Error 0x80070570: How to Fix It

Error 0x80070570 (“The file or directory is corrupted and unreadable”) usually means Windows cannot read a file because of corruption, a failing drive, or a bad RAM stick. The fix is to run the built-in check disk tool, then test your RAM and replace the failing component if needed. Below is a step-by-step guide covering the most common causes and solutions.

What Does Error 0x80070570 Mean?

This Windows error code appears when the operating system tries to access a file or directory but the data cannot be read. The full message is “The file or directory is corrupted and unreadable.” It can occur during file copying, software installation, Windows Update, or when opening a program. The error is not specific to one Windows version—it has been reported on Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11.

The code 0x80070570 is a hexadecimal representation of the NTSTATUS error STATUS_FILE_CORRUPT_ERROR. It tells you that the file system metadata or the file itself has been damaged. This damage can come from a sudden power loss, a failing hard drive, a faulty RAM module, or even a virus.

Common Causes

Before jumping into fixes, it helps to know what typically triggers this error:

• Corrupted system files – Windows system files may have been damaged by a bad update or a crash.
• Failing hard drive or SSD – Bad sectors or dying flash memory can make files unreadable.
• Faulty RAM – Memory errors can corrupt data while it is being read or written.
• Interrupted file transfer – A copy that was stopped mid-way can leave a file in an inconsistent state.
• Malware – Some viruses intentionally corrupt files to cause instability.

Fix 1: Run Check Disk (CHKDSK)

The first and most common fix is to scan and repair the drive’s file system. CHKDSK checks for bad sectors and fixes logical errors.

1. Open File Explorer and right-click on the drive that contains the problematic file (usually C:).
2. Select Properties → Tools tab → under Error checking, click Check.
3. If Windows says you don’t need to scan, you can still click Scan drive to force it.
4. Alternatively, open Command Prompt as Administrator and type: chkdsk C: /f /r (replace C: with your drive letter).
5. If it’s your system drive, you’ll be prompted to schedule the scan for the next restart. Type Y and reboot.

This process can take several hours on a large drive. Let it finish. If CHKDSK finds and fixes errors, try the operation that failed again.

Fix 2: Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

If the error is related to Windows system files, SFC can repair them.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. Wait for the scan to complete.
3. If SFC reports that it cannot fix some files, run DISM first: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.
4. After DISM finishes, run sfc /scannow again.

These tools replace corrupted system files with good copies from the Windows image. They are safe to run and do not affect personal files.

Fix 3: Test Your RAM

Faulty RAM can cause random corruption errors. Windows has a built-in memory diagnostic tool.

1. Press Windows + R, type mdsched.exe, and press Enter.
2. Choose Restart now and check for problems.
3. The PC will restart and run the Windows Memory Diagnostic. It may take 20-30 minutes.
4. If errors are found, you need to replace the faulty RAM stick(s).

If you have multiple RAM sticks, you can also test them one by one by removing all but one and repeating the diagnostic.

Fix 4: Check Drive Health with SMART

If CHKDSK finds bad sectors, the drive may be failing. Check its SMART status (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology).

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator and type: wmic diskdrive get status. If it returns “OK”, the drive is not reporting a failure.
• For a more detailed view, use a third-party tool like CrystalDiskInfo (free). Look for “Caution” or “Bad” in the health status.
• If the drive is failing, back up your data immediately and replace the drive.

Note that SMART is not foolproof—a drive can fail without warning. If you suspect a hardware issue, consider replacing the drive even if SMART says OK.

Fix 5: Reinstall the Problematic Software or Update

If the error occurs during a specific program install or update, the installer files may be corrupted. Try these steps:

1. Delete the downloaded installer and download it again from the official source.
2. If the error appears during Windows Update, run the Windows Update Troubleshooter (Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters).
3. You can also reset Windows Update components manually by stopping the relevant services and clearing the SoftwareDistribution folder. A quick way: in an admin Command Prompt, run net stop wuauserv, then net stop bits, then delete the contents of C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution, then restart the services with net start wuauserv and net start bits.

If the error occurs when copying files from an external drive, try a different USB port or cable, as those can also cause read errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ignore error 0x80070570?

You can ignore it if it happens once and the file still works, but it usually indicates a deeper problem. If it happens repeatedly, ignoring it risks data loss. Run the checks above to be safe.

Will CHKDSK delete my files?

No, CHKDSK repairs the file system and does not delete your personal files. It may move data from bad sectors to a safe location, but your files remain intact.

How long does CHKDSK take?

It depends on the drive size and speed. A 1 TB drive can take 1-2 hours, while a 4 TB drive may take 4-6 hours. Let it run overnight if needed.

Does this error mean my hard drive is dead?

Not necessarily. It can be a one-time glitch, a corrupted file, or a RAM issue. Only if CHKDSK finds many bad sectors or SMART reports a failing status should you worry about the drive.

What if the error appears during Windows installation?

If you see 0x80070570 while installing Windows, the installation media (USB or DVD) may be corrupted. Recreate the bootable USB using the Media Creation Tool, and if that fails, test your RAM—bad memory is a common cause of install failures.

Is there a way to recover the corrupted file?

If the file is important and you have no backup, try copying it to another drive. If that fails, use a file recovery tool like Recuva (free) to attempt recovery. But the best prevention is regular backups—use File History or a cloud service.

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