How to Fix Cyclic Redundancy Check Error [Useful Solutions]

Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) is a technique employed to detect errors within digital data, frequently arising in storage devices and digital networks. Its purpose lies in upholding data integrity during access and transfer procedures.

A cyclic redundancy error, colloquially termed CRC error, often surfaces on external hard drives. If this matter goes unresolved, the potential looms for data compromise and loss.

Thankfully, an array of methods exists to fix cyclic redundancy check error on external hard drives. This applies irrespective of your technical expertise, spanning from advanced users to those with average proficiency. This article delves into these diverse techniques, offering step-by-step guidance for fixing bad sectors on external hard drive.

Causes of Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) Error

CRC errors on external hard drives can stem from a variety of factors. Grasping the underlying triggers is vital for adeptly addressing the error, all while sidestepping data loss risks.

Several common causes of cyclic redundancy check errors include:

• Physical damage sustained by external hard drives can trigger CRC errors. This encompasses damage to chips or evident scratches on the disk or drive. Mishandling, dropping the hard drive, or overheating can facilitate such damage.
• Defective sectors denote portions on the physical drive that can no longer faithfully store data. Physical damage or wear can typically lead to this scenario. Such defective sectors can prompt cyclic redundancy check errors when data read or write attempts are made.
• Data drive corruption may emerge from software bugs, glitches, untimely shutdowns due to power interruptions, data transfer issues, misconfigured files, and other sources.
• Faulty or loosened connections can lead to CRC errors. This arises due to interrupted connections between the external hard drive and computer, potentially causing file or device corruption.
• File system or partition challenges, encompassing flawed formatting, corruption, and other errors can engender CRC errors.
• Virus intrusion can modify files and introduce corrupted file systems or errors, affecting either the partition or specific files. Subsequent access to the drive triggers the cyclic redundancy check to flag these errors.

Data Retrieval from External Hard Drives with CRC Errors

In encountering a cyclic redundancy error on an external hard drive, data loss emerges as a primary concern. Effective recovery of lost data necessitates reliable data recovery software.

To avert data loss outcomes, prioritizing data recovery through dependable software is crucial. MyRecover comes highly recommended for its speedy scanning methodologies, substantial success rate, and broad compatibility.

For the reliable recovery of data from an external hard drive with bad sectors, proceed to download and install MyRecover. Subsequently, follow these steps to initiate data recovery:

Step 1. Attach the external hard drive to your computer. Launch MyRecover. Hover the mouse over the drive saved deleted files before, and click Scan.

Step 2. The software will automatically perform both advanced scanning methods, displaying all files on the external hard drive, such as documents, images, videos, and emails.

📌 Note: To swiftly recover specific files, filter and select them. Alternatively, explore the Other Missing Files tab to access your files while the scanning process is ongoing.

Step 3. Choose the identified files on the external hard drive and click Recover x files. Nominate a new location for recovery to avert potential data overwriting.

★Tips:

The recover button confirms the number and total size of selected files, aiding the assessment of recovered file integrity.

Data recovery from an external hard drive is feasible for up to 500MB for free. Complete file recovery necessitates an upgrade to the advanced editions.

The software extends its utility to flash drives, SD cards, local hard drives, and more.

How to Fix Cyclic Redundancy Check Error

Having successfully retrieved files from your CRC-affected external HDD, you can proceed to explore straightforward methods to rectify cyclic redundancy check errors. Here are the initial remedies to consider:

📍 Reconnect the External Drive: The CRC error may stem from a loose connection between your external HDD and computer. Reconnecting the device often resolves the issue. Disconnect the drive, wait briefly, and then reconnect it to assess any improvements.

📍 Restart Your PC: Glitches or conflicts might trigger CRC errors. Restarting your computer can reset system components, potentially alleviating the issue.

📍 Redownload Corrupted Files: If the CRC check error surfaces post downloading a specific file, file corruption is likely. Corruption can arise from download interruptions or errors. Removing the current file and obtaining a fresh copy could resolve the CRC error.

It's essential to acknowledge that these initial fixes may or may not suffice in addressing the cyclic redundancy errors. Should these approaches prove ineffective, delve into additional solutions in the following part.

Method 1. Scan Disk via Error Checking

Windows features an inbuilt tool, Error Checking, that rapidly scans for drive errors. Engage the following steps to scan your disk with Error Checking:

1. Connect the external HDD and access File Explorer.

2. Right-click your device to access its Properties.

3. Navigate to the Tools Tab within the Properties window.

4. Under Error checking, click Check.

5. Opt for Scan drive on the ensuing popup.

6. The scan outcome will notify you of any detected errors. Choose Repair drive for necessary action.

Method 2. Rectify CRC Error via System File Checker Scan

The Windows command prompt harbors an array of commands to inspect and repair system file errors that may spawn a CRC check error on your hard drive. The System File Checker (SFC) scan, one such command, can be employed as follows:

1. Run Command Prompt as an Administrator by pressing the Windows key + R and typing "cmd" in the text box. Alternatively, locate and select "command prompt" in the Windows Start menu.

2. Input "sfc /scannow" to initiate the scan.

During the SFC scan, identified file corruptions are promptly repaired. The Command Prompt should not be closed until the process concludes.

Method 3. OvercomeError with CHKDSK Command

CHKDSK, a command line tool, scrutinizes and remedies errors on storage devices, including external HDDs. It's capable of fixing bad sector concerns, recovering corrupted files, and solving various file system errors.

Fix the cyclic redundancy check error with CMD by following the steps here:

1. Run Command Prompt as an Administrator by pressing the Windows key + R and typing "cmd" in the text box. Alternatively, locate and select "command prompt" in the Windows Start menu.

2. Enter "chkdsk g: /r /x" in the command line, replacing "g" with your disk's letter.

CHKDSK will then scan your drive, addressing any identified errors. Post tool utilization, examine whether the cyclic redundancy check error persists. If the issue endures, proceed to the subsequent method.

Method 4. Format the External Hard Drive

If none of the aforementioned methods effectively fix cyclic redundancy check error on your external hard drive, contemplate formatting the drive as a potential solution. You need to format the disk before using it.

A critical note: this process erases all stored files, necessitating a backup to prevent data loss.

After securing a backup, undertake the formatting process as outlined below:

1. Access File Explorer, locate your hard drive, right-click, and select Format.

2. Before formatting, modify the Volume label if desired. Choose NTFSas file system. Once configurations are in order, click Start.

Method 5. Rectify CRC Error with Diskpart

The "diskpart" command-line tool proves invaluable in managing computer drives, encompassing both internal and external storage. One of its commands, "clean," has the potential to reset drive configurations, potentially resolving cyclic redundancy errors.

Importantly, deploying the "clean" command may render data inaccessible, though specialized software can still extract it.

Proceed with Diskpart to rectify the CRC error via the following steps:

1. Run Command Prompt as an Administrator by pressing the Windows key + R and typing "cmd" in the text box. Alternatively, locate and select "command prompt" in the Windows Start menu.

2. Input "diskpart" to initiate a new window.

3. Enter "rescan" to identify newly added disks.

4. List available disks with "list disk."

5. Select your external HDD by inputting "select disk x," replacing "x" with the corresponding disk number.

6. Execute the "clean" command.

Upon completion, you will see "Diskpart succeeded in cleaning the disk". Proceed to format and reinitialize your drive, then ascertain if CRC issues persist.

Conclusion

The cyclic redundancy check (CRC) error is an unforeseen issue that can arise within storage devices, often due to physical or logical harm, resulting in data corruption. By following the strategies listed in this article, you can endeavor to recover deleted files from external hard drive and fix such an error easily.