Fixing “The file or directory is corrupt...” Error In Windows 2000

MFT (Master File Table) in Windows 2000 operating system is responsible for storing critical information about all the files and folders in a NTFS volume. Corruption in MFT primarily occurs due to unexpected system shutdown, virus attack, file system damage, and similar reasons. In most instances of MFT corruption, a Windows user encounters an error message that does not allow him/her to access the files or folders. To access files post MFT corruption, a user needs to opt for an updated backup, run CHKDSK utility, or use third-party hard drive recovery software.

Consider a practical case, you try to open, delete, or rename a folder using command prompt. While doing so, you encounter the below error message:

“:\ is not accessible
The file or directory is corrupt and non-readable. The file or directory is corrupt and non-readable. The file or directory \ is corrupt and unreadable.
Please Run the Chkdsk utility.”

After the above error message appears, the data saved in the folder becomes inaccessible. You encounter the same error message each time you try to access that folder.

Cause:

The above error message is a result of MFT or file system damage.

Resolution:

As suggested in the error message, you will need to run CHKDSK utility. To do so, you will need to:

1. Click on 'Start', and then click 'Run'.
2. Type CHKDSK /F in the Open box.
Note: The here is the name of the drive in which the folder exists.
3. Click on 'OK'.

In most cases, the repair utility allows you to overcome the above error message and makes the files saved in the folder accessible. However, if the above error message persists, and the data in the folder remains inaccessible, then you need to opt for third-party hard drive recovery

software. Such hard drive data recovery tools scan the hard drive using powerful recovery algorithms and recover inaccessible files from any folder.