

RAW

the file system is either unrecognized or sufficiently damaged that Windows cannot mount it normally.

A RAW volume requires extra caution.

4. Before You Start: Determine Whether the Data Is Important

Before attempting repairs, ask:

Do I need the files currently stored on this drive?

This changes the troubleshooting strategy.

If the data is NOT important

You can attempt file-system repair and, if necessary, recreate or format the volume.

If the data IS important

Be much more cautious.

Avoid immediately:

• Formatting the drive
• Deleting its partition
• Creating a new partition
• Copying new files onto it
• Initializing the disk unnecessarily
• Running repeated repair utilities
• Performing unnecessary write operations

If the disk is physically failing, every additional read/write operation can potentially make recovery more difficult.

5. Step 1 – Restart Windows

For a minor temporary storage or driver problem, restart the computer.

After restarting, reconnect the affected external drive and test it again.

Do not repeatedly reconnect a device that is making abnormal mechanical noises.

6. Step 2 – Try Another USB Port

If the problem affects an external device:

1. Disconnect the drive.
2. Connect it directly to another USB port.
3. Avoid an unpowered USB hub.
4. Test the drive again.

For a desktop PC, a rear motherboard USB port can sometimes provide a more stable connection than a front-panel port.

7. Step 3 – Replace the USB Cable

External hard drives and SSDs can produce apparently serious disk errors because of a faulty cable.

If possible:

1. Replace the USB cable.
2. Reconnect the drive.
3. Check whether Windows can access it.

This simple test is especially worthwhile before attempting file-system repairs.

8. Step 4 – Test the Drive on Another Computer

Connect the storage device to another Windows computer.

If it works normally there, investigate the original computer's:

• USB controller
• Drivers
• Port
• Power delivery
• Windows installation

If the same error appears on multiple computers, the problem is more likely associated with the drive, enclosure, cable, or file system.

9. Step 5 – Check Disk Management

Press:

Win + X → Disk Management

Locate the affected drive.

Check:

• Does Windows detect the disk?
• Is the expected capacity correct?
• Does the partition exist?
• Is a drive letter assigned?
• Does it show NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, or RAW?
• Does the space appear Unallocated?

Do not create a new partition merely because an existing important partition is inaccessible.

10. If the Drive Shows RAW

This is an important scenario.

If Disk Management shows:

RAW

instead of NTFS/exFAT/FAT32, Windows cannot correctly recognize the volume's file system.

If the data is important:

Do not format the drive just because Windows offers to format it.

Also note that standard CHKDSK cannot normally repair a volume Windows identifies as RAW. You may receive:

“CHKDSK is not available for RAW drives.”

In this situation, prioritize data recovery or professional diagnosis before formatting.

11. Step 6 – Use Windows Error Checking

Windows includes a graphical disk-checking tool.

Open:

File Explorer → This PC

Right-click the affected drive and select:

Properties → Tools → Error checking → Check

Windows will scan the volume and may offer to repair detected file-system errors.

If File Explorer cannot open or properly detect the volume, use Disk Management and Command Prompt for further diagnosis.

12. Step 7 – Run CHKDSK

CHKDSK is Windows' built-in file-system checking utility.

Open:

Start → type CMD → right-click Command Prompt → Run as administrator

First identify the correct drive letter.

Suppose the corrupted drive is E:.

You can run:

chkdsk E: /f

Replace E: with the actual drive letter.

What /f Does

The /f option instructs CHKDSK to fix detected file-system errors.

For logical corruption on an otherwise healthy drive, this can often restore access.

13. CHKDSK /f /r – What Is the Difference?

A commonly recommended command is:

chkdsk E: /f /r

The switches mean:

/f
Fixes logical file-system errors.

/r
Locates bad sectors, attempts to recover readable information, and includes /f functionality.

A /r scan can take significantly longer because Windows performs a much more extensive examination of the volume.

For a large HDD, it may take hours.

Do not assume /r is always the best first step for an important failing disk. If hardware failure is suspected, a data-recovery-first approach can be safer than stressing the disk with a lengthy surface scan.

