How to Fix an Invalid Partition on a Hard Drive

A computer's hard drive is separated into multiple sections, with each section called a partition. A partition can help separate and organize files, and it can also allow a computer to have multiple operating systems. However, there are times when a particular partition can become corrupt or invalid, which will leave the files and information stores on the partition inaccessible. To fix this issue, the partition needs to be recovered.

Instructions

1

Download the free partition recovery software (see Resources below for link). Once you're on the download website, click "Local Download 1" under "Partition Recovery for Windows."

2

Double-click the download, which will be in a "Downloads" window. The file is zipped, so it will launch the computer's zip program. If the computer doesn't currently have a zip program, you can download the demo of WinZip (see second link in Resources below).

3

Select "PtdSetup.exe" when the zip folder loads. This will bring up the installation wizard for "Partition Table Doctor." Follow the prompts to complete the installation.

4

Open the program by double-clicking the new desktop icon (if the software doesn't load automatically).

5

Select the particular partition you want to fix and click "Restore." The system will now scan the partition and fix the invalid or corrupt portion of it. In a few minutes (depending on the size of the partition), you will be notified of the restore being complete.