Jan 24, 2024 • Filed to: Recover Files • Proven solutions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Security Verified. 3,591,664 people have downloaded it.
Theo Lucia
chief Editor