14. CHKDSK /x

Another option is:

chkdsk E: /x /f

/x forces the volume to dismount first if necessary.

Any open handles to that volume become invalid.

Use it only after ensuring that applications are not actively using the drive.

15. Recommended CHKDSK Sequence

For an accessible, apparently healthy drive with logical corruption, a reasonable first repair attempt is:

chkdsk E: /f

If deeper disk/media problems are suspected and the data is already backed up:

chkdsk E: /f /r

Do not blindly run repair commands on a drive containing irreplaceable data when the hardware appears to be failing.

16. What If CHKDSK Says the Volume Is in Use?

For the Windows system partition, you may receive:

“Chkdsk cannot run because the volume is in use by another process.”

Windows may ask:

“Would you like to schedule this volume to be checked the next time the system restarts? (Y/N)”

Type:

Y

Press Enter and restart Windows.

The disk check can then run before Windows fully starts.

17. What If CHKDSK Says “Cannot Open Volume for Direct Access”?

This can occur when:

• Another application has locked the volume
• Security software is interfering
• Disk/filter drivers are interfering
• The storage device is unstable
• Hardware problems exist

Restart Windows and try again.

For an external drive, also test:

• Another USB port
• Another cable
• Another computer

18. What If CHKDSK Says “CHKDSK Is Not Available for RAW Drives”?

This means Windows currently recognizes the volume as RAW rather than a supported file system that CHKDSK can process normally.

Do not immediately format an important RAW volume.

If the data matters, recovery should generally be attempted first.

19. Check the Drive Letter

Occasionally a drive-letter conflict or configuration issue can cause access problems.

Open:

Win + X → Disk Management

Right-click the affected volume and choose:

Change Drive Letter and Paths

Select:

Change

Assign an unused drive letter such as:

G:

or:

H:

Then test the drive again.

Changing a drive letter does not repair actual file-system corruption, but it can resolve certain mounting or path-related problems.

20. Check the Disk Using DiskPart

DiskPart can help confirm how Windows sees the disk and its volumes.

Open Command Prompt as Administrator and type:

diskpart

Then:

list disk

Next:

list volume

Review the results carefully.

When finished:

exit

Warning: DiskPart also contains destructive commands such as clean, delete partition, and formatting commands. Do not experiment with them on a disk containing important data.

21. Check Whether Windows Marked the Volume Dirty

Windows can mark a volume as “dirty” when it detects that the file system may be inconsistent.

For an NTFS volume, you can check using:

fsutil dirty query E:

Replace E: with the correct drive letter.

If Windows reports that the volume is dirty, a file-system consistency check may be required.

22. Check the Physical Health of the Drive

A file-system error can be a symptom rather than the actual problem.

Warning signs of a failing HDD include:

• Clicking noises
• Repeated spin-up/spin-down
• Extremely slow access
• Drive disappearing randomly
• Frequent read errors
• Files repeatedly becoming corrupted
• Windows freezing when the drive is connected
• Increasing bad-sector or SMART warnings

If these symptoms exist, do not repeatedly run repair operations.

Back up or recover important data as soon as practical.

For valuable business, financial, legal, family, or otherwise irreplaceable data, consider professional recovery services.

23. Important Difference: HDD vs SSD

Traditional hard disks and SSDs can both suffer logical corruption, but their physical failure characteristics differ.

HDD

Possible signs include:

• Clicking
• Grinding
• Slow reads
• Bad sectors
• Spin problems

SSD

An SSD may fail with fewer mechanical warning signs because it has no moving parts.

Possible symptoms include:

• Sudden disappearance
• Read-only behavior
• I/O errors
• Corrupted files
• Failure to initialize or enumerate properly

Do not assume an SSD is healthy simply because it makes no noise.

24. Can SFC /SCANNOW Fix This Error?

You may see recommendations to run:

sfc /scannow

SFC checks protected Windows system files.

It does not directly repair a corrupted file system on an external HDD, USB drive, or memory card.

However, if Windows itself appears damaged and storage-related Windows components are malfunctioning, SFC can be useful.

Run Command Prompt as Administrator:

sfc /scannow

Wait until verification reaches 100%.

