Easily Fixed: Windows Has Detected File System Corruption on Disk C
The Error: Windows Has Detected File System Corruption
"I tried to perform a system restore on my Acer with Windows 7 installed. However, I got an error message during restoring: Windows has detected file system corruption on local disk (C:), you must check for errors before restoring. And there is a link beneath which says Check the disk for errors. I clicked it and was asked to schedule disk check. Rebooted my computer and it did nothing. Help please."
Some user reports that system restore failed due to file system corruption on Windows 7, Windows 10 and Windows Vista. Similar error messages are: "The local disk (C:) has errors" and "The disk OS (C:) has errors. Windows has detected file system corruption on OS (C:). You must check the disk for errors before it can be restored".
Facing such errors, what should you do? In the first place, you may want to know what caused those troubles and what the quickest solutions for the error are.
Causes for File System Corruption Error
There are some possible reasons that account for the file system corruption error. But these two factors may be the main force. One factor is the file system of the system drive/partition is corrupted or damaged, which prevents the drive from reading and writing normally. The other is damaged Windows system files.
Surely, bad sectors on the disk are likely to result in the same problem. You need to choose fixes according to different situations. Let's get to know these solutions one by one.
Fixes for File System Corruption on Local Disk C in Windows 7/10
Following are several ways that will solve aforementioned error caused by different reasons. See if they are helpful.
Tips: If you cannot log into Windows and lift up Command Prompt normally, get into the Advanced Boot Options page by keep tapping F8 after power up. Then, go Repair Your Computer> Command Prompt.
Check Windows System Files
System File Checker tool will scan and repair missing or corrupted system files in Windows. Following are steps of checking system files in Windows 7/10.
1. Type command prompt in the Search box, find Command Prompt from the list, right click it and choose Run as administrator.
2. Type sfc /scannow and hit Enter. Wait for the process to be completed. If you get this message: Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations, back after the checking. It means there is nothing wrong with your system files.
Check Bad Sectors
As covered, bad sectors will cause file system corruption error as well, so it is important to perform a disk check. CHKDSK scans your hard drive for errors and bad sectors. The chkdsk /f will automatically fix problems that have found on your system.
- Press Windows key and R key to open Run.
- Type cmd and click OK. Run as administrator, otherwise, you'll get access denied error.
- Type chkdsk c: /f and hit Enter.
Usually, you'll receive the message which says: Chkdsk cannot run because the volume is in use by another process. Would you like to schedule this volume to be checked the next time the system restarts? (Y/N). Input Y and hit Enter, and your computer will restart to complete scanning.
If you perform disk check as instructed successfully, you may get this prompting: Windows has found errors on this drive that need to be repaired, close this dialogue box and repair drive. Then, let it repair.
Tips:
- To check errors for specified partition or to know more ways on disk checking, please refer to check hard drive for errors in Windows 10.
- During the disk checking, you may come across CHKDSK stuck in Windows 10 or Windows 7 issue, or CHKDSK write protected, or the like. Follow the provided link to get solutions.
Run Disk Defragment in CMD
On hard disk drive (HDD), you can run disk defragment from Command Prompt to see if that's the problem. To fix Windows has detected file system corruption in Windows 7, open Command Prompt and type defrag.exe c: -a and press Enter. You can replace drive letter C with any other letter if you need to.
It is not suggested to run disk defragment on SSD due to its different internal composition. For more information about why you cannot defragment SSD and something you need pay attention to, please visit SSD defragment.
Tips: If you encounter Disk defragment not responding, it could be the affecting of corrupted files, folders, or bad sectors on the hard disk. Run CHKDSK /f to scan and fix errors, and try again.
Format with New File System
When get into the trouble "Windows has detected file system corruption on system restore", you can reformat system partition completely with a brand new file system, even a different one in some cases.
Qiling Disk Master Professional is the best partition manager that will assist you format system drive thoroughly. It provides feature of creating bootable Win PE device, so that you can do formatting without booting your Windows. Free download its Demo version to have a try. Windows 10/8/7/XP/Vista supported.
Important: this operation will make your computer unbootable since the system is reformatted. Back up important files before formatting.
Tips: to make bootable media, you may want to prepare an USB drive or a CD/DVD disc.
1. Connect the USB stick to your computer and make sure it is detected. Install and run Qiling Disk Master.
2. Click on Tools> Make Bootable Media and follow the wizard to complete creating. You may need to download and install Windows AIK if there is no AIK detected on your system.
3. Remove the USB drive on completion. Shut down your computer, insert the bootable USB and boot from that device. You'll find Qiling Disk Master after logging in. Start it.
4. Right click C drive and select Format Partition. Choose file system at the next window.
5. Click Proceed to execute the operation.
Tips: to format other partition that has no Windows installed, there is no need to create bootable device.
Summary
When you get "Windows has detected file system corruption" error on system restore, do not worry too much. Check and scan to see if it is the problem of Windows system files, bad sectors or partition file system. Just find the cure accordingly.
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