File corruption is a frustrating form of data loss that can cause a lot of headaches for users. This is because the file is still there, but it just will not function the way it is supposed to. In this article, we will discuss what leads to file corruption, how to avoid it, and ways to restore files to their working state after they have been corrupted. Let’s get started!
What is file corruption?
According to Wikipedia, “Data corruption refers to errors in computer data that occur during writing, reading, storage, transmission, or processing, which introduce unintended changes to the original data. Computer, transmission, and storage systems use a number of measures to provide end-to-end data integrity or lack of errors.”
Why does file corruption happen?
There are many reasons why file corruption can happen, but some of the most common causes include:
-Power outages
-Hardware failures
-Software errors
-Viruses or malware infections
How can I prevent file corruption?
There are several things you can do to help prevent file corruption from happening, including:
-Make sure your computer is properly ventilated
-Using a surge protector and battery backup
-Making regular backups of your files, both onsite and offsite
-Scanning your computer for viruses and malware infections on a regular basis
What should I do if my file becomes corrupted?
If you believe you’re dealing with file corruption, pulling your data from local backups is the right first step. However, there are right ways and wrong ways to do this. It’s always best to call your IT support provider and tasking them with a backup restoration.
However, if you’re dealing with a large-scale corruption event, this could mean malware or even ransomware is involved and you should definitely get your IT support provider involved immediately.
Are you and your organization protected from file corruption? Do you have good backups? Do you do backup testing periodically? Do you have a disaster recovery plan?
We can help. Reach out to us via our contact form and we can assist you so file corruption is a non-event. Email us today!
