How to Fix Steam Error: 'The File or Directory is Corrupted and Unreadable' on Windows 10

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Fix Steam error: “The file or directory is corrupted and unreadable” on Windows 10

If you are an avid gamer, you might have encountered the dreaded Steam error message that says “The File or Directory is Corrupted and Unreadable”. This error can be quite frustrating as it prevents you from playing your favorite games and accessing your Steam library. However, there are several steps you can take to fix this issue and get back to gaming.

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One possible cause of this error is a corrupt file or directory on your Windows 10 computer. Sometimes, files associated with Steam can get corrupted, leading to this error message. To fix this, you can try verifying the integrity of your game files using the Steam client. Simply right-click on the game in your library, select “Properties,” go to the “Local Files” tab, and click on “Verify Integrity of Game Files.” Steam will then check for any corrupted files and replace them if necessary.

Another solution to this error is to run a disk check on your computer to fix any potential disk errors. To do this, open the Command Prompt as an administrator and type in the command “chkdsk /f C:” (replace “C:” with the drive letter where your Steam library is located). This command will scan your disk for any errors and attempt to fix them. Once the process is complete, restart your computer and try launching Steam again.

If neither of these solutions works, you can also try reinstalling Steam. This might seem like a drastic step, but it can often resolve any underlying issues that are causing the “File or Directory is Corrupted and Unreadable” error. To reinstall Steam, first, make sure to back up any important game files or save data. Then, uninstall Steam through the Control Panel and download the latest version from the official Steam website. Install Steam again and log in with your account. Hopefully, this will fix the error and allow you to enjoy your games once again.

In conclusion, the Steam error message “The File or Directory is Corrupted and Unreadable” can be frustrating for gamers, but there are several steps you can take to fix it. By verifying the integrity of your game files, running a disk check, or reinstalling Steam, you can hopefully resolve the issue and get back to enjoying your gaming experience on Windows 10.

Causes of Steam Error: “The File or Directory is Corrupted and Unreadable”

The Steam error message “The File or Directory is Corrupted and Unreadable” can occur due to several reasons. Here are some of the common causes:

  • Corrupted game files: One of the main reasons for this error is corrupted game files. These files can become corrupted due to various factors such as incomplete downloads, interrupted installations, or system errors.
  • Antivirus software: Certain antivirus or security software programs may interfere with Steam and its files, causing them to become corrupted or unreadable. This can happen due to false positive detections or overzealous security measures.
  • File system errors: If your computer’s file system has errors or inconsistencies, it can lead to issues with Steam and its files. File system errors can occur due to improper shut down, power outages, or other system issues.
  • Disk errors: Physical issues with your hard disk drive, such as bad sectors or disk errors, can also cause the “File or Directory is Corrupted and Unreadable” error. These errors can prevent Steam from accessing or reading certain files.
  • Insufficient disk space: If your computer is running low on disk space, it can also result in the Steam error. This is because Steam requires a certain amount of free space to download and install updates or new games.
  • Outdated Steam client: Using an outdated version of the Steam client can lead to compatibility issues and errors. It is important to keep your Steam client up to date to avoid any potential problems.

These are some of the common causes of the Steam error “The File or Directory is Corrupted and Unreadable.” Understanding the underlying causes can help in troubleshooting and resolving the issue effectively.

Hard Drive Issues

One of the common reasons why the error message “The File or Directory is Corrupted and Unreadable” occurs on Windows 10 when using Steam is due to potential hard drive issues. Hard drives are essential components of a computer system, responsible for storing and retrieving data. However, they are susceptible to various problems that could affect their functionality.

Here are some common hard drive issues that may cause the “The File or Directory is Corrupted and Unreadable” error:

  1. Bad sectors: Hard drives can develop bad sectors over time, where certain sections of the drive become inaccessible or unreadable. This can lead to data corruption or loss, resulting in the error message.
  2. File system errors: Issues with the file system on the hard drive, such as corrupted or mismatched file allocation tables, can cause files to become unreadable. This can happen due to improper shutdowns or system crashes.
  3. Physical damage: Physical damage to the hard drive, such as from drops or impacts, can result in data corruption and unreadable files. In some cases, the hard drive may not function at all.
  4. Malware or viruses: Malicious software can infect the hard drive and corrupt files, making them unreadable. This can happen through downloads from untrusted sources or clicking on suspicious links.
  5. Outdated or incompatible drivers: Incompatible or outdated storage drivers can cause issues with reading and writing data to the hard drive, resulting in the error message.

To fix hard drive issues causing the “The File or Directory is Corrupted and Unreadable” error, you can try the following steps:

  1. Run a disk check utility to scan and repair any bad sectors or file system errors on the hard drive.
  2. Ensure your system is protected with up-to-date antivirus software and run a full system scan to detect and remove any malware or viruses.
  3. Update your storage drivers to the latest version compatible with your operating system.
  4. If there is physical damage to the hard drive, consider replacing it with a new one and transferring the data from the old drive if possible.

