Computer problems can appear once in a while, and while some problems are just annoying, others are more serious. Users reported File record segment is an unreadable error on Windows 10.
This error usually appears if your hard drive is failing, but there are a few solutions that you can try in order to save your files.
What to do if the file record segment is unreadable
Solution 1 – Clone your hard drive to a new drive
If you’re getting File record segment is an unreadable error, it means that your hard drive is failing. In order to salvage your files, it’s advised that you clone your current hard drive. To do that, you’ll need a new hard drive and hard drive cloning software.
Using specialized disk cloning software is the best option for this job, as it has more features, including cloning to a smaller-capacity disk by excluding files if there’s not enough space.
After cloning the problematic drive, use the new drive and check if your files are still available. Users reported that all their files and applications are available after cloning the drive, so be sure to try this solution.
We have to mention that some of your files might be permanently lost due to the damage to your hard drive. This isn’t a universal solution, but it should help you salvage your files from the problematic hard drive.
Solution 2 – Perform chkdsk scan from Safe Mode
Safe Mode is a special part of Windows that works only with default programs and drivers, therefore it’s perfect for troubleshooting. According to some users, you can fix the File record segment as an unreadable error simply by entering Safe Mode and performing a chkdsk scan.
To enter Safe Mode, you need to do the following:
- Start Windows normally.
- Once Windows starts, open the Start Menu.
- Click the Power button. Hold the Shift key on your keyboard and choose Restart from the menu.
- Your PC will now restart. Once the PC boots, choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings. Click the Restart button.
- After your PC restarts again, you’ll see a list of options. Select any version of Safe Mode by pressing the appropriate button.
If you can’t boot to Windows 10 at all, you can also enter Safe Mode by restarting your PC a few times during the boot process.
After the Safe Mode starts, you need to start Command Prompt in order to run chkdsk. This is rather simple, and you can do it by following these steps:
- Press Windows Key + X to open Win + X menu. Choose Command Prompt (Admin) from the menu.
- When Command Prompt starts, enter chkdsk C: /R and press Enter to run it. Since you’re currently using your C drive, you’ll be asked if you want to restart your PC in order to perform the scan. Press Y and restart your PC. Wait for the chkdsk to finish and don’t interrupt it.
After chkdsk finishes the scan, you should be able to access Windows 10 and back up your files. If the problem still persists, you can download GParted Live, create a bootable USB drive and boot your PC from it.
Now you need to use the tool to create an image of your drive for backup. After that, you can try fixing the drive by using Low Level Format tool such as Arconis True Image or HDD Low Level Format Tool.
Solution 3 – Connect the hard drive to a different PC
File record segment is unreadable error usually appears if the surface of hard drive is scratched. Unfortunately, there’s no way to fix physical damage on your hard drive. However, this doesn’t mean that your files are lost.
You can still salvage some of your files by connecting your hard drive to a working PC. You can do that by connecting the hard drive internally or by using a hard drive enclosure.
After connecting the drive, you should be able to access it and copy all your important files. After making a backup, you’ll need to get a new hard drive and install Windows 10 on it. Now you can move your files to a new hard drive and continue where you left off.
Some users are also suggesting to purchase a new hard drive and add it to your PC. Now you need to install Windows 10 on a new hard drive. After doing that, simply copy all important files from the failing drive to the new drive.
Solution 4 – Use a Data Recovery tool
If you have problems with File record segment is unreadable error, you might be able to salvage your files by using Data Recovery software.
These dedicated tools for data recovery are most useful to recover lost data due to damaged hard drive, software crash, formatted or virus infection and other unknown reasons.
After recovering the files using these tools, simply reformat your drive and you should be able to use it again. We have to mention that this is just a temporary solution. If the error is caused by physical damage on your hard drive, you’ll encounter this error again or your hard drive will fail completely.
To prevent that from happening, we strongly advise that you replace your failing hard drive with a new one.
File record segment is unreadable error usually occurs if your hard drive is damaged or failing. Since there’s no way to fix the physical damage on your hard drive, we strongly advise you to back up all important files and to replace the problematic drive.
