subject: Chkdsk Fails To Repair Fat32 File System [print this page] FAT32, like any other file system can get corrupted due to various reasons, like improper system shutdown, virus infection, operating system malfunction, and many more similar reasons. In most situations of FAT32 file system damage, a Windows user encounters a boot error message that does not allow him/her to access the data saved in the hard drive. To repair FAT32 file system and to access the data saved in the hard drive, the user needs to run CHKDSK command. Although, this command repairs FAT32 file system in most cases, it might fail to repair in case of severe corruption. In such situations, a CHKDSK failure error message flashes on the screen, and your system continues to be unbootable. To overcome a CHKDSK failure error message, the user needs to reinstall FAT32 operating system and restore data from an updated backup. However, in case of incomplete backup, the user needs to opt for a third-party FAT Data Recovery application.
To explain the above case, consider a practical scenario where the FAT32 file system gets corrupted and you run 'CHKDSK E: /F' command to repair the file system:
The type of the file system is FAT32.
Volume Serial Number is C408-2213
But, if you run CHKDSK command, without '/F' parameter, then you receive another error message:
The type of the file system is FAT32.
Volume Serial Number is C408-2213
Errors found. CHKDSK cannot continue in read-only mode.
Reason:
The above error messages occur when FAT32 file system is severely corrupted and CHKDSK command does not attempt to use its backup copy.
Solution:
To resolve the above error message and to access the data, follow the below guidelines:
1.Reinstall Windows Server 2000 to create a new set of FAT32 file system.
2.Restore the data from an updated and valid backup.
3.However, in case of insufficient or incomplete backup, you will need to search for a commercial FAT Data Recovery software.
Such FAT Recovery tools perform comprehensive recovery of almost all lost files and folders post formatting of FAT32 based hard drive. These FAT Partition Recovery tools are easy-to- understand and install.
Stellar Phoenix FAT Data Recovery is a superb FAT Recovery software that recovers lost, missing, and deleted data from FAT12, FAT 16, and FAT 32 based hard drives. The tool is designed for Windows 7, Vista, XP, 2003, and 2000. It is available in two versions complete and demo.