It’s important to regularly back up your data to prevent permanent loss in case of hard drive issues. Additionally, maintaining a clean and well-maintained system can help minimize the chances of encountering the “The File or Directory is Corrupted and Unreadable” error.

Antivirus Software Conflict

Another common cause of the “The File or Directory is Corrupted and Unreadable” error on Steam is a conflict with antivirus software. Antivirus programs are designed to protect your computer from potentially harmful files and activities, but sometimes they can mistakenly identify Steam files as malicious and block them.

If you are experiencing this error, it is recommended to check your antivirus software’s settings and make sure that it is not blocking Steam or its files. Here’s how you can do it:

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  1. Open your antivirus software.
  2. Locate the settings or preferences section. This may vary depending on the antivirus program you are using.
  3. Look for an option related to file or program blocking.
  4. If you find such an option, check if Steam or any Steam-related files are marked as blocked or quarantined.
  5. If you find any Steam-related files in the block or quarantine list, remove them from the list to allow Steam to access them.
  6. Save the changes and exit the antivirus software.

If you are unsure about how to modify the settings in your antivirus software, you can refer to the documentation or support resources provided by the antivirus software provider.

It is also worth mentioning that some antivirus software may have features specifically designed for gaming, which can help in avoiding conflicts with gaming platforms like Steam. Consider exploring these features or contacting the antivirus software provider for further assistance.

Once you have made the necessary changes to your antivirus software settings, restart your computer and try launching Steam again. The “The File or Directory is Corrupted and Unreadable” error should no longer appear if the antivirus software was causing the conflict.

Summary:
Cause:
Solution:
  • Check if Steam or any Steam-related files are marked as blocked or quarantined.
  • Remove any Steam-related files from the block or quarantine list.
  • Save the changes and exit the antivirus software.
  • Restart your computer and try launching Steam again. |
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Incorrect File Permissions

Another possible reason for the Steam error message “The File or Directory is Corrupted and Unreadable” on Windows 10 is incorrect file permissions. Incorrect file permissions can prevent Steam from accessing or modifying certain files, leading to the error message.

To fix this issue, you can follow these steps:

  1. Right-click on the Steam shortcut or executable file and select “Properties.”
  2. In the properties window, navigate to the “Security” tab.
  3. Click on the “Edit” button to modify the file permissions.
  4. In the permissions window, select your user account and make sure that it has full control over the Steam files and folders. To do this, enable the “Full Control” checkbox.
  5. Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.
  6. Restart Steam and check if the error message still appears.

If the error message persists, you can also try running Steam as an administrator. This will give Steam the necessary permissions to access and modify files. To run Steam as an administrator, follow these steps:

  1. Locate the Steam shortcut or executable file.
  2. Right-click on it and select “Run as administrator.”
  3. If prompted, confirm the action by clicking “Yes” or entering the administrator password.

Running Steam as an administrator can help resolve file permission issues and eliminate the error message.

It’s important to note that modifying file permissions should be done with caution. Make sure to only grant permissions to trusted users or accounts to maintain the security of your system.

If none of these solutions work, you may need to consider reinstalling Steam or contacting Steam support for further assistance.

FAQ:

What is the meaning of the error message “The File or Directory is Corrupted and Unreadable” on Steam?

The error message “The File or Directory is Corrupted and Unreadable” on Steam indicates that there is a problem with a file or directory in the Steam installation directory, which prevents Steam from functioning correctly.

How can I fix the “The File or Directory is Corrupted and Unreadable” error on Steam?

To fix the “The File or Directory is Corrupted and Unreadable” error on Steam, you can try several methods such as running the Steam Repair Tool, verifying the integrity of game files, deleting and reinstalling the game, or repairing the Steam installation.

What is the Steam Repair Tool and how can it help fix the error?

The Steam Repair Tool is a built-in feature in Steam that helps diagnose and fix various issues with the Steam installation. It can be accessed by going to the Steam menu, selecting “Settings,” then “Downloads,” and clicking on the “Steam Library Folders” button. From there, you can right-click on the desired library folder and choose “Repair Library Folder.”

What does it mean to verify the integrity of game files on Steam?

Verifying the integrity of game files on Steam means that the Steam client will compare the files in your game installation directory with the files in the official game installation files. If any files are missing or corrupted, Steam will automatically replace them, fixing any issues that may be causing the error.

What should I do if none of the previous methods fix the “The File or Directory is Corrupted and Unreadable” error on Steam?

If none of the previous methods fix the error, you can try reinstalling Steam completely. This involves uninstalling Steam, deleting all remaining Steam files and folders, and then reinstalling the Steam client from the official website. Remember to back up your game saves and other important files before reinstalling.

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