— Update: 11-03-2023 — us.suanoncolosence.com found an additional article File Record Segment Is Unreadable – Fixed for Windows 10, 8, 7 from the website www.ubackup.com for the keyword file record segment unreadable.
Case: I got “file record segment is unreadable” when using chkdsk
As the case shows, some users receive “file record segment is unreadable” when using chkdsk to repair disk errors. In some instances, this prompt may also occur during startup or when your computer detects any hard drive issue and runs chkdsk automatically.
What causes this error and how to fix it in Windows 11/10/8/7? Keep reading to learn all the related information.
What is file record segment
File Record Segment (short for FRS) refers to file system that store information (eg: file name, date, type, and physical address) about files on internal and external hard drive, SSDs, laptop, Western Digital, etc.
NTFS stores these records in Master File Table (MFT) while other file systems (eg: FAT, FAT16, FAT32, exFAT) store record in File Allocation Table (FAT). That is to say, the total number of file record segments depends on the number of files saved on the partition with a specific file system, which in turn determines how many file record segments are in the MFT or FAT.
What does the file record segment is unreadable mean
When you receive “file record segment is unreadable” in Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10, it means that your disk has bad sectors, and these occupied cluster storage blocks are defected and do not respond to any read/write operations.
Simply put, your hard drive may be corrupted physically or logically, and you are at risk of losing your data if there are several file record segments become unreadable due to bad sectors. What’s worse, your hard disk will become Raw or unrecognized by Windows.
How to fix file record segment is unreadable
After learning about “ file record segment is unreadable” on SSDs, western digital, Seagate, laptop, internal hard drive, you will get how to fix this error in the following. Here are two available methods.
- Method 1:Connect your hard drive to a different computer
- Method 2. Clone hard drive with bad sectors to a new one
- Method 3. Shield bad sectors with CHKDSK
Method 1: Connect your hard drive to a different computer
If your hard drive is slightly damaged by scratches, you can choose to connect it as a secondary disk on a working computer, find it on This PC and then copy files outside this drive to ensure data safety.
After that, you can reformat this drive and try to install Windows on it. If not, you need to replace it with a new one.
Method 2. Clone hard drive with bad sectors to a new one
If there are any bad sectors on the disk, the disk will be corrupted sooner or later. It is advised to clone it to a new one with a reliable disk cloning software – AOMEI Backupper Professional when encountering “File record segment is unreadable” error, thus you can keep everything intact on this disk.
By default, this software will clone only used sectors on a hard drive with its “Intelligent Clone” method and it will skip bad sectors as well. Thus, you can easily clone hard drive with bad sectors and boot from the cloned disk successfully.
1. Connect a new disk to your computer and ensure it can be recognized. Then, download AOMEI Backupper Professional and open the software.
2. Click Clone and select Disk Clone.
3. Select the disk with “file record segment is unreadable” error and click Next.
4. Select the new disk as destination and click Next.
5. Confirm the settings of the source and destination disk, and then click Start Clone.
Tips:
• If the destination disk is an SSD, it is recommended to check the box before “SSD Alignment“.
• If you clone a small disk to a larger disk, you can click the button “Edit Partition” to use full capacity.
• The Professional Edition supports cloning system disk from MBR to MBR, GPT system disk to MBR, migrate MBR system disk to GPT, or move GPT system disk to GPT.
• To clone only system drive to SSD, you can use “System Clone” feature.
• AOMEI Backupper is still a backup and restore software for Windows. You can use AOMEI Backupper to schedule backup files for data protection.
Method 3. Shield bad sectors with CHKDSK
If your disk has bad sectors, you cannot repair it. However, you still can use chkdsk to retrieve information from bad sectors.
1. Go to Windows Explorer, right click on the drive with file record segment unreadable error message, and choose Properties.
2. Navigate to Tools tab and click Check from Error checking section.
3. Then choose Automatically fix system errors and Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors in Windows 7. If you are running Windows 8 and 10, these two options won’t show up and you need to click Scan drive to continue with the instructions.
