CRC or Cyclic Redundancy Check is a way of data verification that your computer employs to check the accuracy of data present in the hard drive, CDs, and other optical disks. It can also detect accidental changes to raw data present in the storage media. You might come across this issue while transferring data to or from your computer to these disks.
It can also happen if you are trying to download files to the hard drive. Some of the probable causes can be – unsuccessful installation of the concerned program, registry corruption and even hard drive corruption. Although this error seems trivial and small, it is of great importance to solve this nuisance as soon as possible to avoid both data loss and system failure.
CRC can be triggered due to both faulty software or misfunctioning hardware. Therefore, before delving into the intricate fixes we have planned for the software, be sure to check for defects in the hardware. You can do this by –
- Copying data to another drive on some other computer. If you are unable to do so then your data might be corrupted itself.
- Trying another port/slot for your USB or hard drive. Sometimes, a simple malfunctioning port can trigger the error message – “Data error cyclic redundancy” to pop up.
How to fix Data Error Cyclic Redundancy Check?
Let us now embark on your journey to fix this problem. We shall now describe 3 effective ways how you can solve this error for good.
Method 1 – Chkdsk
The Chkdsk utility repairs your hard-drive through command prompts. An inbuilt Windows system, its function is what its name suggests – to check the disk. Chkdsk automatically detects and scans the integrity of your hard drive and fixes errors like file system metadata, bad sectors, etc. This is how you can run Chkdsk and fix the error after connecting the concerned device to your PC –
Step 1 – Tap “Windows + Q” and proceed to write CMD on the search bar that pops up.
Step 2 – Right-click on Command Prompt and choose to Run as Administrator
Step 3 – When the prompt window appears, type – chkdsk X :/f , the X here refers to the hard drive you are having a problem with. Tap on enter Wait while chkdsk repairs the errors.
Note – For a deep and thorough repair, you can type chkdsk X: /F /X /R
Step 4 – Once Chkdsk is done with your device, reconnect it to your PC and try to access the files. We suggest you copy and paste the files to a different, safer location on your PC if you are able to access the said files. Go on to format the USB or hard drive.
Caution – If you do not copy and paste the necessary items to a different location before formatting, all data present in the drive would be erased.
If the error repeats itself despite following this method, then try and run chkdsk before logging into Windows like this –
Step 1 – Connect your USB recovery disc drive to your PC and restart your PC.
Step 2 – Tap any key when asked to Press any key to boot from the device. If your PC does not prompt this, then go ahead and change the booting order from the BIOS.
Note – It is important to remember that the procedure for booting from BIOS is different for different computers. It happens because of the different manufacturers. Although you can consult the internet and get a suitable tutorial on the process of booting, we recommend you to follow the old-school way of consulting the manual provided with your computer. It should have all the necessary instructions you would require.
Step 3 – Choose and select the layout of your keyboard, language and time accordingly. Tap Next
Step 4 – On the Install Windows page, opt for Repair your computer. Windows 7 users can then click on the Command prompt and skip the next step.
Step 5 – Choose the Advanced Options and go to the Command Prompt.
Step 6 – Type chkdsk /r C: and apply these settings.
Once you have completed the above mentioned steps, go ahead and reboot your PC and see if everything is working just as fine!
Method 2 – Check Disc Utility
This method is an alternative to the Chkdsk method described above. It is comparatively easier and can be accessed from My Computer. This is how you can go ahead and use this method to solve the CRC error –
Step 1 – Tap the windows key and E This results in My Computer opening up. You will now be able to see the hard drives, USBs, and optical disc drives.
Step 2 – From the displayed drives, choose the drive you want to check. Right-click on that drive and select Properties.
Step 3 – Click on the Tools tab displayed above and proceed to select Check on the error checking section.
Step 4 – A new dialogue should open up, select Automatically fix file system errors and tap on Start.
Note – If the drive you choose happens to be the C drive, then your PC would suggest you to schedule a disk check. In essence, this means that that particular drive would again be checked the next time you start your PC. Go ahead with this option if you chose the C drive. You might be asked to dismount the disk if it is in use so there is no need to hesitate to choose Force a dismount.
Step 5 – Be patient for the scan to get over, it might take some time. The drive should be error-free once this is done.
Note – This method might not work at first, so you can try redoing the first three steps and choose the option Scan for and attempt recovery for bad sectors. Go on to start the Automatically fix the file system errors.
Method 3 – Quick Format
Note – Go for this method only if the chkdsk method has not worked for you.
The basic advantage of this method is that quick formats are perfect for people who are a little skeptical about formatting their drives. A quick format does not erase necessary data and is therefore the perfect alternative for you if the chkdsk method has failed.
However, you need to keep in mind that your data has a chance of getting deleted if you happen to copy new stuff on your drive to replace the old one. You might need a data recovery tool to retrieve back your data once you are finished with the scanning part. Let us now head straight to the procedure of this method –
Step 1 – Tap the Windows Key and E simultaneously, this opens up My Computer. Here, you will be able to view the different drives you have.
Step 2 – Choose your particular drive and right click on it. Select the option which says
Step 3 – Among the format options, enable the quick format tab and click on
Step 4 – Be patient till the quick format runs. As its name suggests, it is usually quite rapid.
Step 5 – Once you are indicated that the quick formatting procedure is over, you will have to focus on data recovery. Give the chkdsk method a try (method-1). You can also give method 2 a try before proceeding with data recovery.
Step 6 – Click here to download an external tool that will help you recover your files. This utility is known as Recuva which comes with a free version. Download and install this application.
Once you are done with Recuva, it should easily recover the files for you. In case it fails to work, it is imperative that you contact an IT professional to avoid data loss.
Conclusion
The CRC error is quite problematic to deal with and a nuisance for people unfamiliar with the nitty gritty of computer technology. Here are some professional tips that we suggest you follow so as to avoid the CRC error. Think of the following tips as maintaining of proper hygiene of your computer –
Tip 1 – Schedule a weekly defragmentation task in Windows. It is simple but quite effective.
Tip 2 – For improved integrity of your hard disk, try and run chkdsk on a monthly basis. This minimises the local errors caused by bad sectors.
Tip 3 – Try to avoid using your drive after you have come across the CRC error. It is better to take a step back and try the solutions than to carry on with the process as it might lead to systemic failure and data loss.
Try and follow our tips and the above solutions we have provided for an overall smooth experience with your PC. Despite there being other methods to tackle this data CRC error, the three we have provided are the most optimum and efficient. Be careful to read the additional notes and cautions we have cited as they contain valuable information. Now go ahead and enjoy an error-free experience!