25. Use DISM If Windows Itself Is Corrupted

For Windows 10 and Windows 11 system-component problems, run:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

After DISM finishes, run:

sfc /scannow

again.

This repairs Windows component/system-file problems; it is not a substitute for repairing or recovering a corrupted external storage volume.

26. What If Windows Says “You Need to Format the Disk Before You Can Use It”?

You may connect a corrupted drive and receive:

“You need to format the disk in drive E: before you can use it.”

If the drive contains important files:

Do not click Format Disk.

Choose:

Cancel

Then investigate the drive and recover important data first.

Formatting creates a new file-system structure and can complicate subsequent recovery, especially if additional data is written afterward.

27. Recover Important Data Before Formatting

If repair does not restore access, data recovery should normally come before formatting.

Possible approaches include:

• Restore from an existing backup
• Windows File Recovery
• Specialist recovery software
• File-system/partition recovery utilities
• Professional data recovery service

Which approach is appropriate depends on whether the failure is logical or physical.

28. Windows File Recovery

Microsoft provides a command-line utility called Windows File Recovery for supported versions of Windows.

Its command is:

winfr

Recovery should normally be written to a different physical drive.

Do not recover files back onto the same damaged source drive because writing new data can overwrite recoverable information.

29. Recovery Rule: Source and Destination Should Be Different

Suppose corrupted files are on drive E:.

Do not attempt to recover them back to E:.

Use another storage device, such as:

E: → F:

The source should remain as unchanged as possible while recovered files are written elsewhere.

30. When Should You Consider Professional Data Recovery?

Stop DIY troubleshooting and consider professional recovery when:

• HDD is clicking
• Drive repeatedly disconnects
• Drive is not detected reliably
• Drive capacity is displayed incorrectly
• Important business data is involved
• There is no backup
• The disk suffered physical impact
• The drive contains critical accounting/database files
• Multiple recovery attempts have already failed

Continuing to operate physically damaged storage can reduce the chance of successful recovery.

31. Formatting the Drive After Data Recovery

If the data has been recovered or is not required, formatting may restore a logically corrupted but physically healthy device to normal use.

Open:

File Explorer → This PC

Right-click the affected drive and select:

Format

For a typical Windows-only data drive, select:

NTFS

For removable storage that needs broad compatibility across different operating systems and devices, exFAT may be more appropriate.

Formatting is not a repair for failing hardware. If the device has health problems, replacing it is safer.

32. Quick Format vs Full Format

Quick Format

A quick format creates fresh file-system structures without performing the same full-volume bad-sector scan associated with a full format.

It is considerably faster.

Full Format

A full format takes much longer and performs a more extensive scan of the volume.

If you are formatting because you suspect a hard drive has developed physical problems, however, passing a format does not guarantee the disk is trustworthy for important data.

Check its hardware health and replace questionable storage.

33. What If Formatting Also Fails?

If Windows cannot successfully format the device, possible causes include:

• Physical drive failure
• Write protection
• Flash-memory failure
• Controller failure
• USB adapter/enclosure failure
• Serious partition problems

Test the drive on another system and, where appropriate, with another cable/enclosure.

If failures continue, replacement may be necessary.

34. Troubleshooting an Individual Corrupted Folder

Sometimes the drive works normally but one particular folder produces:

“The file or directory is corrupted and unreadable.”

First back up other accessible files from the drive.

Then run:

chkdsk E: /f

CHKDSK may repair directory-entry or file-system metadata inconsistencies affecting the folder.

Afterward, check whether the directory has become accessible.

35. If the Error Appears on the C: Drive

An error involving the Windows system drive deserves additional attention.

First create a backup of important data.

Then open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:

chkdsk C: /f

Windows will normally ask to schedule the check for the next restart.

Enter:

Y

Restart the computer.

After Windows starts, also consider:

sfc /scannow

and, if Windows system corruption is suspected:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Repeated file-system corruption on C: can indicate storage, memory, power, or system stability problems and should not simply be ignored.

36. If CHKDSK Repairs the Drive, Is Everything Safe?

Not necessarily.