Besides the graphical interface, you can also use chkdsk command line in safe mode:
Go to Safe mode by “F8” key in Windows 7 or combination key “ Shift and Restart” in Windows 10, then select Safe Mode with Command Prompt, then type chkdsk g: /r (g is the drive letter of the partition having unreadable File record segment issue) and hit Enter.
Conclusion
Always keeping a copy of important files and folders is necessary. Because it can avoid data loss owing to computer failure, such as, “file record segment is unreadable”error.
When receiving this error, you can not only clone hard drive to a new one with AOMEI Backupper, but also create a disk image for entire drive or simply backup critical data. Because this software is a disk clone software as well as backup and restore software for Windows 7, 8, 10, 11, XP, etc.
If you create an AOMEI account, you are able to backup files to AOMEI Cloud. It offers you 1TB free storage for 15 days after you sign up for an AOMEI account. Don’t hesitate to try it out!
— Update: 13-03-2023 — us.suanoncolosence.com found an additional article File Record Segment Is Unreadable? Try These Ways Now! [Clone Disk] from the website www.partitionwizard.com for the keyword file record segment unreadable.
CHKDSK Is Verifying Files File Record Segment Is Unreadable
Computer problems can happen occasionally, and some problems are just annoying but some are quite serious. Recently we have received many feedbacks from Windows users like CHKDSK segment unreadable:
File record segment 24 is unreadable.
File record segment 25 is unreadable.
…”
Actually, this issue is very common in Windows 10/8/7/XP. It can happen on your SSD, Western Digital disk, etc. Perhaps you have ever encountered it or are still struggling to fix it. If you search the problem on some forums like Reddit and Tom’s Hardware, you will find many users discussing this topic.
See an actual case:
Some of you may think this issue is related to a virus problem. In fact, it is due to a disk problem. The disk check process will test the inside consistency of each file record segment. If the hard disk contains some bad areas, CHKDSK file record segment is unreadable error will occur.
What’s more, this error message certainly indicates hard disk is failing. How to fix file record segment is unreadable Windows XP/7/8/10? Here are a few things you should do right away.
File Record Segment Is Unreadable Fix Windows 10/8/7/XP
What if you are encountering file unreadable record segment? As a matter of fact, the file record segment unreadable error occurs because of the damaged disk. As is well known, there’s no way to fix the physical damage on your hard drive, so you can only back up all important files and replace the problematic drive. In a nutshell, we collect four possible ways for you. Please keep reading and try them based on your needs.
Way 1: Perform CHKDSK to Shield Bad Sectors
When the CHKDSK segment unreadable issue happens to your disk, you can take measure to shield those bad blocks to continue using this hard drive.
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1. Go to Windows Explorer, right click on the drive with unreadable FRS error message, and choose Properties.
2. Navigate to Tools tab and click Check from Error checking section.
3. Then choose Automatically fix system errors and Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors in Windows 7. If you are running Windows 8 and 10, these two options won’t show up and you need to click Scan drive to continue by following the wizards.
Use CHKDSK CMD in Safe Mode
As you know, the ways to enter the Safe Mode are different based on different operating systems.
In Windows 7:
1. Press F8 during startup to open the Advanced Boot Options menu.
2. Select Safe Mode with Command Prompt. Later, the Command Prompt window pops out.
In Windows 8/10:
1. Hold the Shift key while clicking the Restart button. (If the PC can’t boot, use a bootable disc to boot it and click Repair your computer to the next step.)
3. After your computer restarts, you will see a list of options. And you need to press the appropriate key to select any version of the Safe Mode.
4. Later right click on the Start button to choose Command Prompt (Admin).
Finally, type chkdsk g: /r (g is the drive letter of the partition having unreadable file record segment issue) in the CMD interface on Windows 7/8/10 and hit Enter. Please wait for the process to finish.
After finishing the scan and repair, the bad sectors have been shielded. Then, you can try the next way.
Way 2: Clone Your Hard Drive to a New One
There can be nothing worse than a failing hard drive since you may meet the risk of losing all crucial files in one go. If the hard disk is corrupted to a certain extent and you have shielded the bad areas, now it is your time to back up all disk data. This is quite important.
