Cannot Read from the Source File or Disk Issue

Here you will find out:

• about "Can’t read from the source file or disk" error message

• how to fix the issue

• how DiskInternals can help you

Are you ready? Let's read!

Can’t read from the source file or disk

This error always spoils your plans, because you cannot copy, delete or transfer the file and usually this happens at the most inopportune moment. This problem cannot be postponed until later; it needs to be solved here and now, while your chances of saving documents are high.

Therefore, read on and choose the most suitable method.

Method 1. Restart the PC

If you can’t read from the source file or disk while copying in Windows 10, and this happens for the first time, try restarting the computer (do not turn off and on, just restart).

Rebooting helps the computer deal with such errors on its own and returns it to an adequate working state.

Method 3. Try to open the file in another program

This method almost always helps and the more related programs you have, the greater the chance that you will not receive this error message.

For example, if it is a photo you're dealing with, try Pictures Manager instead of Windows Photo Viewer, etc. Just right-click on the file and select "Open With." Then just choose different options for opening the file. We hope that at least one program has opened this bad file. If not? Do not be sad and do not stop, but move on.

Method 5. Use chkdsk to fix bad sectors

The free chkdsk utility usually handles such errors with ease.

But you may not be able to find your recoverable data after this method or see only the pieces of a file (512 KB in size), which, of course, will not allow you to work with the file. Therefore, before you start using the chkdsk tool, use DiskInternals Partition Recovery. Using the program you will return files or create a backup copy of all files, and after that, you can safely proceed to fix bad sectors. Using DiskInternals Partition Recovery, all inaccessible files of any format can be returned. If you are not a very active and confident PC user, use the Recovery Wizard, which will help you throughout the process.

After seeing all the files found and making sure that they are available, purchase a license, then enter the license key in the desired window and after that you get access to export the recovered files to any information storage device that the OS sees (i.e., it must be connected to the computer).

This is the easiest and most powerful way to secure your data in a short period of time.

Note: Beware of overwriting the data, so restore the deleted files as soon as possible and do not wait.