How to Fix Cyclic Redundancy Check Errors on Windows

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Steps to solve a data error cyclic redundancy check
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A cyclic redundancy check (CRC) is a data verification method your computer uses to check the data on your disks (hard disks, like your hard drive, and optical disks like CDs and DVDs). A cyclic redundancy check error can be caused by several different issues: registry corruption, a cluttered hard disk, an unsuccessful program installation, or misconfigured files. [1] Regardless of the specific cause, the cyclic redundancy check error is a serious one and must be addressed to avoid potential data loss or even a total system failure. Luckily, there are a few simple ways to address this problem using (free) disk utility software.

Repairing a CRC Error

  • You may be able to fix minor errors with the CHKDSK utility. Open the Command Prompt and enter chkdsk /f /r /x [drive letter]: .
  • For more serious repairs, use a third-party disk repair app such as Victoria SSD/HDD.
  • Since CRC errors can signal a serious problem with your hard drive, back up your important data to avoid losing it.
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Run the CHKDSK Utility

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  1. Type "command prompt" into your Windows taskbar search bar, then right-click Command Prompt in the Start menu. Click Run as administrator to continue.
  2. into the command prompt. Replace "[drive letter]" with the letter name of the drive you’d like to run the scan on. [2]
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  3. 3
    Press ↵ Enter to run the scan. CHKDSK will start scanning your disk, and the progress will be updated in the Command Prompt window.
  4. Once finished, CHKDSK will give you a report and restart your computer. If CHKDSK is able to fix the issue, this is all you need to do. [3]
    • If the /r repair seems to get stuck and never finishes (even if left overnight), it is likely because you have many damaged files and CHKDSK will not be able to repair them. If this is the case, try the next method.
    • Over time, your hard disk may develop minor file corruptions and other small errors through a number of different means. CHKDSK can fix many small issues, but cannot address more serious problems.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Use a Third-Party Disk Utility

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  1. 1
    Back up your files. Before you continue, back up the files on your computer. You can do so by using Windows Backup or a third-party recovery tool like EaseUS.
  2. 2
    Download and install Victoria SSD/HDD. Victoria SSD/HDD is a free tool that can check your hard drives for errors and repair them.
  3. 3
    Open Victoria SSD/HDD. Once you unzip the folder that you downloaded, open the executable file inside. This will open Victoria SSD/HDD.
  4. 4
    Select your drive. On the right-hand side of the app window, you'll see a list of all of your drives. Choose the drive that you want to repair.
  5. 5
    Click Test & Repair at the top of the window. It has an icon of a briefcase with a green cross on it.
  6. 6
    Choose Verify . On the right-hand side of the window, you'll see three options that say Verify , Read , and Write . Click the bubble next to Verify to select it.
  7. 7
    Choose Remap . Under the play and rewind buttons, you'll see four options that say Ignore , Erase , Remap , and Refresh . Click the bubble next to Remap to select it.
  8. 8
    Click the QUICK button. Under the Scan button, you'll see a button that says QUICK . This will prompt Victoria SSD/HDD to do a quick scan.
  9. 9
    Switch Verify to Read . Click the bubble next to Read once the first quick scan is done.
  10. 10
    Do another quick scan. Click the QUICK button again to run the scan. If you don't see any errors, the CRC error should now be fixed. [4]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What are other ways to fix this?
    Michael Thompson-Brown
    Cybersecurity Expert
    Michael Thompson-Brown is a Cybersecurity Expert based in Portland, Maine. He is the owner and founder of PCRescue!, a company that provides cybersecurity and data management solutions to small businesses and individuals. Michael has over 25 years of experience in the IT industry and is a certified ethical hacker. He is passionate about helping clients protect their data and systems from malicious attacks and helping them optimize their online presence and reach. He received a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance from Western Governors University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.
    Michael Thompson-Brown
    Cybersecurity Expert
    Expert Answer
    As a last resort, you can format your drive. Begin by backing up your data to ensure no important information is lost, as this method wipes out the entire drive. Then, locate the problematic drive in File Explorer, right-click it, and select "Format." Choose the desired file system format and allocation unit size, then opt for a quick format if preferred. Confirm the erasure of all data on the drive and wait for the process to complete. Once finished, the drive should be free from CRC errors. Remember to restore any essential data from backups.
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  • Question
    Installation of operating system is taking too much time. Why?
    Community Answer
    The installation process is probably hung up on a certain line of code. If there is a way to cancel, do that and try installing again. Otherwise, you may have to wait until it is done. Also, try unplugging unnecessary devices, e.g., USB mouse, extra flash drives, etc.
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    I am trying to download a game from a disk to my PC. While setting up the game, it gives me this kind of error again and again. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    This may be a case of a scratched or corrupted (unreadable) disk. I would try to source the game from another disk or an on-line alternative to make sure.
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      Tips

      • CDs and DVDs may throw CRC errors if there is a smudge or scratch on the disk. Try cleaning the disk with a soft cloth or buying a scratch repair kit if the disc itself is important to you.
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      Warnings

      • With hard drives, CRC errors can be an indicator of impending hard drive failure. Always back up your most important data.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.snia.org/education/online-dictionary/term/cyclic-redundancy-check
      2. ↑ https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/4138219/how-to-take-files-off-a-drive-with-a-crc-error
      3. ↑ https://www.xda-developers.com/how-to-use-the-chkdsk-command-in-windows/
      4. ↑ https://www.reddit.com/r/techsupport/comments/1d8312h/how_can_i_fix_cyclic_redundancy_check

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