Here, it is advised that you should clone the target hard drive for a backup when encountering CHKDSK file record segment is unreadable in Windows 10/8/7/XP. As for disk cloning, it means creating an exact same copy of the source disk. After a clone, the data can be directly viewed.
Usually, a piece of hard drive cloning software would be needed to do this. Here, we highly recommend using MiniTool ShadowMaker.
As professional, reliable and safe disk cloning software, it is specialized in cloning a system disk as well as a data disk to another hard drive. Besides, it also supports migrating Windows to SSD without reinstalling the operating system.
Right now, download MiniTool ShadowMaker Trial Edition on your computer to start the disk cloning to protect the data security or get its Pro Edition for the cloning.
Free Download
A step-by-step guide is here:
Step 1: Open MiniTool ShadowMaker in Windows 10/8/7/XP to enter the main interface.
Step 2: Under the Tools page, choose Clone Disk utility to continue.
Step 3: In the pop-up window, you need to select the target disk with the issue – CHKDSK file record segment is unreadable, as well as decide which disk you use to store all the contents of the original hard disk.
Step 4: Now, this hard drive cloning software is performing the cloning operation. Please wait patiently.
After cloning the problematic disk, you can shut down your computer and replace the original disk having unreadable file record segment error with the new target disk. Then, check if files are available.
Actually, many users have reported all files are available, so be sure to try this way. Now, free download MiniTool ShadowMaker to clone your hard drive to a new one.
Free Download
“I received the file record segment is unreadable error. To protect data security, I did CHKDSK CMD scan and used MiniTool ShadowMaker to effectively clone disk.”Click to Tweet
Way 3: Try Data Recovery Software and Reformat Drive
When CHKDSK segment unreadable error message occurs, perhaps some files get lost. Then, you can choose to salvage your files by using a piece of data recovery software. Here, it is worth recommending using MiniTool Power Data Recovery.
And this software provides you with convenience in file recovery, enabling you to effectively retrieve lost files, pictures, videos, audios, documents and so on from a damaged drive, and no damage to the original data.
This software has Trial Edition that only allows you to scan and preview files but not recover data. And you can free download and install it in Windows 10/8/7/XP to check whether files can be scanned. If so, you can get a paid edition (Personal Deluxe) to recover them.
Step 1: Run MiniTool Power Data Recovery. To recover data from the drive with corrupt file record segment issue, This PC feature should be selected. Then, choose the target partition and click Scan to the next step.
Step 2: This software is scanning the selected partition. And you should wait until the process completes.
Step 3: Search for lost files in Path section or use Type, Find or Filter option to quickly find needed files. And then, check needed items and save them to a safe location.
After recovering all lost files due to CHKDSK file record segment unreadable on the hard drive, you can choose to reformat your drive.
Just go to Disk Management, right-click on the drive with the issue of file segment is unreadable to choose Format, configure file system, volume label, and allocation unit size. If your PC fails to boot due to the disk segment unreadable issue, Format Partition feature of MiniTool Partition Wizard Bootable Edition can be helpful.
Way 4: Connect the Hard Drive to a Different PC
In addition to cloning a disk and performing data recovery, there is another way to salvage your files in case of CHKDSK file record segment unreadable.
That is to connect the drive to a different PC by connecting the drive internally or by using a hard drive enclosure. If you are able to access it, copy all your important files as many as possible.
Importance:
Hard drive failure can be devastating and unreadable sections of data will only get worse, hence, recovering as much data as you can is the best way. And then, we strongly advise that you replace the damaged hard drive with a new one after a backup (especially disk cloning) or data recovery.
Conclusion
Do you use chkdsk /f command line to test your drive but receive “chkdsk is verifying files file record segment is unreadable” error message in Windows 10/8/7/XP? Actually, it is due to bad sectors.
However, you cannot fix physically damaged disk but shield these bad blocks and then back up crucial data with three ways: clone a hard drive, recover data or connect the problematic disk to another PC to copy files. Please choose a suitable one based on the actual situations.