A successful repair means the file system is usable again, but you should still:

1. Immediately back up important files.
2. Check the drive's health.
3. Review whether corruption returns.
4. Replace the drive if hardware errors are detected.

Repeated corruption is a warning sign.

37. Recommended Troubleshooting Flow

Use the following practical sequence.

Scenario A – Data Is Important

1. Stop writing to the drive.
2. Check the cable and connection.
3. Test another USB port.
4. Test another computer.
5. Check Disk Management.
6. Determine whether the volume is NTFS/exFAT/FAT32 or RAW.
7. Check drive health.
8. Copy immediately accessible important files.
9. Use recovery methods if necessary.
10. Run repair tools only after considering the recovery risk.
11. Replace the storage device if hardware failure is suspected.

Scenario B – Data Is Not Important

1. Test cable/USB port.
2. Check Disk Management.
3. Run Error Checking.
4. Run CHKDSK.
5. Reformat if required.
6. Test the device.
7. Replace it if errors return.

38. Commands Summary

Assuming the affected drive is E::

Basic file-system repair

chkdsk E: /f

Deeper scan including bad-sector checking

chkdsk E: /f /r

Dismount and repair

chkdsk E: /x /f

Check dirty status

fsutil dirty query E:

View disks and volumes

diskpart

then:

list disk

list volume

then:

exit

Check Windows protected system files

sfc /scannow

Repair Windows component store

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Always verify the drive letter before executing commands.

39. What Not to Do

When valuable data is involved, avoid these common mistakes:

• Do not immediately format the drive.
• Do not initialize an unknown disk without understanding the consequences.
• Do not delete the partition.
• Do not run random DiskPart commands.
• Do not repeatedly run CHKDSK on a physically failing HDD.
• Do not save recovered files to the damaged source disk.
• Do not keep using a drive that repeatedly corrupts data.
• Do not assume a successful format proves the hardware is healthy.

40. How to Prevent This Error

Always Eject External Storage Properly

Before disconnecting removable storage, make sure file operations have completed and use Windows' safe-removal/eject option when appropriate.

Use a UPS for Important Desktop Systems

Unexpected power loss during disk writes can cause corruption.

A UPS can reduce the risk of sudden shutdowns.

Maintain Backups

Important files should never exist on only one physical storage device.

A practical backup strategy may include:

• Primary working copy
• Local backup
• Offsite or cloud backup

For critical data, follow the 3-2-1 backup principle:

• 3 copies of data
• 2 different types of storage
• 1 copy stored offsite

Monitor Storage Health

Do not wait until a drive becomes unreadable.

Watch for:

• SMART warnings
• Bad-sector reports
• I/O errors
• Unexpected disconnections
• Unusual HDD noises
• Significant performance degradation

Replace unreliable storage proactively.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. What does “The file or directory is corrupted and unreadable” mean?

It means Windows cannot correctly read the file, directory, or file-system information required to access the requested data. Causes can include logical file-system corruption, connection problems, bad sectors, or storage-device failure.

Q2. Does this error mean my files are permanently lost?

No.

Many cases involve damaged file-system metadata rather than complete destruction of the underlying data. Recovery may still be possible.

Q3. What is the first command I should try?

For a normally detected volume with logical file-system errors, the common repair command is:

chkdsk E: /f

Replace E: with the affected drive letter.

However, if the disk contains critical data or shows signs of physical failure, consider recovery before attempting repairs.

Q4. Should I use CHKDSK /f or /r?

/f repairs file-system errors.

/r additionally scans for bad sectors and attempts to recover readable information.

A /r scan is much slower and puts additional read activity on the disk. It should not automatically be the first action on a potentially failing drive containing important data.

Q5. Can CHKDSK delete files?

CHKDSK is designed to repair file-system structures, but repairing severely corrupted metadata can result in damaged entries being modified, recovered as fragments, or becoming unavailable.

For critical data, create a backup or recovery image where possible before attempting repairs.

Q6. Why does my drive show RAW?

RAW generally means Windows cannot recognize a usable file system on that volume.

This can occur because of serious file-system corruption, damaged partition information, or other storage problems.

Q7. Can CHKDSK repair a RAW drive?

