What to Do When You Encounter “Can’t Read From the Source File or Disk” Errors in Windows

Introduction:

Hey there! Are you facing some pesky “Can’t Read From the Source File or Disk” errors in Windows? Don’t worry, I’ve got your back! In this guide, I’ll walk you through what these errors mean and, more importantly, how you can fix them. So, let’s dive in!

The Problem:

Picture this: you’re working on your computer, trying to access a file or a disk, only to be greeted by an annoying error message saying, “Can’t Read From the Source File or Disk”. Ugh, it’s frustrating, right? But fear not, my friend! This error message simply means that Windows is having trouble reading or accessing the file or disk you’re trying to open. It could be due to various reasons, like a corrupt file, a problem with the storage drive, or even a software glitch.

Solutions:

Now that we know what the problem is, let’s explore some solutions to get you out of this predicament:

1. Check your file name and path: Double-check if the file name and the path you’re using to access it are correct. Sometimes, a simple mistake like a misspelled file name or a wrong path can cause the error. So, take a moment to verify that everything is accurate and give it another shot.

2. Copy the file to a different location: If the error persists, try copying the file to a different location on your computer. Sometimes, the problem lies with the destination folder, and copying the file to a new location can fix it. So, give it a shot and see if it works!

3. Scan for malware: Malicious software can wreak havoc on your computer and cause various issues, including “Can’t Read From the Source File or Disk” errors. Run a comprehensive malware scan using reliable antivirus software to ensure your system is clean. If any malware is detected, remove it promptly.

4. Check your storage drive: A faulty or corrupt storage drive can also trigger this error. You can try connecting the drive to a different computer or use a diagnostic tool to check its health. If the drive is damaged, you may need to repair or replace it.

5. Use the Command Prompt: The Command Prompt can be a powerful tool in fixing various Windows errors. Open the Command Prompt and try using the “chkdsk” command to scan and fix any potential issues with your storage drive. Just follow the on-screen instructions, and hopefully, it’ll resolve the error.

6. Restart your computer: It may sound cliché, but sometimes a simple restart can do wonders. Give your computer a fresh start and try accessing the file again. You’ll be surprised how often this solves the problem!

In Conclusion:

Voila! You now have some handy solutions to tackle those bothersome “Can’t Read From the Source File or Disk” errors in Windows. Remember, these errors may be frustrating, but they’re not invincible. By following these steps and taking the necessary precautions, you’ll be well-equipped to overcome any file or disk access issues. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get your Windows running smoothly again! Good luck!

If you’ve read my article titled ‘How To Fix ‘Can’t Read From The Source File Or Disk’ Errors’, you already know that these errors can occur due to a mismatch of file systems or disk errors. Surprisingly, based on the number of TechJunkie readers who reached out to us about the latter, disk errors are more common than I initially thought. This realization inspired me to write this post.

Instead of rehashing the information from my previous tutorial, I want to focus on repairing disk errors and successfully copying the file. To accomplish this, I’ll be using a built-in Windows tool called CHKDSK. This tool has been available in multiple Windows versions and is actually quite effective at identifying and fixing problems with your hard drive.

If you’re experiencing ‘can’t read from the source file or disk’ errors and the file systems are matching between the drives, it’s possible that errors are the root cause of the issue. This is where the Windows Check Disk Utility comes in handy.

Welcome to the Windows Check Disk Utility!

Hey there! I’m here to tell you all about CHKDSK, the super useful Windows Check Disk Utility. It’s an awesome tool that helps check for errors on your hard drives. The best part? It works on both traditional hard drives (HDD) and the newer solid-state drives (SSD). Just remember to be careful when using it on SSDs, okay?

Now, in a perfect world, we’d all run CHKDSK once every month or so as part of our regular maintenance routine. You know, like cleaning the dust off our fans, getting rid of dirt inside our PCs, running a registry cleaner, and defragmenting our hard drives (but remember, only for HDDs, not SSDs). I’m sure you do all that already, right?

This amazing tool checks everything, from your hard drive to its sectors, partitions, and data. Since Windows has a specific way of writing data to a hard drive, CHKDSK can quickly figure out if something is wrong or starting to go wrong. It’s like having a superpower! It can even fix things on its own or ask you to lend a hand.

Ready to Run CHKDSK?

Running a basic disk check is super easy! You can do it right from Windows Explorer. Here’s how:

1. Just select the drive you want to check, like this:
   
2. Right-click the drive and choose “Properties” and then click on the “Tools” tab, like this:
   
3. Now, find the “Error checking” section and click on “Check”, like this:
   
4. A little window will appear. Click on “Scan drive” and let the process finish up, like this:
   

If Windows is already set to check disks regularly, you might see a message saying “You don’t need to scan this drive.” Well, that’s some good news! Otherwise, just let the process complete and fix any errors it finds.

But wait, there’s more! You can also run CHKDSK from an elevated command prompt. Fancy, huh? Here’s how:

1. Right-click on the Windows taskbar and select “Task Manager”, like this:
   
2. Click on “File” and then on “Run new task”, like this:
   
3. Now, check the box next to “Create this task with administrative privileges” and type “cmd” in the window. After that, hit “OK”, like this:
   

A cool black command line window will pop up. The “elevated” part means it’s using administrative privileges. Usually, the command prompt has regular user privileges to protect Windows, but with admin privileges, you’ve got more power (and more potential for damage), so be careful!

If you want to run CHKDSK, just type ‘chkdsk C:’ and press Enter. Make sure to replace C: with the drive you’re using to copy files. If you’re copying from your C: drive, it might ask you to schedule the check for the next restart. Don’t worry, that’s perfectly normal.

When it comes to checking your disk for errors, this simple test can help you identify any bad sectors or issues. If you’re new to running CHKDSK, it’s best to stick with the basic version so you can understand everything that’s happening. Once you’ve become familiar with it, you can start using additional options to automate certain aspects of the tool.

Let me share with you the most common options:

• The “/F” option automatically fixes any errors found on the disk.
• The “/V” option displays any disk cleanup messages, if there are any.
• The “/R” option locates bad sectors and recovers any usable data from them.
• The “/X” option forces the volume to dismount if necessary (usually used in RAID or NAS systems).
• The “/I” option performs a minimum check of index entries.
• The “/C” option skips checking cycles within the folder structure.
• The “/L:size” option sets the size of the log file.
• The “/B” option re-evaluates bad clusters on the volume.

To use any of these options, simply add the corresponding letter after the command. For example, typing “chkdsk /f /v” will perform a check, automatically fix errors, and display any cleanup messages. Feel free to use one, some, or all of these options as per your needs. However, keep in mind that using conflicting options simultaneously may cause issues.

If you encounter “can’t read from the source file or disk” errors and the file systems match, it’s likely due to disk errors. Instead of purchasing third-party disk maintenance tools, it’s better to utilize the built-in disk maintenance tool in Windows, now that you know how to use it.