If you have some questions when using MiniTool software or any suggestions of this error, don’t forget to tell us by leaving a comment below or sending an email to [email protected].
File Record Segment Is Unreadable FAQ
— Update: 19-03-2023 — us.suanoncolosence.com found an additional article What to do if File Record Segment is unreadable? from the website www.auslogics.com for the keyword file record segment unreadable.
Your hard drive is the main storage system of your computer. So, it is only natural to worry when something goes wrong with it. Of course, you can use the CHKDSK utility to identify and fix issues. It can even be more alarming if the scan shows you several unreadable segments.
If you see the ‘File record segment is unreadable’ error message, then you need to take action immediately. Keep in mind that this problem can lead to more serious issues like data loss. As such, we recommend that you read through this article. We are going to teach you how to fix the ‘File record segment is unreadable’ error.
Why Does the ‘File Record Segment is Unreadable’ Issue Appear in Windows 10?
Usually, the error message appears when a user tries to locate and repair disk errors. In some instances, it can also come up during system startup. When you see this error, it means that there is an issue with your hard drive. It may be corrupted logically or physically. You should also be alarmed because the error is an indication that your drive is failing and you are at risk of losing vital data.
Another likely reason why you’re getting the error message is because of multiple bad sectors on your hard disk. Before anything worse happens, we encourage you to back up your files. Depending on the number of bad sectors on your drive, the issue can be simple to fix or irreversible. In most cases, minor problems can be fixed by executing a command line on Command Prompt.
Can’t Boot Windows Normally? Start Your System in Safe Mode.
In some cases, this error message can prevent users from starting Windows 10 normally. If this happens to you, we suggest that you boot your system in Safe Mode. To do that, follow the steps below:
- Click the Windows icon on your taskbar.
- Once the menu comes up, click the Power button.
- Press and hold the Shift key, then click Restart.
- Follow this path:
- Once you get to the Startup Settings page, click the Restart button in the lower-right corner of the screen.
- You will see several boot options. Press F4 to select the ‘Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt’ option.
- Press Enter on your keyboard to proceed.
Solution 1: Using the CHKDSK Utility
One of the great things about Windows 10 is it has a built-in tool for checking the disks’ integrity. The CHKDSK utility will assess and resolve common disk errors. You can launch the tool through a graphical interface or via Command Prompt. To run a CHKDSK scan through Command Prompt, follow the steps below:
- Click the Search icon on your taskbar.
- Inside the Search bar, type “Command Prompt” (no quotes).
- Right-click Command Prompt from the results, then select Run as Administrator from the context menu.
- Once Command Prompt is up, type “chkdsk C: /r” (no quotes), then hit Enter.
- Note: Don’t forget to replace “C” with the drive letter of your PC hard drive.
- If prompted to restart your computer, type “Y” (no quotes) and press Enter. Doing so will initiate the CHKDSK scan.
Let the CHKDSK utility identify unreadable segments and fix them accordingly. Once the process is complete, restart your computer normally, then check if the error message is gone.
Solution 2: Connecting Your Hard Drive to a Different PC
Your hard drive may have physical damage like scratches, which causes the problem. So, we suggest that you save your files by connecting your hard disk to a different computer. Now, if you do not know how to do this, we recommend that you seek the help of an expert technician. They should also know how to remove the ‘File record segment is unreadable’ error message in Windows 10.
Once you’ve connected your hard drive to a functioning PC, you should be able to see it as This PC on the device. If the disk is not too damaged, you may be able to copy your files to an external or internal drive. After moving the files, reformat the affected drive, then check if you can still install Windows 10 on it. Otherwise, the damage may be irreversible and your only option is to replace it.
Solution 3: Cloning Your Hard Drive
You can also clone the affected drive to a new one to save your data and files. Remember that you can only do this as long as the files are not damaged or corrupted. So, you need to manage your expectations as this method does not necessarily save all of your files. Also, with this solution, you’ll need a new, functioning drive. Moreover, you need to search online for reliable cloning software.
