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Jean-Christophe GALLANDFlag for France

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Corrupted File Makes Windows File Explorer Crash

Hi. I have a folder with hundreds of files on an external drive. When I open this folder with windows file explorer, it closes after a couple of seconds. When I open the same folder using an alternative file explorer ("Directory Opus"), it crashes after a few seconds and I get the popup window attached (sorry it is in French). Opening other folders works fine. So I am suspecting that one of the file is corrupted and makes file explorer crash. Is there a way to fix this? I guess I would need to delete the corrupted file but don't know how to identify it among the hundreds in the folder...
Thanks for your help
File-Explorer-Crash--Directory-Opus-.JPG
Avatar of Tamilarasu P
Tamilarasu P

You just try disk check error .I t will take around 30-45 minutes based on your drive files. Right click properties-->tools>check now-->check the 2 box-->then click ok.
It could be a corrupt file but it could also be a crazy-long filename.
There is a free utility called TeraCopy that may help. Download here: http://codesector.com/teracopy
Or try the built-in Windows command line utility, Robocopy, and have it skip corrupt files. Command reference here: https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc733145(v=ws.11).aspx
Both will deal with corrupt files and long names.
Avatar of Jean-Christophe GALLAND

ASKER

I did a "chkdsk f/r/x" using command line and the disk check error you suggested, but no error was detected.
Regarding Gilnov's answer, the tools you are suggesting are useful to copy files but my problem occurs just when I try to open the folder and browse it. I have no intent to copy. Also, I discovered this problem a few days ago - before that, everything was fine. I did not add any file with long names since then.
The disk is showing signs of failure (worked one day but not the next). If you care about the files on the drive you should look for a way to copy them. Otherwise, they may be lost to the creeping rot that eventually claims all hard drives.
Avatar of aravind anche
try these


Open cmd.exe with Run as Administrator and run SFC /SCANNOW.
Allow to complete, restart or, preferably, shut down the computer and then start up again.
Test to see if the problem has been corrected.


Open cmd.exe with Run as Administrator.
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /Scanhealth (takes 15 - 20 minutes).
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /Restorehealth (takes 15 - 20 minutes).
Restart the computer and test.
And if you get the directory to work again, make a backup...unless you don't care about the data. Seriously, 1TB drives are like $40-50 bucks these days.
Ok some news..
- SFC /scannow was done but no issue detected
- I started deleting the files one by one to identify the corrupted one (in "Directory Opus", I get the error pop up window, but the application does not close: I can still do actions on files).
- I identified the corrupted file! There is only one
Next step = how can I delete this corrupted file? When I try to delete it in "Directory Opus", the software freezes. Same thing when I try to do it with Windows File Explorer
Restore your computer to an earlier state using Restore Point to the date it was Okay,

This option takes your PC back to an earlier point in time, called a system restore point. Restore points are generated when you install a new app, driver, or Windows update, and when you create a restore point manually. Restoring won’t affect your personal files, but it will remove apps, drivers, and updates installed after the restore point was made.

1.Press and hold (or right-click) the Start  button, and then select Control Panel.

2.Search Control Panel for Recovery.

3.Select Recovery > Open System Restore > Next.

4. Choose the restore point related to the problematic app, driver, or update, and then select Next > Finish.

Note
If you’re not seeing any restore points, it might be because system protection isn’t turned on. To check, go to the Control Panel, search for Recovery, and then select Recovery > Configure System Restore > Configure and make sure Turn on system protection is selected.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-za/help/12415/windows-10-recovery-options
I have no idea when the system was ok. I don't open this folder every day, just occasionally. Now that I know which file creates the problem, the easiest way would be to delete it. But don't know how
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Ramin

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The safe mode enabled to delete the corrupted file. May I respectfully make a comment though... Please read the details and information when people have issues. Many of us have a basic knowledge, not as strong as yours, but enough to scope where a problem can come from. Suggesting people to chkdsk, SFC, revert back or reinstall the system are easy solutions to fix issues at no harm and with good chances of success. However, these are sometimes overkilling solutions that can bring junior users to do more harm than necessary just because they don't know how to do it, or because they forgot to save recent personal files before, or just because they are anxious to go so deeply in system changes. In my case, since the beginning, I was sure the issue was just a corrupted file. The approach to fix this should be done gradually
Thank you,