Fix the Can't Read From the Source File or Disk Error
0Fix the Can't Read From the Source File or Disk Error.
Command Used:
chkdsk C: /f
Several users report getting the “Can’t read from the source file or disk” error when trying to copy certain files to or from an external hard disk. This issue doesn’t seem to be specific to a certain Windows version and is reported to occur on Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10.
We investigated this particular error message by looking at various user reports and the solutions that they advertised as being successful. Based on what we were able to gather on the issue, there are several common causes that will trigger this particular error message:
External hard drive appears offline for short periods of time – Whenever this happens, Windows is unable to resume reading even after the disk becomes available again. Possible causes for the apparition of this issue are unstable HDD controllers, faulty power supply over USB or unstable USB contact or cable.
Digital file storage is incredibly reliable these days, but that doesn’t mean that things can’t go wrong from time to time. You may just be going about your business, trying to open or copy a file in Windows, when all of a sudden the “Can’t Read From the Source File or Disk” error appears.
Moving files from drive to drive or computer to computer is a common task in both office environments and on recreational PCs. Windows users that regularly transfer large files (particularly multi-gigabyte files) are no stranger to an error message that reads ‘can’t read from the source file or disk.’ This message can appear for three different reasons. The most common reason is a mismatch in the file systems on different drives or devices. Other common reasons for this error include corrupt disk sectors and file permission problems. This tutorial discusses how to resolve ‘can’t read from the source file or disk’ errors so that you can get your file transfers running smoothly.
Insufficient space on your local machine – Another reason why this issue will be triggered is if you don’t have enough local space to copy the file to a local hard disk.
Power saving profile is disconnecting the external drive – If you’re using a laptop with a battery-saving profile active, you might be encountering the issue because the external drive gets disconnected while the machine is unattended.
Bulk source file/folder contains bad sectors – This error is also known to occur if you’re trying to copy a corrupted file/folder that contains corrupted sectors.
The hard drive is overheating – If you’re trying to copy a very large file while using an older HDD, the issue might occur due to overheating.
This tutorial will apply for computers, laptops, desktops,and tablets running the Windows 10 operating system (Home, Professional, Enterprise, Education) from all supported hardware manufactures, like Dell, HP, Acer, Asus, Toshiba,Lenovo, and Samsung).