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Fix Steam Corrupt Disk Error & Resume Stopped Downloads Now
Easily solve the Steam paused corrupt disk issue with our solutions
8 min. read
Updated onMarch 27, 2024
updated onMarch 27, 2024
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While trying to download a game or update an old game, you may encounter a corrupt disk error on yourSteamclient. This is a common error and can occur due to several reasons.
The full error reads as follows:
An error occurred while updating [your game] (disk read error) (disk corruption error), see the Steam support site for more information.
For those affected by this error, here is how to fix the corrupt disk Steam error on your Windows machine.
What does corrupt disk mean on Steam?
The data included within a file or storage device can become corrupted if that data is changed from the condition in which it was initially stored, which can cause the data to behave unexpectedly or make it altogether unreachable.
When this happens in Steam, you will have to check the app’s orgame’s file integrityas we have shown below.
Why does Steam say corrupt disk?
Keep in mind that in case aBSODor power outage interrupted the Steam game downloading process, it might have corrupted your download files.
Hence, you’ll probably get the corrupt update files error. If there are problems on your hard disk drive where you have installed Steam, it might result in this error.
In case you’re wondering what exactly is a corrupt disk, do not forget that hard drivedata corruptionappears when a system cannot finish writing data to a file or when segments of the file become inaccessible.
Moreover, you may encounter one of the following error variations, that are still solvable with the solutions below:
How do I fix a corrupt disk on Steam?
1. Delete the active download folder or rename it
1.1 Delete the folder
Before moving to advanced troubleshooting, consider temporarily disabling the Firewall and antivirus. Try again, and if that doesn’t help, move to additional troubleshooting steps.
Another reason for the corrupt disk error can be the corrupt game’s files. You can try to delete the game’s files that are downloading and then restart the download from the Steam client.
1.2 Rename the folder
Rename the download folder to something else and create a new folder named downloading as shown in the steps above.
2. Verify the integrity of the game files
The corrupt disk error can also occur if the game files are corrupted or missing. Steam offers a built-in tool that checks and verifies the integrity of Game files within the client.
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Click onLibrary.
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Right-click on the problematic game and selectProperties.
4.UnderProperties, click on theLocal Filestab.
5.Here, click onVerify integrity of game files.
- Steam will scan the game file for any corruption. If the verification is successful proceed with the next step.
3. Repair the Steam Library folder
If the problem is due to the default Steam Library folder, try fixing it using the Repair Steam Library Folder option. Here is how to do it.
4. Use a specialized tool to repair Steam corrupted files
Another great option you should try is aspecialized repair programthat will help you protect your system, by removing malware and repairing corrupted files from your PC.
These tools can easily restore and replace DLL files, with impressive databases of genuine and up-to-date files.
5. Change the download folder / Steam Library folder
The Steam client allows you to change the Steam Library and set a custom location to download and install games.
If the default Steam Library or the hard disk partition is corrupt, you can switch the drive to fix the error.
6. Reinstall the Steam client
As a last resort, you can try to reinstall the Steam client. Uninstalling your Steam client does not delete the game data and installed games but only the client.
Once you reinstall the Steam client, it will pick up the game data and files from the folder.
However, just to be on the safer side, take a backup of the Steamapps folder by navigating to the following folder:C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam
Once the backup of the Steamapps folder is ready, proceed with uninstalling the Steam client.
Why am I getting corrupt update files on Steam?
Well, if you really must know, thecorrupt update fileserror is only one of the many errors faced by Steam users in general.
It usually happens when you attempt to download a new game that you just bought or update an existing game on Steam.
That being said, know that it may also occur as a result of a power cut or a corrupted download. So there really isn’t just one cause that can trigger this.
Can I recover a corrupted hard drive?
Because many users are wondering whether or not they can recover a corrupted hard drive, we consider properly delivering some useful answers.
Well, if you’re in the same situation, keep in mind that files can be recovered from a failed hard drive by using a skilled data recovery service.
Failed hard drives cannot be salvaged with recovery software since the operating system cannot access the device to allow the application to recover the data.
We hope that our solutions helped you fix the Steam corrupt disk while downloading error and you are able to play now.
You should also read our expert article on how tofix an error that has occurred while updating a certain Steam game.
After reading this article you will be a lot more prepared to deal with Steam corrupt disk downloads. Remember that Steam corrupt downloads can be fixed with this guide.
Every time you or your friends have to put up with Steam corrupt update files, make sure you do the right thing and refer to this article.
Even if you get the Lost Ark corrupt disk error, the same troubleshooting steps will help you get out of the situation.
For more potential solutions, check out how tofix common Steam errors on Windows 10/11in a few easy steps.
If you also know other possible solutions or advice, don’t hesitate to leave them in a comment below for your fellow users.
Tashreef Shareef
Tashreef Shareef is a software developer turned tech writer. He discovered his interest in technology after reading a tech magazine accidentally. Now he writes about everything tech from Windows to iOS and streaming services to IoT at WindowsReport.
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