After you’ve cloned the affected drive, try to format it. Keep in mind that this last step will delete all the data stored on the drive. However, once the process is done, you will be able to use the drive again without any issues. Of course, this will only work if there is no major physical damage to the disk.
Solution 4: Using a Data Recovery Tool
It can be devastating to lose important files. So, when you encounter the ‘File record segment is unreadable’ error message, you need to prepare yourself for heartache. That said, there is still hope. You can still salvage your files with a reliable data recovery tool. There are many programs designed for this purpose, but only a few can promise the efficient results that Auslogics File Recovery can provide.
You will be surprised at how much data you can recover from your hard drive with the help of Auslogics File Recovery. It has the ability to retrieve your lost music, documents, photos, videos, and every other file type you have. As long as your hard drive does not have any serious physical damage, you can expect File Recovery to do the job thoroughly. Its exclusive technology has been proven to be effective and safe in multiple tests. What’s more, you can try the program for FREE for 30 days!
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Features of Auslogics File Recovery:
- Easy Recovery Wizard – This easy-to-use wizard allows you to choose the drives you want to scan. You can even set parameters like file types, last date modified, file names, or a date range.
- Advanced Filters – There’s no need to scour through hundreds of deleted files to locate the items you need to salvage. You can filter the files according to size, date, or file type.
- File Preview – Sometimes, you can’t get the information you need just by looking at the file name. With Auslogics File Recovery, you can preview videos, documents, photos, and PDF files right from the search results. In this way, you will be able to recover only the items you want.
- Multiple PC License – You only need to buy a single license and you’ll be able to use Auslogics File Recovery on three computers.
- Recover Items from Lost Partitions – Even if the error resulted in a lost partition, you will still be able to restore your needed files. Auslogics File Recovery will locate any information about your hard disk.
After recovering the files that you need, reformat the hard drive and see if you can use it without any issues. Now, if your disk is seriously damaged, the error may still show up later on. So, your best solution is to replace your hard drive with a new one.
Pro Tip: Once you get your new hard drive, we strongly advise you to keep it in tip-top shape. Doing so will protect it from various errors like the one we discussed in this post. Well, one of the best ways to do this is to use Auslogics BoostSpeed. This tool cleans, tweaks, and turbo-charges your computer for optimum performance.
What’s great about BoostSpeed is it comes with the Disk Defrag feature built in. By defragmenting your hard drive, you will be able to reduce the number of mechanical movements needed to access data. Since you’re not putting too much strain on your disk, you’re prolonging its life and improving its efficiency.
Are there other solutions we missed?
Let us know in the comments below!
— Update: 26-03-2023 — us.suanoncolosence.com found an additional article What To Do When You Get a File Record Segment is Unreadable? from the website wethegeek.com for the keyword file record segment unreadable.
Have you ever encountered the “File record segment is unreadable” error? Yes, then do not make the mistake of ignoring it. It can cause some severe problems like hard drive failure leading to data loss. Generally, the error appears when you check the disk for error or boot Windows.
Now, let’s learn how to troubleshoot the File record segment is unreadable. But before that, let’s understand quickly what is File Record Segment.
What is a File Record Segment?
File Record Segment known as (FRS) refers to the information stored on file systems – NTFS and FAT. The details about the files comprise name, date, size, type, and physical address stored on an internal or external drive or SSD, etc.
Where, NTFS records this data in a Master File Table (MFT) that is usually 1KB in size, FAT saves data in File Allocation Table (FAT). To access these files, the OS scans the file system table, check the physical address, and then heads to the actual location to read the stored data.
Why Do You Encounter ‘File Record Segment is Unreadable’ Error Message on Windows 10?
The error message ‘File Record Segments is Unreadable’ occurs when bad sectors are detected during a CHKDSK scan. Usually, to check the disk for error using CHKDSK users to run the command. But when Windows detects an inconsistency of the disk, it runs CHKDSK automatically.
What is the bad sector?
As the name implies, a bad sector means the group of storage blocks on which data is saved is not responding to read/write operations. This means when you try to access data saved on a damaged sector, you will not be able to access it instead will see the segment is unreadable, error message.
