Fix Error 0x80070570 in Windows

Error 0x80070570 is a Windows file corruption or installation error that usually appears as “The file or directory is corrupted and unreadable” and is most often fixed by checking your storage drive for errors, clearing the update cache, or using the built-in System File Checker. This guide covers the most reliable fixes for Windows 10 and 11, from simple restarts to command-line repairs, so you can get back to work without reinstalling Windows.

What Is Error 0x80070570?

This error code is a Windows system error that maps to ERROR_CRC (cyclic redundancy check) or ERROR_FILE_CORRUPT, depending on the context. It means Windows could not read a file because the file’s checksum doesn’t match what the system expected. This can happen during Windows Update, while installing software, copying files, or even during a Windows installation from a USB drive.

Common symptoms include:

• A pop-up saying “The file or directory is corrupted and unreadable”
• Windows Update fails with code 0x80070570
• Installation of a program or game stops midway
• File Explorer crashes when opening a specific folder
• Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) with the same code

Why Does This Error Happen?

The root cause is almost always one of these:

• Bad sectors on your hard drive or SSD
• Corrupted system files (often from a sudden power loss)
• Faulty RAM causing data corruption during read/write
• Interrupted download of Windows Update or a program installer
• Damaged USB drive if you’re installing Windows from one

It’s not a virus-specific error, but malware can cause it by corrupting files. If you suspect malware, run a full scan with Windows Defender before proceeding.

Fix 1: Restart and Check Disk

Sometimes the error is transient. Restart your PC and try the operation again. If it persists, run CHKDSK to find and repair bad sectors:

1. Open Start, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
2. Type chkdsk C: /f /r and press Enter. (Replace C: with your drive letter if needed)
3. If prompted to schedule a scan on next restart, type Y and restart.
4. Let the scan complete. It can take 30 minutes to a few hours depending on drive size.

CHKDSK will attempt to recover readable data from bad sectors and mark the rest as unusable. If it finds many bad sectors, back up your important data immediately and consider replacing the drive.

Fix 2: Run System File Checker and DISM

If CHKDSK doesn’t help, repair corrupted system files:

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. Wait for it to finish (it may take 15-20 minutes).
3. If SFC finds errors but can’t fix them, run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter.
4. After DISM completes, run sfc /scannow again.

DISM (Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool) repairs the Windows image that SFC relies on. This combination fixes most file corruption issues.

Fix 3: Clear Windows Update Cache

If the error occurs during Windows Update, the downloaded update files might be corrupted. Clear the SoftwareDistribution folder:

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Type net stop wuauserv and press Enter.
3. Type net stop cryptSvc and press Enter.
4. Type net stop bits and press Enter.
5. In File Explorer, go to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution and delete everything inside it. (You may need to take ownership if you get a permission error.)
6. Go back to Command Prompt and type net start wuauserv, net start cryptSvc, and net start bits.
7. Restart your PC and try Windows Update again.

Fix 4: Test Your RAM

Faulty RAM can cause random file corruption. Use Windows Memory Diagnostic:

1. Press Win + R, type mdsched.exe, and press Enter.
2. Choose Restart now and check for problems.
3. Your PC will restart and run a memory test. It may take 20 minutes or more. The results appear after restart.

If errors are found, replace the faulty RAM stick. If you have multiple sticks, test them one at a time to isolate the bad one.

Fix 5: Reinstall the Problematic Software

If the error happens when installing a specific program, the installer file might be corrupted. Download the installer again from the official website. If you’re using a disc, try copying the setup files to your hard drive first, then run them from there.

If the error happens during a program’s operation, uninstall it, restart, and reinstall the latest version.

Fix 6: Clean Windows Installation

If all else fails, a clean install of Windows will eliminate any persistent file corruption. Before doing this, back up your personal files to an external drive. You can use the Reset this PC feature in Settings > System > Recovery, or create a bootable USB with the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s website.

When installing from a USB, if you get error 0x80070570 during the setup, the USB drive itself may be damaged. Recreate the USB using a different drive or a different USB port.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can error 0x80070570 cause data loss?

Yes, if it’s caused by bad sectors, the files in those sectors may be unrecoverable. That’s why it’s critical to back up your data regularly and run CHKDSK as soon as you see this error.

Is this error a sign of a failing hard drive?

Not always, but it can be. If CHKDSK reports many bad sectors, or if the error keeps coming back after repairs, your drive is likely failing. Check its health with tools like CrystalDiskInfo (for Windows) or the built-in SMART status.

Does this error affect SSDs?

Yes, but less commonly than HDDs. SSDs can also develop bad blocks, but the controller usually handles them. If you get this error on an SSD, update its firmware and check its health with the manufacturer’s tool.

Will reinstalling Windows fix it?

Yes, a clean install will fix the error if it’s caused by system file corruption. But if the underlying hardware (RAM or drive) is failing, the error will return. Always test hardware first.

Can I ignore this error if it only happens once?

If it’s a one-time occurrence and your files open fine, it might be a transient glitch. But if it happens more than once, take it seriously and run the checks above.

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