Normally, no.

Windows commonly reports:

“CHKDSK is not available for RAW drives.”

If important data is present, attempt recovery before formatting.

Q8. Windows asks me to format the drive. Should I?

Not if you need the files.

Cancel the format request and recover important data first.

If the data is already backed up or unnecessary, formatting can be considered after checking the drive's physical health.

Q9. Can changing the drive letter fix the problem?

It can help with drive-letter conflicts or mounting/path problems, but it cannot repair genuine file-system corruption.

Q10. Can SFC fix an external hard-drive corruption error?

Usually not.

sfc /scannow repairs protected Windows system files. CHKDSK or recovery tools are more relevant to an external storage volume.

Q11. Can DISM repair a corrupted USB drive?

No.

DISM repairs the Windows component store. It does not repair the USB drive's NTFS, FAT32, or exFAT file system.

Q12. Why did my USB drive become corrupted after I unplugged it?

The drive may have been disconnected while Windows or an application was still writing data. Interrupting an active write can leave file-system structures inconsistent.

Q13. Can a faulty USB cable cause this error?

Yes.

An unstable cable, port, adapter, or enclosure can cause read/write communication errors that may appear similar to storage corruption.

Q14. Why does my external HDD freeze File Explorer?

Windows may be repeatedly waiting for the disk to respond to unreadable areas or I/O requests.

If the HDD is also extremely slow, disconnecting, or making abnormal noises, physical failure should be suspected.

Q15. My HDD is clicking. Should I run CHKDSK?

For important data, generally avoid lengthy repair scans on a clicking or mechanically failing disk.

Stop unnecessary use and consider professional data recovery.

Q16. Will formatting permanently fix the problem?

Formatting can fix logical file-system corruption, but it cannot fix failing hardware.

If corruption returns after formatting, replace the device.

Q17. Can I recover files after formatting?

Sometimes, depending on the type of format, subsequent writes, storage technology, and condition of the device.

Recovery is never guaranteed, so important data should be recovered before formatting whenever possible.

Q18. Should recovered files be saved to the same drive?

No.

Recover files to another physical drive whenever possible to avoid overwriting potentially recoverable data.

Q19. Is this error always caused by a virus?

No.

File-system corruption, improper removal, power failures, hardware problems, bad sectors, and unstable USB connections are common causes.

Q20. Can SSDs also get this error?

Yes.

SSDs can suffer logical file-system corruption and can also experience controller, NAND, firmware, or other hardware failures.

Q21. What should I do if CHKDSK successfully fixes the problem?

Immediately back up important data and check the health of the storage device.

If corruption happens again, investigate the hardware rather than repeatedly repairing the file system.

Q22. What if only one folder is corrupted?

Back up all accessible data first and then consider running:

chkdsk X: /f

on the volume containing that folder.

A damaged directory entry or other file-system metadata may be responsible.

Q23. Can power failure cause NTFS corruption?

Yes.

A sudden shutdown during storage operations can contribute to file-system inconsistencies, although modern file systems such as NTFS include mechanisms designed to improve resilience.

Q24. Should I continue using a drive after bad sectors are detected?

A drive showing developing physical media errors should not be trusted with the only copy of important data.

Back up the data and consider replacing the drive.

Q25. What is the safest overall approach?

For important data:

Stop writing → check connection → assess disk health → recover/back up data → repair if appropriate → format only after recovery → replace failing hardware.

This approach reduces the risk of turning a recoverable storage problem into permanent data loss.

Conclusion

“The file or directory is corrupted and unreadable” is a Windows storage error that should be handled according to the importance of the data and the physical condition of the storage device.

For minor logical corruption, Windows Error Checking or:

chkdsk X: /f

may restore normal access.

However, if the drive appears as RAW, repeatedly disconnects, becomes extremely slow, reports hardware errors, or makes unusual mechanical noises, avoid treating it as a simple file-system problem.

When valuable data is involved, the priority should be:

Protect the source → recover the data → diagnose the hardware → repair or replace the device.

And remember: formatting should generally be a last step after data recovery, not the first response to an unreadable drive.

 

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