How to Effectively Restore Corrupted Files from a USB Drive- A Step-by-Step Guide

How to recover files from corrupted USB drive

In today’s digital age, USB drives have become an essential tool for storing and transferring data. However, these portable devices are not immune to corruption, which can result in the loss of valuable files. If you find yourself in a situation where your USB drive has become corrupted and you need to recover the files, don’t worry. This article will guide you through the process of how to recover files from a corrupted USB drive.

Diagnose the issue

The first step in recovering files from a corrupted USB drive is to determine the extent of the damage. Connect the USB drive to a computer and check if it is recognized. If the drive is not recognized, try connecting it to another computer to see if the issue persists. If the drive is recognized, but you cannot access the files, it may be due to a corrupted file system.

Use the built-in Windows tool

If your USB drive is recognized by the computer but you cannot access the files, you can try using the built-in Windows tool called “Recover Health.” To do this, follow these steps:

1. Connect the corrupted USB drive to your computer.
2. Open “File Explorer” and right-click on the USB drive.
3. Select “Properties” from the context menu.
4. Go to the “Tools” tab.
5. Click on “Check” under the “Error checking” section.
6. If prompted, click “Scan drive” to start the process.
7. Once the scan is complete, follow the on-screen instructions to repair any errors.

Use third-party data recovery software

If the built-in Windows tool does not work, you can try using third-party data recovery software. There are many reliable and effective data recovery tools available, such as Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, and Disk Drill. Here’s how to use Recuva as an example:

1. Download and install Recuva from the official website.
2. Connect the corrupted USB drive to your computer.
3. Open Recuva and select the file types you want to recover.
4. Click on “Start” to begin the scanning process.
5. Once the scan is complete, browse through the recovered files and select the ones you want to restore.
6. Click on “Recover” and choose a safe location to save the recovered files.

Prevent future corruption

To avoid future corruption of your USB drive, follow these tips:

1. Regularly back up your important files to another storage device or cloud service.
2. Use a USB drive with a good reputation and quality.
3. Avoid using your USB drive on multiple computers.
4. Keep your USB drive clean and free from dust.
5. Use a surge protector to protect your USB drive from power surges.

In conclusion, recovering files from a corrupted USB drive is possible with the right tools and techniques. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can restore your lost data and prevent future corruption.