What are the consequences of File Record Segment becomes Unreadable message?
When Windows shows a file record segment error message, the stored data becomes inaccessible. However, by using CHKDSK, we can try to retrieve data from faulty sectors. But there’s a risk involved; it can corrupt the other readable data.
Therefore, the best way to recover data from a disk with bad sectors showing File Record Segment error messages is to use a data recovery software. Alongside this, if you get a complete optimization and PC cleaning tool, then things get easy. So, if you are looking for a complete solution that can run CHKDSK, recover data, and perform other essential operations on Windows 10, we’ve got it covered.
How to Fix a File Record Segment is Unreadable?
But if you don’t want that and are looking for a safe way to recover data lost due to File Record Segment is Unreadable issue, you need to use a Windows data recovery software. For this, we will use Advanced System Optimizer, an all in one tool that offers a recovery tool, junk cleaner, privacy protector, driver updater, and a lot more.
After this, follow the steps and learn how to recover data using the Undelete module of Advanced System Optimizer.
1. Download and Install the Advanced System Optimizer software on your Windows PC. Now, connect an external drive to the computer.
2. Now, open Advanced System Optimizer.
3. Select the disk partition to scan
4. Once done click Start Scan Now.
6. Let the scan run; upon completion, you will see the list of files you can recover.
7. Select the file you want to recover and click Recover button
8. Once done, you will be able to get the inaccessible data.
9. That’s it, using these simple steps, you will be able to recover data lost due to the CHKDSK file record segment is unreadable.
Using these simple steps, you can quickly recover data even when the file record segment is unreadable error message appears, hope you find the article useful. If there’s anything that we missed and you would like to share feel free. If you find it helpful, share it with your friends and family.
— Update: 29-03-2023 — us.suanoncolosence.com found an additional article 4 Methods to Fix File Record Segment is Unreadable from the website recoverit.wondershare.com for the keyword file record segment unreadable.
If you encounter the error message saying “file segment is unreadable” on Windows PC, you should not overlook this error. It is not like the other small errors you encountered on your system. It is far more serious, and if the error is not fixed as soon as possible, you can end up losing all of your hard drive data. So, continue reading as this post will help you understand what is a file record segment, how to fix it and more.
Part 1: What is File Record Segment?
File Record Segment (FRS) is a file system that stores information (such as file name, type, date, physical address and more) about files on internal and external drives, laptop, SSDs, etc.
NTFS file systems store these records in MFT (Master File Table), and FAT keep them in FAT (Fat Allocation Table).
When the operating system (OS) needs access to a file, it then first performs a scan on the file system table for the file record. After that, it reads the file’s physical address and then reaches an actual location on the hard drive in order to read the data.
Part 2: Why Does ‘File Record Segment is Unreadable’ Error Appear?
Bad sectors on disk lead to file record segment unreadable error that you encounter upon execution of CHKDSK scan. Also, Windows may automatically perform a CHKDSK scan during the system startup if it finds any inconsistency or drive errors.
If you don’t know, bad sectors are a group of storage blocks on the hard drive which gets defected and fail to react to any read or write operation. Thus, when a block or sector where a file record is stored goes bad, then the file segment becomes unreadable. Moreover, this can occur with both internal as well as external hard drives.
Part 3: What happens when a File Record Segment becomes Unreadable?
The CHKDSK file record segment is unreadable on Windows 10/7 is a sign of a failing drive, and presents a significant risk to the data stored on the hard drive. When Windows fail to read or find the file record in the file system table, accessing the data becomes impossible.
Moreover, when numerous file record segments become unreadable because of bad sectors, a drive may get damaged and become RAW/unrecognized by Windows PC.
Part 4: How to Fix File Record Segment is Unreadable?
Once knowing what is a file record segment, why, and what happens after the error, you certainly are familiar with the error. After going through the above guide, it is now time for you to know all possible solutions to get rid of this annoying problem. So, below are the four recommended fixes you can try to resolve the error on your Windows 7/10 PC.
