Understanding & Fixing "The Disk Structure Is Corrupted and Unreadable" Error

Encountering the error message "Location is not available. Drive:\ is not accessible. The disk structure is corrupted and unreadable" can be alarming. This common yet frustrating issue signifies that your computer cannot properly communicate with the storage device, whether it's an external hard drive, USB flash drive, SD card, or even an internal hard disk. When this error occurs, you'll find yourself unable to access the drive or any of the precious files stored on it, effectively locking you out of your data.

What Causes "The Disk Structure Is Corrupted and Unreadable" Error?

Several factors can lead to your hard drive, USB, or SD card suddenly becoming inaccessible with the disk structure being corrupted and unreadable error. Understanding these potential causes can help in both troubleshooting and preventing future occurrences:

Improper Device Ejection: Abruptly unplugging a storage device without using the "Safely Remove Hardware" option can corrupt its file system.

Connection Problems: A faulty USB port, a damaged cable, or a loose connection can interrupt data transfer and lead to this error.

Power Supply Issues: Unstable or insufficient power, especially for external drives, can cause read/write failures and disk structure corruption.

File System Corruption: If the file system (like NTFS, FAT32, exFAT) on the drive becomes corrupted or turns into RAW, Windows won't be able to read it, triggering the error.

Hardware Malfunctions: Physical damage to the storage device itself, such as bad sectors or a failing controller, can result in unreadability.

Virus or Malware Infection: Malicious software can damage the file system or partition table, making the disk structure corrupted and unreadable.

While the causes vary, the good news is that several effective solutions are available to address the disk structure corrupted and unreadable error.

Effective Solutions to Fix "The Disk Structure Is Corrupted and Unreadable"

If you're facing this error and can't figure out why your storage device has become unreadable, don't panic. Follow these methods step-by-step to diagnose and resolve the issue, aiming to make your drive accessible again.

Important Note: Some of these repair methods, particularly formatting, can lead to data loss. If your data is critical, consider using data recovery software (discussed in Method 5) before attempting destructive fixes like formatting.

Method 1: Check the Connection – Unplug and Re-plug the Device [Easiest First Step]

This initial method is designed to fix the disk structure that is corrupted and unreadable error if it's caused by minor connection glitches, improper ejection, or temporary power supply issues.

Carefully unplug the problematic USB drive, SD card, or external hard drive from your computer. Wait a few moments, then securely re-plug the device into your PC. Check if it's now accessible. If the issue persists, try connecting the device to a different USB port on your computer or use a new data cable if applicable.

As a final connection check, try connecting the device to a different computer to see if it's recognized there.

If these simple reconnection steps resolve the problem and your device appears accessible, you can stop here and use your data. However, if the error "the disk structure is corrupted and unreadable" continues, it likely points to more significant file system errors or, in rarer cases, hardware corruption, requiring further action.

Method 2: Utilize CHKDSK to Repair Disk Errors and Corrupted File Systems

This method applies to fixing the disk structure is corrupted and unreadable when it's due to an invalid file system, RAW errors, or bad sectors on the storage device. The CHKDSK (Check Disk) utility is a powerful Windows tool that can scan for and repair logical file system errors.

Warning: While CHKDSK can fix disk structure issues, it may also lead to data loss if the corruption is severe. It's highly recommended to attempt data recovery (see Method 5) before running CHKDSK if your files are not backed up.

Option A: Run CHKDSK via Command Prompt

Step 1. Click the "Start" button, type cmd in the search box.

Step 2. Right-click on "Command Prompt" from the results and select "Run as administrator".

In the Command Prompt window, type CHKDSK G: /f /r /x and press Enter. (Important: Replace "G:" with the actual drive letter of your corrupted or unreadable device).

• /f tells CHKDSK to fix any errors it finds.
• /r locates bad sectors and recovers readable information.
• /x forces the volume to dismount first, if necessary.

Option B: Use the Error Checking Tool (CHKDSK Alternative)

Step 1. Open "This PC" or "My Computer."

Step 2. Right-click on the problematic drive and select "Properties".

Step 3. Navigate to the "Tools" tab and click the "Check" button under the Error checking section.

Step 4. If prompted, click "Scan drive." The tool will then automatically scan for and attempt to fix any detected errors on the drive.

After CHKDSK completes, check if the disk structure is corrupted and unreadable error is resolved.

Method 3: Reinstall or Update Disk Drivers

This solution is effective if the disk structure is corrupted and unreadable because the device is not detected or is inaccessible due to outdated or corrupted disk drivers. When a disk driver is outdated or malfunctioning, Windows may fail to recognize the drive or display it in File Explorer.

Step 1. Connect the malfunctioning drive to your PC. Right-click on "This PC" (or "My Computer") and choose "Manage".

