How to restore Windows operating system?

Why do files and folders get corrupted?

We talk about corrupted files or folders when there are problems writing, reading, or during that process and various system applications cannot read them. There are several ways in which files can become corrupted. This is because it is not an isolated event as it can occur at unexpected times. It is also possible that a USB drive connected to your computer may not be properly removed without first ejecting it from the system. This may seem silly, but it can be the main reason why some files become corrupted or the entire device stops working.

Transferring files from one location to another can corrupt files, causing the process to be interrupted unexpectedly, for example, by a power outage. This can result in loss of file information and inability to run the file. It could also be due to a virus or malware problem, or that the storage system containing the file has become corrupted. It is also unable to download, saying that it is a hardware problem and that the file is damaged by a damaged RAM module or a faulty SATA cable.

How to repair a corrupted file or folder?

If you find that your files or folders are damaged, you can use some solutions that can be found in Windows 10 and Windows 11 tools. This is because both versions use the same tools.

Check your system for errors

First, check your system for errors that may cause files and folders to become corrupted. To do this, open File Explorer (Windows + E). Then select the drive that may be corrupted and click on it with the right mouse button. A context menu will appear with the “Properties” option selected.

Within the “Tools” tab, we click on the “Check” checkbox within the “Error Checking” section. In this way Windows 10 will check for file system errors within the drive.

Run Windows

The file or folder may have been corrupted by a virus or malware. To fix this, try using antivirus software such as Windows Defender or other antivirus software you have installed on your computer. To do this, type “Windows Security” in the search engine in the Start menu. Once it runs, you can select Antivirus and Threat Protection and run a “quick test” to see if there is a virus problem in the file that is preventing it from running.

How to recover the operating system?

Backup copy

It is necessary that you always make a backup in order to help you not to lose all your information, in case you do not have a backup you may lose all your data and information. If you are used to making backups, the safe way to do it is to access your backups in the cloud or on an external hard drive (if the latter is not damaged).

Use the memory diagnostic tool

Another option available for Microsoft operating systems is the Windows memory diagnostic tool. This ensures that file or folder corruption problems are not due to errors in your device’s RAM. To run it, type “Windows Memory Diagnostics” in the search box next to the Start menu.

Next, a window will appear asking if there are any problems with your computer’s memory. Select the first option “Restart now and check for problems (recommended)” to save your work and close any running programs first.

Re-copy the file

If you have access to a corrupted file, the simplest solution is to copy it again, unless you can open the original file and have had an accident, i.e. the same problem as the file. Otherwise, you must first use all of Microsoft’s native tools to repair the bad sectors where the corrupted files are located so that you can regain access to them and their contents.