Method 1. Run A CHKDSK Command
A CHKDSK is an in-built command-line tool in Windows to inspect the integrity of drives. It examines drives and fixes common errors. Here’s how to run the CHKDSK command for the file record segment is unreadable fix on Windows 7/10.
Step 1: Launch the command prompt window on your system as an administrator. To do so, enter “cmd” in Search and then choose “Run as administrator”.
Step 2: Enter “chkdsk g:/r” (where g is the drive letter that have unreadable file segment issue) in CMD.
Step 3: Finally, hit “Enter”.
Let the CHKDSK process to complete and see if this method resolved the error.
Method 2. Connect Your Hard Disk to Another Computer
If the above method does not help you fix the CHKDSK file record segment is unreadable error, connect your hard drive to another working computer and copy your data. When another computer detects the hard drive, it will display as an additional drive in “This PC/My Computer”. Do not forget to copy your data (if the hard disk is not too much damaged) onto a working hard disk or external drive.
This method is highly recommended when your drive is damaged logically or physically. In case you are having trouble connecting a hard drive to another computer, take the assistance of an experienced technician.
Method 3. Using a Data Recovery Tool
When file record segment unreadable error encounters, some data may get lost or become inaccessible. But the good news is that you can rescue your data by simply using a reliable data recovery tool. Our top recommendation is Wondershare Recoverit . Recoverit offers a hassle-free way to perform data recovery, helping you get back lost videos, pictures, documents, audios and more from a damaged drive.
Here are the steps you need to follow to recover the files from a drive showing CHKDSK file record segment is unreadable error message. To commence the process of file recovery, download and install the Recoverit on your computer.
Step 1: Choose a location
Choose the target drive with the file record segment unreadable issue under the “Hard Disk Drives” tab and hit the “Start” button to commence the scan process on the selected location.
Step 2: Scan the selected location
The tool will perform an all-around scan, and it will take a while to complete the process.
Step 3: Recover lost data
After the successful scan, you will be able to see the recovered files. Preview them if you would like to. Finally, choose the files you want to rescue and hit the “Recover” button.
Method 4. Clone Your Hard Drive
When facing CHKDSK file record segment is unreadable error, you can also clone your hard drive to a new one to save your data. In case the data is still intact, you will be able to clone them with ease. However, it does not imply that you will be able to save all of your files and data. As for drive cloning, it implies that forming an exact same copy of the target drive. After cloning, you will be able to view data.
To get the job done, you need a new drive and reliable drive cloning software. You can easily find many great disk cloning tools online to help clone your hard drive without any hassle.
The Bottom Line
This post demonstrated all the plausible solutions you can try to fix the CHKDSK file record segment is unreadable on Windows 10/7. If you end up losing any data, Recoverit data recovery is always here to help you. Using this tool, you can easily retrieve all the deleted or lost data from the hard drive showing file segment unreadable message error.
People Also Ask
How do I fix an unreadable file?
It is common to encounter a “file or directory is corrupted and unreadable” message error. There are many ways to fix an unreadable file, including using the built-in Windows command-line tool to check and fix repair file system error.
Why are my files unreadable?
There are many possible causes behind why your files become unreadable. It includes FAT or MDT gets damaged, the drive is under malware attack, presence of bad sectors on the drive, and ejecting the drive from the system in an improper way.
Which is better CHKDSK R or F?
CHKDSK R command can detect and resolve any errors on the drive. On the other hand, CHKDSK F can detect and find the bad sectors on the target drive and restore the readable data from the bad sectors. So, which is better? Well, it depends on the drive error types you encounter. Nevertheless, CHKDSK R also implies that CHKDSK F is run, but vice versa is not applicable. Therefore, you can run the CHKDSK R command only as it includes the CHKDSK F function as well.
But you should keep in mind that you do not have to run a CHKDSK R command unless you suspect the target drive has physically bad sectors. For instance, to fix file record segment unreadable error that occurs due to bad sectors, the CHKDSK R command is recommended.
Source: https://windowsreport.com/file-record-segment-is-unreadable/