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"Can't read from the source file or disk" while copying on Windows 10

Anonymous
2018-08-13T19:56:56+00:00

I recently had to replace my hard drive and reset my PC.  However, I ran into a couple of issues when copying some backed up files from my portable hard drive to the PC.  When I tried to transfer certain files from the hard drive to the PC, this ended up happening with quite a handful of music files (mp3); first, in the middle of copying, it the copying would stop in the middle for about a minute

Then I would get a message saying "Can't read from the source file or disk"

So when I clicked "Try Again" the same message would appear and I would ultimately have to cancel.  But There is nothing wrong with the file as it can open and play if you click on it (though sometimes the files that "can't be read" will make Windows Explorer freeze).  Furthermore, there does not seem to be anything wrong with the hard drive because it is able to connect and copy files onto other computers.  I've searched this issue on Google and the only things I've read so far are checking to see if the drive has bad sectors (which I've checked through the Cmd Prompt and it says there are no issues) or reformatting the drive (which I don't know much about).

Is there any way around this issue, as I've never had this issue before?  Thank you.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Files, folders, and storage

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  1. Anonymous
    2018-08-14T03:47:49+00:00

    <off topic comments removed>

    If you can play an MP3 file located on EHDD but fails to copy or move them with an error, then try the things I mentioned. If a file is good and can be read or used, then it sure can be copied or moved.

    Then here is what I see. I see file 049 to 056 shown no Meta data info in the window.

    I also can not tell if you are copying a folder to desktop or all the files direcxtly to desktop.

    I also wonder why you do not place them in your music folder and then PIN it or create a shortcut.

    Back to the 049-056 files, is this only when it quits copying or moving the files ???

    If these files play but will not copy to C:\ OS drive, then I suggest to change the default media player for the MP3 files and then try again to copy or move them.

    If these files 049-056 do not play, then they are corrupt.

    The MP3 Icon for your MP3 files are not the default Icons for WMP as default player.

    I am not sure what media player is default for mp3's, but try changing it to copy or move them.

    These drives on this one PC of mine and other PC's I have and thousands I have worked with in 20 years, and I have never not been able to transfer files from one drive to another or PC to PC over any Home or Business networks.

    Image

    Also, each drive has a system Volume information file that is hidden. There could be corruption in it. That is why I told you to move the file to another folder on the EHDD and then try and copy or move to PC C:\ OS drive.

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  2. Anonymous
    2018-08-13T20:16:56+00:00

    I have transferred on my own PC's and thousands of customers in 20 years and never had to do anything but cut/move or copy and paste.

    If the files play from external drive but will not transfer to new PC, then the files are OK. Appears to be a problem with the transfer protocol or possible that you should run disk check and select to fix errors.

    Right click on the external drive from THIS PC Location.

    Properties>>Tools>>Error Checking.

    restart PC when it completes.

    5 people found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2018-08-13T20:07:43+00:00

    Hey CP. I'm Greg, an installation specialist and 9 year Windows MVP, here to help you.

    Have you played enough of the erroring files that you know they are solidly intact without glitches and therefore this apprently is not a data loss issue?

    If so the best fixes I find for this are here: https://www.techjunkie.com/cant-read-from-the-s...

    In addition to testing the external and hard drive with Disk check, I would also test the hard drives surface with diagnostics to know for certain their condition:

    https://www.lifewire.com/free-hard-drive-testin...

    https://www.groovypost.com/howto/check-hard-dri...

    Then I would go over this checklist to make sure the install is set up correctly, optimized for best performance, and any needed repairs get done: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

    Start with Step 4 to turn off Startup freeloaders which can conflict and cause issues, then Step 7 to check for infection the most thorough way, then step 10 to check for damaged System Files. Then continue with the other steps to go over your install most thoroughly.

    I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

    ________________________________________________________

    Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

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  4. Anonymous
    2018-08-14T03:26:45+00:00

    You said you replaced the hard drive and "reset" the PC, but which reset is done when no OS is on the drive? Did you use a Recovery Drive, Windows 10 Installation media, or something else. Please explain fully.

    You also said you went through all the steps I gave which confirmed the integrity of the hard drive, but most of the steps I gave were to go over the install integrity which is what matters most in Windows 10, so until those steps are also completed (if not) then you don't know if the install is the problem. What we have found is that in Windows 10 everything depends on the quality of the underlying install.

    Compare the install you did with this link which compiles the best possible Clean Install of Windows which will stay that way as long as you stick with the tools and methods given, has zero reported problems, and is better than any amount of money could buy: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

    2 people found this answer helpful.
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  5. Anonymous
    2018-08-13T20:09:53+00:00

    You photos are pretty useless. Use snipping tool or screen capture to upload photos.

    Try and copy or move smaller amounts of files at a time.

    These files that it states can not be read on your external drive, try and play some of the mp3 files from the external drive in Windows Media player.

    I would also unplug USB drive and plug it into another USB port and try that. Even unplug it, restart pc and plug in again and restart pc again.

    And if you can play them and they will not copy or move, move these files from the folder on external drive to a new created folder on external drive. Then try and copy or move them to the PC Drive C:\

    2 people found this answer helpful.
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