If your Windows system is running slow or acting strangely, it may be difficult to pinpoint exactly what is causing it. It could be that you have picked up some malware or a virus, or it could be that some of your systems files are corrupted and so are unable to perform as they should.
A corrupted file is one that is damaged, and does not perform properly. This can apply to any type of file, from program files to system files and all types of documents. Just about everybody has probably had an issue with a corrupted file at some point in time. In many cases it can be resolved with a simple re-boot of your system, but sometimes the issues are more complex.
Every file on your computer has a particular structure and content. When this information is in the right place and arranged properly, the file will work as normal. However, if the wrong information is written into a file, or if the right information is written in the wrong place, it will affect the way the data is used and displayed. A corrupted file may not open at all, or it may appear scrambled and unreadable. This does not always indicate that the core program is corrupted, however – such as might be the case, for example, when a Microsoft Word file will not open, but all other files of the same type remain unaffected.
Application programs and operating systems may also develop corrupted files, which would then affect the use of items that depend on these programs to open or operate them.
Files can become corrupted when you save or copy them, sometimes due to a bug or glitch in the software controlling the file. When a video game accidentally corrupts your save file, this is usually what’s happened. If the program realizes that there’s been an error, it will alert you and allow you to try and re-save or recreate that file. Otherwise, you may not find out until you try to open the file next time.
Faulty software isn’t the only reason why shortcuts break in Windows and files get corrupted. Here are a few other reasons:
- Computer crashes. Crashes can cause corrupt system files, and corrupt system files can cause crashes. It’s a vicious cycle.
- Sudden power outages. If your computer’s power supply is unexpectedly cut off — if you unplug your desktop, or if your laptop’s battery dies — you may later discover that some of your files have been corrupted.
- Power surges. If your computer’s power supply doesn’t regulate against power surges, a sudden rush of power can corrupt your system files. Use a surge protector to safeguard your computer.
- Updating errors. There’s a chance that one or more of your system files may become corrupted by a bug when you’re updating Windows. This may also occur when installing or reinstalling Windows on your computer.
- Malware. Viruses and other types of malware can corrupt system files as part of their attack strategy.
- Hard disk problems. Issues in your hard disk — such as when it becomes packed with bloatware and other junk files — can result in files getting jumbled around and corrupted.
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