Step 2. Click on "Device Manager" in the left pane. Expand the "Disk drives" category.

Step 3. Locate your problematic drive (it might be listed with a yellow exclamation mark or as an "Unknown Device"). Right-click on it and select "Update driver".

Step 4. Choose "Search automatically for updated driver software" and let Windows attempt to find and install the latest driver.

Alternatively, if you suspect corruption, you can choose "Uninstall device." After uninstalling, disconnecting, and reconnecting the drive; Windows should attempt to reinstall the driver automatically.

Once the driver update or reinstallation is complete, restart your computer. Then, reconnect your drive and check if the "folder is not accessible" or "the disk structure is corrupted and unreadable" message has disappeared.

Method 4: Format the Drive [Most Effective for File System Issues]

Formatting is often the most effective way to fix the disk structure is corrupted and unreadable when the problem stems from a severely corrupted file system, RAW drive state, or an unsupported file system. Formatting erases all data on the drive and creates a new, clean file system, making the drive usable again.

Crucial Warning: Formatting will erase ALL data on the drive. Ensure you have backed up any critical files or have attempted data recovery (Method 5) before proceeding with formatting.

Step 1. Open "This PC" or "My Computer." Right-click on the drive exhibiting the disk structure is corrupted and unreadable error and select "Format".

Step 2. In the Format window, choose an appropriate file system (e.g., NTFS for internal/external hard drives, FAT32 or exFAT for USB drives/SD cards).

Step 3. You can leave the "Volume label" as is or give it a new name.

Step 4. Ensure "Quick Format" is checked for a faster process. Click "Start" to begin the formatting process.

If Windows' built-in format tool fails, or if you need to format to other file systems like ext2/3/4, specialized partition management software can offer more robust formatting options.

Method 5: Recover Data Before or After Fixing "The Disk Structure Is Corrupted and Unreadable" [Essential]

This method applies to recovering lost files after attempting fixes for the disk structure is corrupted and unreadable, or for extracting data from an inaccessible drive before resorting to destructive measures like formatting. As mentioned, procedures like running CHKDSK or formatting can lead to data loss.

Using professional hard drive data recovery software is crucial for retrieving data from drives that have become inaccessible or RAW. Such software can deeply scan the problematic drive to locate and restore recoverable files.

AOMEI Partition Assistant for Recovery is a robust recovery data tool. It's designed to meticulously scan storage devices to recover lost or deleted files, including unsaved documents like Excel spreadsheets, making it a valuable asset when you need to save your data.

Step 1. Download and install AOMEI Partition Assistant for Recovery, and then choose the exact partition or disk where your files are located.

Step 2. Scan your disk to find the deleted files. It offers two modes, "Quick Scan" and "Deep Scan", which are designed to find lost content comprehensively.

Step 3. Upon scanning completion, missing files will be displayed. Kindly choose the one you want to restore, and then click Recover. You are able to preview it before recovery.

Step 4. Specify a path for your recovered files.

Proactive Measures: How to Protect Your Devices from "The Disk Structure Is Corrupted and Unreadable" Error

Once you've successfully resolved the disk structure that is corrupted and unreadable error and hopefully recovered your valuable data, it's important to take steps to prevent this issue from happening again. Safeguarding your hard drives, USBs, and external storage devices involves a few good practices:

Proper Ejection Practices: Always use the "Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media" option in the system tray before physically unplugging any external storage device.

Timely Driver Updates: Keep your device drivers, especially for storage controllers and USB ports, updated to ensure compatibility and stability.

Compatible File Systems: Format your storage devices with a file system that is compatible with the operating systems you intend to use them with.

Regular Disk Health Checks: Periodically check the health of your hard drives using built-in tools like CHKDSK or WMIC, or manufacturer-provided utilities.

Tip: To check disk status using WMIC:
      1. Click "Start," type cmd.
      2. Right-click "Command Prompt," and choose "Run as administrator".
      3. Type wmic and press Enter.
Then, type diskdrive get status and press Enter. This will show the status of your drives (e.g., "OK," "Pred Fail"). If a drive shows a poor status, back up its data immediately and consider replacement or repair.

Stable Power Supply: Ensure external drives have a stable power source, especially those requiring an external power adapter.

Antivirus Protection: Maintain an updated antivirus program and perform regular scans to prevent malware infections that could corrupt your drives.

Avoid Physical Damage: Handle storage devices with care to prevent drops or impacts that could cause hardware failure.

Ending

By following these preventative tips and knowing how to address the disk structure corrupted and unreadable errors, you can better protect your data and ensure the longevity of your storage devices. And AOMEI Partition Assistant for Recovery can help you recover lost data files on your various storage devices.