Best Technique to Repair Corrupt VHD File in Windows

Summary: Virtual Hard Disk or VHD Files are image storage files, also referred to as the replica of hard drives. These files are important for storing data in virtual environments. However, these files are easily prone to corruption and can result in inaccessibility or even loss of important data. Therefore, learning how to repair corrupt VHD file is very necessary. This guide explains appropriate solutions and a Hyper-V Recovery Tool to diagnose, resolve, and fix Hyper-V VHD error.
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What Causes Virtual Hard Disk Corruption?

Before proceeding to know about corrupt VHD file solution, one must find the root causes of the issue. Here, we state the significant reasons for VHD file corruption:

• Viruses, intruders, malicious entities, and online threats ruin the file system.
• Bad sectors on hard disk or faulty drives can result in corrupted VHD files.
• Interference of Anti-virus programs and firewalls in the virtual environment.
• A faulty or unsecured transmission network also affects the VHD files.
• Abnormal or improper system shutdown during virtual machine processes.
• Incompatible software, outdated drivers, and incorrect settings are other common factors.

Furthermore, there are many more similar reasons that cause VHD corruption. Moving on, get to know the effective and reliable solutions to repair VHD file corruption.

How to Repair Corrupt VHD File on Windows?

The internet offers several solutions to tackle the corrupted VHD file. But, users need the right combination of tools and approaches to resolve the issue without data loss. Below stated are numerous solutions including manual ways and a VHD Recovery Tool to address corruption and restore disk access. Depending on the severity of VHD corruption, explore the best solution for yourself.

Manually Repair VHD File Hyper-V

As stated above, we have three manual methods for VHD recovery. It involves using various sets of commands for a successful outcome. Follow the given methods accurately.

Method 1: Detect and Fix VHD Corruption using CHKDSK

CHKDSK is a built-in utility by Windows that scans the complete file system and helps fix any errors found. Follow these steps:

1. Start the Disk Management dialog on the system from the Start menu.
2. Further, click Actions from the top and then, Attach VHD.
3. Press Browse to locate corrupt VHD on your PC and click Open >> OK.
4. This will mount the VHD file and assign it a drive letter. 
5. After that, once it completes, start the Command Prompt (cmd) window.
6. Finally, run the command chkdsk drive letter: /f/r/x

This will scan for errors and fix corrupt VHD file. After the process completes, dismount VHD and boot the virtual machine VHD file to check if it’s accessible now.

Method 2: Repair Corrupt VHD File by Powershell

Powershell provides some DISM commands to scan and fix VHD corruption. These are:

1. Run the given command to scan the VHD file for corruption, whether, repairable or not:

Dism /Online /Cleaned-Image /CheckHealth

2. Afterward, run the command for thorough scan and error detection:

Dism /Online /Cleaned-Image /ScanHealth

3. In the end, run the command to repair and restore the VHD file’s healthy state:

Dism /Online /Cleaned-Image /RestoreHealth

If it still doesn’t work and you are facing issues accessing your VHD file, go to the next solution.

Method 3: Recover Corrupt VHD via New Virtual Machine Creation

Another way is to create a new virtual server and later, attach the VHD file to it. Follow the steps:

1. Set up a new virtual environment without a new hard disk drive.
2. In Hyper-V or Virtual Box, right-click the new VM, and click Settings.
3. Further, click Add to browse and attach the corrupted VHD.
4. Begin the new virtual machine and boot it to process the file.
5. If it doesn’t boot, mount the VHD file in read-only mode to access data manually.

With this, the manual processes to repair and recover VHD are completed.

Drawbacks of the Manual Method

• Suitable only for minor corruption and requires technical know-how.
• Chances of further data loss by deletion or marked damaged sectors.
• Time-consuming, if the size of the VHD file is large and corruption is high.
• Cannot handle all types of corruption in the VHD file.

Thus, it is better to take a backup of the file beforehand. Or go for a more secure solution with a professional tool.

Repair Corrupt VHD File Through Expert Tool

If you aren’t much of a techie or need a secure and optimum solution without hassle. Then, use the Hyper-V Recovery Tool to fix all minor or severe VHD file corruptions in minimum time. It effectively restores data from VHDX or VHD files without alterations or losses. Additionally, you can choose specific disk volumes to recover. Moreover, the tool supports both MBR and GPT partition types of VHD files. It has other advantageous features too such as:

• Supports different file systems like NTFS, FAT, RAW, etc.
• Multiple modes for VHD file scanning and recovery from corruption.
• Enables file preview for both fixed and dynamic VHD disk drives.
• Compatible for all Windows systems without any troubles.

Steps to Recover Corrupt VHD

1. Install and run the Hyper-V Recovery software and choose a disk type.
2. Click (…) to add the corrupted VHD file and press Open to view it.
3. Further, check the file information and click Next to proceed.
4. Opt for Save Disk Image (optional) and select a scanning mode. Click Next.
5. Afterward, Add Custom Volume and set custom settings. Tap Next.
6. Select the Standard, Advanced, or Deep recovery mode as per the corruption.
7. Click Next and preview the recovered data in the panel from the tree structure.
8. At last, click Save to restore the VHD file at the desired location.

Conclusion

To summarize, this blog guided on the substantial reasons for VHD corruption and the methods to repair corrupt VHD file. We know, that VHD files are crucial to the users for data management and the slightest issue can create problems. So, if you are a technical user and have minor corruption in your VHD, go for the manual methods. Otherwise, use the suggested professional tool to seamlessly recover the VHD file and access data without worries.

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