How to fix cyclic redundancy check or CRC error

Updated: 07/13/2023 by Computer Hope

CRC error in Windows XP

Network or Modem transmission issues

If you're attempting to open the file from a network or modem, the network is probably encountering either collisions or other errors during the data transmission.

Note

If you're sending the file through a session, such as FTP or Telnet, it may not be sent properly. If the file is a text file, the file must be sent as either ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) or text mode. If, however, the file is a program or non-text file (e.g., a picture), it must be sent as a binary file.

  • Re-send the file.
  • Try an alternate method of sending the file.
  • Verify the file was sent properly (ASCII, text, or binary).
  • Verify with a network administrator that the network is not experiencing issues.

Removable media issues

If the file causing the CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) error is on removable media, such as a Zip disk or floppy diskette, the disk may be damaged.

  • Scan the disk for errors.
  • Try an alternate diskette or media.

CD issues

If the file is being opened from a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read-Only Memory), the CD (Compact Disc) is dirty or scratched causing read errors. If the CD was burned, it is a bad burn.

  • Clean the CD-ROM.
  • Re-burn the software.

File is bad or program attempting to open the file is bad

Finally, if opening a file from the hard drive or other media, the file is likely corrupted, or the program opening the file is corrupted.

  • Download the file again.
  • Reinstall the program used to open the file.
  • Open with a different program.
  • If the file is on the hard drive, run ScanDisk and Defrag.
  • Assume the file is bad and cannot be recovered.