How to repair corrupted video files?
There are many situations in which people try to find the answer.
Let’s say you want to watch a video lecture. However, an ominous error message halts your journey when you try to play the video.
However, high-end technology like Wondershare Repairit Video Repair can recover corrupted videos. Now, there’s even an online version of Repairit that you can use with any browser.
In this article, we’ll arm you with a step-by-step guide on repairing corrupted video files using Repairit. We’ll also show you three other free methods and tips for preventing video corruption in the future.
Part 1. What is Video File Corruption – Causes & Signs
Let’s say the video file is a novel with carefully structured chapters and paragraphs. Its corruption is like pages torn, shuffled, or smeared with illegible ink.
A video file that gets corrupted will have a black screen, no video, colored lines, or such features.
Let’s see what causes corruption in a video and its different signs.
Cause of Video File Corruption
- Inadequate File Transfers: When removing a cable too soon, middle transfer disconnections cause corruption.
- Power Outages: Sudden power loss while recording or saving a video would distort its architecture.
- Faulty Storage Devices: Memory cards or hard drives can develop “bad sectors” that consume data and corrupt files stored within.
- Virus Attacks: Some malicious software is designed to wreak havoc on your videos.
- Software Glitches: Even recording or media-playing software can sometimes introduce flaws into your once flawless videos.
Signs of a Corrupted Video File
- Video Freezing: Your video might freeze or stutter.
- Mute It: There are no audible sounds or distorted soundtrack.
- Blurry Pixelated Visuals: You might catch some artifacting and no clear graphics.
- Error Messages: Error messages alert you that something’s wrong.
- Missing Sections: Entire video parts go missing as if by magic.
If you spot some of these symptoms, your video file is likely damaged! So, let’s show you a corrupt video fixer that can help you in any scenario.
Part 2. Best MP4 Video File Repair Tool – Wondershare Repairit
Wondershare Repairit saves the day with its superb technology when your precious video memories get corrupted. It can repair everything, from faint glitches to completely unplayable files. Repairit doesn’t just fix the video; you can also use it to enhance your video with AI. The interface for Repairit is also straightforward. It guides you step by step to make video repair easy for everyone involved.
Recently, they’ve also launched an online version. You can use this version on mobile, tablet, or any computer with a web browser.
Key Features of Wondershare Repairit
- Compatibility with Video Formats
It handles various video formats from MP4 or MOV to AVI, MKV, or more.
- Advanced Repair Mode for Resistant Corruption
Advanced Repair Mode analyzes a sample file of the same format and device origin. It then repairs the corrupted video with precision.
- Unrivaled Success Rate
Repairit has an incredibly high success rate.
- Preview Before You Save
You get a preview of the repaired videos before saving them to ensure you get the perfect result.
- Batch Repair
Repairit repairs multiple videos simultaneously. You no longer have to waste time repairing them individually.
How to the Repair Corrupted Video Files Use Wondershare Repairit
Step 1: Launch Repairit and select Video Repair from the left-hand menu. Then, click the “Add” button to import your damaged files.
Step 2: With your files loaded click “Repair to the initiate the process.
Step 3: Once the repair is complete, click “Preview.” Then, preview your videos. If you are satisfied, click “Save” and store your repaired files in a safe location.
Step 4: If the standard repair still does not correct the error, click “Advanced Repair.” Give it an example video, a file of the same format, and its origin.
When the process finishes, your video will be in full swing.
This method works most of the time. However, you should also have some free tools in mind.
Part 3. Free Methods to Repair Corrupted Video Files
Though Wondershare Repairit is incredibly strong at video repair, some free & simple remedies should not be forgotten. They work if minor damage is involved.
So let’s have a look at three of such remedies.
Method 1. VLC Media Player
VLC Media Player also has a repair function for corrupted videos. It re-indexes a video file and resolves a minor corruption problem.
Changing the file extension can also do the trick. For instance, if the corrupted file is an MP4, rename it to AVI. This little trick might get VLC to work. If not, then;
Step 1: Open the VLC Media Player.
Step 2: Click “Media“. From the context menu, choose “Convert/Save“.
Step 3: Click the “Add” button & then import your corrupted video file. Click on “Convert/Save” afterward.
Step 4: Specify a file name for the destination of saving the repaired video. Choose the location, and finally click “Start.”
While doing this, the file’s structural issues get automatically repaired. If this doesn’t work, then…
Method 2. Windows Built-in Tool
In Windows OS, storage device problems can be solved with CHKDSK. It is the short form of “check disk” and is an in-built feature of Windows. It then seeks out file system problems in hard drives & memory cards. CHKDSK doesn’t repair the damaged video but takes care of the root cause.
Step 1: Type “cmd” in the search bar at the bottom of your screen. Right-click in Command Prompt or click “Run as administrator.”
Step 2: Type a code: “chkdsk X: /f /r.” Replace “X” with to the drive letter where the corrupted video resides. Press Enter.
Step 3: Once CHKDSK is complete, a detailed report of errors found will be displayed.
If you use a Macbook, it also has a similar utility.
Method 3. Mac Built-in Tool
For Mac users, the Disk Utility contains an equivalent of CHKDSK: First Aid. First Aid resolves file system errors so your drive runs like a well-oiled machine. It also indirectly resolves playback issues caused by corruption.
Step 1: Go to Applications > Utilities and open Disk Utility.
Step 2: Choose the drive with the video file from the left sidebar.
Step 3: In the toolbar, click First Aid and Run to make it so.
Step 4: When done, it will display a listing of its findings and repairs applied.
Limitations of Free Repair Tools
- CHKDSK is more of an environment fix for the storage, not the file itself.
- If more profound corruption exists, you might need more specialized tools.
- It has a much lower success rate than Wondershare Repairit.
Now, let’s look at some tips for preventing video corruption in the future.
Part 4. How to Prevent Video File Corruption in the Future
While video repair tools can rescue your precious footage, wouldn’t it be better to avoid such crises altogether? Like how we safeguard our health with preventative care. Let’s give you some actionable tips.
- Safe ejection of storage devices
Use the “Safely Remove Hardware” option on Windows or a Mac’s “Eject” feature.
- Using reliable antivirus software
Keep up-to-date antivirus protection in your system.
- Keeping your system and software updated
Maintain your OS, video players, and editing tools to avoid freezes that result in corruption.
- Avoiding interruptions during file transfer
Avoid abrupt disconnections or sudden power losses that can fragment your video data.
- Backup Your Videos
Store backups of critical videos in many places-external drives, cloud services, or an extra computer.
Conclusion
It’s very frustrating if our important videos get corrupted. So, how to recover corrupted video files? You know the answer.
We’ve made it something doable, easy to follow, and attainable by you. Wondershare Repairit is always ready to rescue those irreplaceable clips. With its cutting-edge repair technology, Repairit makes the impossible possible.
It takes just a few minutes to recover the videos. So why wait? Take action today, download Repairit, and recover your corrupted videos.
