You may need to transfer your important data from external hard drive to PC or vice-versa at any time. But while performing this task, when you got stuck with an error “can’t read from source file or disk” it really feels frustrating. But there is nothing to worry!
Here in this post, we have compiled 5 quick & easy ways that will surely help you to fix this error. Also, I will make you aware of the reasons leading to such kind of error messages.
Free Hard Drive Recovery Tool.
Recover data from USB drives, Pendrives, SSDs, HDDs, and other devices on Windows. Try now!
So, without wasting any more time, let’s go ahead….!
What does “Can’t Read From Source File or Disk” mean?
“Can’t Read From Source File or Disk” is an error message that you often receive while copying the files from your external drive to PC or vice-versa.
This error simply implies that you can’t access or read your source files or disk anymore. It usually takes place on your PC either due to blocked disk or corrupted source file. Here is a post related to the same error on answers.microsoft.com.
However, there are some other reasons as well that could often makes your source disk unreadable. To know more reasons, you need to scroll down to the next section of this blog.
Why can’t I read from source file or disk?
Sometimes, you unable to read your source disk or getting stuck with can’t read from the source file or disk while copying windows 10 issue due to following reasons:
- Poor or loose connection between the devices.
- Bad sector on drive might corrupted your disk & makes it inaccessible.
- Mismatch file system
- The file you’re trying to transfer is too large.
- Due to the file system or filename issues.
After knowing the causes, now it’s a time to troubleshoot can’t read from source file or disk error using the below listed solutions.
How To Fix Can’t Read From The Source File Or Disk While Copying From USB Drive/Hard Drives?
Watch this video tutorial to fix Can’t read from the source file or disk” error easily.
#1: Ensure That External Drive Is Properly Connected
Since you are receiving an error can’t read from source file or disk while trying to copy your backup files from your hard drive, so firstly it’s important to check whether your external drive is properly connected to PC or not. The poor connection can also lead to this issue.
All you need to do is simply remove your storage device from PC and then connect it back to your computer. Now, check if you can copy/delete or remove the file successfully.
#2: Restart Your Computer
As we all know, restarting the PC always helps to resolve various kind of file system errors and issues So, you should also attempt to reboot your system to tackle with the Windows 10 can t read from source file or disk error.
Here’s what you need to do:
Go to the Start menu & click on the Power icon on your PC. Then, simply choose a Restart option by clicking on it.
If this basic method doesn’t work for you, then try the next one.
#3: Use The Chkdsk Utility To Fix Can’t Read From The Source File Or Disk
When it comes to fix the faulty drive, file corruption errors or bad sectors on drive, running the Windows CHKDSK tool is a great choice.
Here’s how you can easily run the chkdsk:
- Press the Windows + R keys together to open run box.
- Open command prompt >> tap run as an administrator >> type the chkdsk n: /r.
- After that, your device will scan for errors and will repair for you.
- Restart your PC and see if you are now able to copy your files without any error.
Also Read: How To Fix The File Is Too Large For The Destination File System?
#4: Matching the File Systems
Mismatch file system could be another cause of “can’t read from source file or disk” error. As we know, NTFS and FAT32 are the most commonly used file systems.
However, the latest versions of Windows uses NTFS and the older version uses FAT32. Therefore, if the file system of the source and destination drive is different then you may face such issues.
To overcome this situation, you need to make sure that the file systems of both the devices are same.
You can use these steps to check the file systems of your hard drives:
- Go to “This PC” then select a source drive on your system.
- After that, make a right-click on it & choose “Properties“. Here you can see the file system of your hard drive.
- Now, make a right-click on the destination drive & choose “Properties” in order to check its file system.
If the file systems are not same then try to match them to fix this error.
#5: Check The File Name & Rename It
If the name of your targeted file is not compatible with Windows then your system will not recognize the file name or can’t read from source file or disk.
In such a case, you won’t be able to copy or transfer that specific file. However, you can try to fix this issue by renaming the file.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Open the File Explorer then locate the file causing the error.
- After that, right-click on it & select the Rename option to change the file name.
- Now, you can change the file name and file format according to Windows rules and press Enter.
How To Recover Deleted Files From The Hard Disk?
After fixing the can’t read from source file or disk error with the above methods, you you ever come across through data loss situation then it’s strongly recommended to use the Hard Drive Data Recovery Tool. It is considered one of the best data recovery tool that deeply scans your external hard drive and extracts the lost or deleted data from it in a few clicks.
The best thing about this external storage data recovery software is that- it is easy-to-use, 100% risk-free, and has user-friendly interface. This tool is available for both the OS – Windows & Mac.
* Free version of the program only scans and previews recoverable objects.
So, without any delay, download this software from the above-given buttons and follow its easy steps to know how it works.
Final Verdict
Facing can’t read from source file or disk error while trying to copy the backup files from one device to another is very annoying. But the good news is that, this error can be easily fixed by applying the correct ways.
In this post, I have summarized the 5 best fixes to resolve this error. So, keep trying out the given methods one by one until & unless the error is fixed.
However, while trying these fixes if somehow your storage drive data gets deleted, then you can immediately switch to Hard Drive Data Recovery Tool. Choosing this reliable program will save your valuable time, effort and restore the lost files without any backup.
I hope, you liked this post…!
Taposhi is an expert technical writer with 5+ years of experience. Her in-depth knowledge about data recovery and fascination to explore new DIY tools & technologies have helped many. She has a great interest in photography and loves to share photography tips and tricks with others.