Applies to: Fix Data Error Cyclic Redundancy Check on the external hard drive, USB, SD card, and even HDD/SSDs in Windows.

On this page, you'll learn what is "Data error (cyclic redundancy check)" error, how to fix data CRC error on your device in 5 reliable ways.

Workable Solutions Step-by-step Troubleshooting
Fix 1. Fix Cyclic Redundancy Check Data Error via CHKDSK CHKDSK can scan and repair file system corruption and bad sectors that cause the CRC error...Full steps
Fix 2. Fix CRC Data Error using Disk Check Disk Check utility can also fix file system errors. Open File Explorer, find the inaccessible hard drive...Full steps
Fix 3. Remove CRC Error with System File Checker System File Checker works to repair corrupted system files. Press Windows + R keys, type cmd...Full steps
Fix 4. Format the Inaccessible Device If your device became RAW with a CRC device error, try formatting the hard drive to troubleshoot...Full steps
Fix 5. Look for Manual Repair  If the Cyclic Redundancy Check error can't be solved by using the disk repair tool. Use a manual repair...Full steps

Overview: What Is Data Error Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC)

# Definition: According to Microsoft, Data Error Cyclic Redundancy Check, known as CRC error, indicates the operating system has found a drive with bad sectors or some intermittent problem on your storage devices. 

# Symptoms: With Cyclic Redundancy Check error, you'll receive pop-up error messages as shown below.

  • 1. "Drive is not accessible. Data error (cyclic redundancy check)."
  • 2. "Virtual Disk Manager. Data error (cyclic redundancy check)." 

Image of Cyclic Redundancy Check error message

# Result: Storage devices that contain the CRC error will become inaccessible, unopenable, RAW, not initialized.  

According to EaseUS data recovery experts, you should recover data first as some fixes may cause file loss. Follow to remove the CRC error on your own. 

Part 1. Recover Files from Data Error Cyclic Redundancy Check Device

Reliable EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard - EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard enables you to directly recover files from the Cyclic Redundancy Check error with its powerful data recovery features:

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard

  • Recover lost files from inaccessible cyclic redundancy check devices.
  • Recover files from recycle bin, SD card, internal/external HDD/SSD.
  • Recover all types of files, like images, documents, videos, etc.
  • Complete scan devices, find all hidden files on Windows & Mac.
  • Easy to operate, protect your privacy.
 Download for Win Recovery Rate 99.7%
 Download for Mac Trustpilot Rating 4.7

Follow the 3 steps to restore your data from the device with Cyclic Redundancy Check error:

Step 1. Scan the hard drive partition

Select the drive on your hard disk where you lost or deleted files. Click "Scan" and let EaseUS data recovery software scan for all lost data and files on the selected drive.

select a location and scan hard drive

Step 2. Check the results

When the scan completes, you can apply the "Filter" feature or click the "Search files or folders" option to find the lost files on the hard drive.

Find and preview all lost hard drive data

Step 3. Restore lost hard drive data

Select wanted files that you lost on the drive and click "Recover" to save them to another location.

Restore lost hard drive data.

Remember to save the recovered files to another secure location other than the inaccessible device with CRC error.

Part 2. How to Fix Cyclic Redundancy Check Data Error - 5 Ways

Here we collected 5 practical methods that can fully help you fix the "Data error (cyclic redundancy check)" issue and make your storage devices function normally again.

Fix 1. Fix Cyclic Redundancy Check Data Error via CHKDSK

The CHKDSK utility in Windows scans and repairs file system corruption and bad sectors that caused the cyclic redundancy check data error on your device. 

Warning
Running chkdsk can hopefully fix the cyclic redundancy check error, however, it can also result in total data loss. So, perform data recovery in advance, and then continue with the CMD method.

Step 1. Press Windows + S keys, type cmd in the Search box.

Step 2. Right-click Command Prompt, and select "Run as Administrator".

Step 3. Type chkdsk F: /f or chkdsk F: /f /r /x in Diskpart and hit Enter.

Replace 'F:' with the drive letter of your hard drive with the Cyclic Redundancy Check error.

Run CHKDSK to fix Cyclic Redundancy Check error

Step 4. When the scan completes, type exit and hit Enter to close the window.

After this, you can restart the computer and see if your device is accessible and workable now.

Fix 2. Fix CRC Data Error Using Disk Check

The Disk Check utility in Windows can also help to fix file system errors that caused your device inaccessible with a Cyclic Redundancy Check error. Here are the steps that you can apply to fix the CRC error from your drive:

Step 1. On Windows File Explorer, right-click the inaccessible hard drive or device, choose "Properties".

Step 2. Under the Tools tab, click "Check" in the Error-checking section.

Step 3. Choose "Scan drive" or "Repair drive" if errors were found.

check disk errors in Windows 10 drive tool in Propertities

When the scanning finishes, restart the computer and check if you can reopen the device and use the saved data again.

