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Fix: “The Disk Structure is Corrupted and Unreadable” Error
Encompassing solutions to restore normalcy on your drive
4 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
Thedisk structure is corrupted and unreadableerror occurs when a hard disk has a corrupted partition. Windows can’t access the corrupted partition and open its files when that happens.
While the error is more common inexternal disk drives, it can also occur with internal HDDs. Irrespective of the affected disk, the solutions in this guide should help you fix the issue easily.
How do I fix the Disk structure is corrupted and unreadable HDD error in Windows
1. Unplug and re-plug the external HDD or USB drive
If you’re getting this error with removable storage, such as a USB drive, unplug the storage device. Then, close all software on your taskbar and plug the external storage back in.
Or, rebootWindowsbefore you plug the external HDD back in. Then, try opening the same files you did before when you got theDiskstructure iscorruptedand unreadable error.
2. Run a Check Disk (CHKDSK) Scan
Windows has a Check Disk utility that scans hard disks and fixes any errors it might find. It checks the disk’s file system integrity, such as in the Master File Table.
This is undoubtedly the best Windows tool to fix the disk structure is corrupted and unreadable error.
3. Reinstall external hard drives
Sometimes, the disk structure is corrupted, and unreadable error can be caused by faulty drivers. The solution to this is to uninstall and reinstall the corrupt driver.
4. Fix the HDD with M3 RAW
There are numerous third-party programs you can use to fix the disk structure is corrupted and unreadable errors. M3 RAW checks and repairs file systems.
While it isn’t freeware, you can add the trial version to Windows from thiswebsiteand fix a disk drive.
5. Fix the HDD With MiniTool Partition Wizard
MiniTool Partition Wizard is a highly rated freewaredisk partition managerthat boasts a 20 million-strong user base and supports most storage devices.
This can also fix disk structure errors for drive partitions. GetMiniTool Partition Wizardand fix your disk drive by following the steps above.
6. Format the external disk drive
This fixes external drives that don’t include Windows, such asflash USB sticks. Formatting a drive erases all its contents and establishes a new file system to replace the corrupted one.
This is a good fix for the disk structure is corrupted and unreadable error if the files on the storage drive aren’t essential. But if you need to keep some of the drive’s content, save the files with a data recovery utility program such asEaseUS Data Recovery Wizard.
Those are some of the best ways to fix corrupteddiskstructures withWindowstools and third-party software.
If you need morethird-party disk management utilitiesthat can also fix drive errors, check our detailed guide on the topic.
Feel free to let us know the solution that helped you fix this error in the comments below.
Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it.
He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes.
In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.
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Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
He is passionate about everything surrounding Microsoft’s OS, focusing on troubleshooting guides & tips for everyday problems.
