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No one wants to have problems with their computer, Can’t Read from Source File or Disk Error especially ones that make it hard to do their work and go about their daily lives. But we can’t avoid computer problems in our daily lives, and in an age when computers are easy to break into, all we can do is protect them as best we can.
Users of Windows who often send large files know what the “cannot read from source file or disk” error message means. There are a lot of things going on here. Users of Windows on Microsoft and other platforms say that their Windows can’t read from source files or disks.
When people try to move large files from their hard drive to their computer, a lot of them say they get the “Windows 10 can’t read from the source file or disk” error. Here is an example of a complaint about the Microsoft community:
Fix: Can’t Read from Source File or Disk Error
Rename the File
- Locate the targeted file using “My Computer” or File Explorer. After locating the file that is causing the error, right-click on it.
- Use the “Rename” from the appearing menu to change the file name. After selecting the file, you can also use F2 to change the file name.
Restart Your PC
There’s a chance that the “cannot read from the source file or disk” error is caused by some glitches or bugs in your Windows. This error can also be caused by interference from another program or process that is running at the same time. In these situations, all you have to do to fix these kinds of problems is restart your computer. To restart your computer, follow these steps:
- Click on the “Start” button located at the bottom left corner and select “Power.”
- Here, tap “Restart” to reboot your computer. You can also use the “Ctrl + Alt + Del” key to restart your Windows system.
Change the File Permissions
- At first, right-click a file that you’re trying to copy & select Properties.
- Choose a Security tab >> then tap on Edit option that you can see in a center.
- Choose an Add button.
- Now, you need to enter your PC username in a box >> choose Check Names.
- Then, select OK option. This will return you to your previous screen.
- Choose your username, then check a box which you can see next to the Full Control box.
- Select Apply >> then OK.
Use CHKDSK to Fix Bad Sectors
- To start the process, open Command Prompt as Administrator. You can do that by using the “Win + X” key, the Windows search bar, or using Windows Run function.
- You need to run the chkdsk X: /f command to fix the bad sectors. The “X” represents the hard disk, and you need to replace it with your targeted hard drive.
Try to open the file on another PC
Try doing the same thing on a different PC as in method 2. Even better, if it will be a totally different operating system (for example, you have Windows installed, then look for a computer with a Mac, etc.). This will help get rid of any problems between the file and the computer, which can happen quite often.
But if you still can’t rename the folder that can’t read from the source file or disk, you’ll have to use stronger weapons. The rest of the methods aren’t so harmless, but all the tips are listed here to minimize the bad effects.
Try to open the file in another program
This method works almost always, and the more related programs you have, the less likely you are to get this error message. For instance, if you’re having trouble with a photo, try Pictures Manager instead of Windows Photo Viewer, etc.
Just right-click on the file and choose “Open With” from the menu. Then you can just pick different ways to open the file. We hope that this bad file has been opened at least once. If not? Don’t be sad and don’t stop, but move on.
Why can’t I read from source file or disk?
- Poor or loose connection between the devices.
- Bad sector on drive might corrupted your disk & makes it inaccessible.
- The file you’re trying to transfer is too large.
- Your hard disk is infected by virus/malware.
- Having inadequate space on the local drive
- Due to the file system or filename issues.
- Incompatible Disk format.
FAQ
What could cause a fix disk error?
Hard disk errors are typically caused by power outages, hardware failures, poor system maintenance, viruses, or human error. To fix disk errors, you can use the Chkdsk tool found in Windows operating systems.
Can RAM cause disk read error?
Since your computer uses RAM to get to data that is easily accessible, corrupted RAM can cause this problem because the computer is always trying to get information it can’t get. A BIOS disk read error can be caused by wrong BIOS settings.