Fix 3. Remove CRC Error with System File Checker

The other Windows built-in tool - System File Checker sometimes also works to repair the missing or corrupted system files on your computer. You can also apply it to fix the cyclic redundancy error resulted from system file corruption.

Step 1. Press Windows + R keys, type cmd in the Run dialog, and click "OK".

Step 2. Type DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth and hit Enter.

This will make a Windows image to protect your data.

Step 3. When the DISM command completes, type sfc /scannow and hit Enter.

Run SFC to fix CRC error on storage devices

Step 4.  Wait for the process to completes, then type exit and hit Enter to close it.

After this, restart your computer and then you can reopen the device and make use of the saved data again.

Fix 4. Format to Fix CRC Error on RAW/Inaccessible Device

If your device became RAW or still has CRC device error after trying the above fixes, the last effective DIY method you can try is to format the drive. By resetting the file system to a readable format, the CRC error can be fixed. Here are the steps for you to go:

Step 1. Press "Windows key + E" to open Windows Explorer.

Step 2. Right-click on the problematic device with CRC error and select "Format".

Step 3. Select a suitable file system - NTFS or FAT32 for your device. 

(NTFS for hard drive or external device; FAT32 for SD card for USB - 32GB or smaller.)

Step 4. Check "Quick Format" and click "Start".

format SD card using file explorer

Fix 5. Send for Manual Repair

If none of the fixes works, you can send your hard drive for a repair at a local disk repair center or the device manufacturer's after-sales service center. 

Here we have an alternative solution for you - EaseUS Manual Data Recovery Service. Our professional tech support team will help you remove "Data error cyclic redundancy check" error from your device and fix the drive work again remotely. 

Consult with EaseUS Data Recovery Experts for one-on-one manual recovery service. We could offer the following services after FREE diagnosis:

  • Repair corrupted RAID structure, unbootable Windows OS and corrupted virtual disk file (.vmdk, .vhd, .vhdx, etc.)
  • Recover/repair lost partition and re-partitioned drive
  • Unformat hard drive and repair raw drive (BitLocker encrypted drive)
  • Fix disks that become GPT-protected partitions

Hope as least one of the solutions above can help you fix the error.

What Causes Data Error Cyclic Redundancy Check Error

The "Data Error Cyclic Redundancy Check" error could be caused by the following reasons:

  • A corrupted file system on storage devices
  • Registry corruption
  • Interrupted file transferring process
  • Misconfiguration in files and storage devices
  • Unsuccessful program installation
  • Misconfigured system files
  • Virus or malware infection

Generally, when you receive the error message 'data error (cyclic redundancy check)', there is something wrong with the files or the hard drive. Therefore, it's important that you recover saved data from the problematic device first before you start fixing the issue.

Stop Using Your Drive, Recover Data, and Fix CRC Error Now

On this page, we offered a complete guide with 5 practical ways to show you how to fix this issue without losing any data. We also explained the causes of this error.

If you have precious files on your drive, remember to run EaseUS data recovery software to scan and find your file first. Then run the fixes on this page to remove this error and make your drive work normally again.

 Download for Win Recovery Rate 99.7%
 Download for Mac Trustpilot Rating 4.7

Don't forget to create a full backup of all your important data. Stop using your device when the CRC error pops up, follow the solutions on this page to recover data and fix your drive to work again.

Fix Data Error Cyclic Redundancy Check FAQs

Here, we also give a short answer to the frequently asked questions about the data error cyclic redundancy check.

1. Can Cyclic Redundancy Check errors be solved?

A data problem known as a cyclic redundancy check on your Windows may result from registry corruption. The cyclic redundancy error caused by corrupt system files can therefore be fixed by running the CHKDSK utility to fix the missing or damaged system files on your computer.

2. How do I fix the data Cyclic Redundancy Error?

To fix the Cyclic Redundancy Check error on an external hard drive:

  • Fix Cyclic Redundancy Check data error via CHKDSK
  • Fix CRC data error using Disk Check
  • Remove CRC error with System File Checker
  • Format the inaccessible device
  • Look for manual repair

3. How do I fix a RAW external hard drive without losing data?

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Updated by Cedric

Cedric Grantham is a senior editor and data recovery specialist of EaseUS. He mainly writes articles and how-to tips about data recovery on PC and Mac. He has handled 10,000+ data recovery cases and is good at data recovery of NTFS, FAT (FAT32 and ExFAT) file systems, and RAID structure reorganization.

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Approved by Evan Galasso

Evan Galasso is a digital forensics and data recovery engineer with over 10 years of experience in the field. He presents opinions on the current state of storage media, reverse engineering of storage systems and firmware, and electro-mechanical systems of SSDs and HDDs.

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