“As a user, I need reliable methods to repair MP4 videos from a corrupted USB drive so I can recover precious memories and ensure the files are playable again.”
Ever wondered what if your USB drive gets corrupted all of a sudden? Having a corrupted USB drive, especially the one containing your precious MP4 file can be a distressful experience. If your cherished memory or irreplaceable recording gets damaged on a corrupted USB drive, don’t lose hope. Luckily, there are several MP4 repair fixes that you can try to repair corrupted MP4 videos easily.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through different methods on how to repair MP4 from a corrupted USB drive, ensuring you get back your precious files.
Understanding USB Drive Corruption and MP4 Video Issues
Before diving into the workarounds to repair damaged MP4 video from USB, it is important to understand the causes of USB drive corruption and MP4 video issues. Some common reasons include:
- USB Drive Corruption: Abrupt removal, malware, or physical damage to the USB can cause data corruption.
- Interrupted File Transfer: Any interruption, such as sudden power loss or accidental disconnection, during file transfer, can damage video files.
- Bad Sectors: Continuous usage of USB drives develops bad sectors that affect the data integrity of stored files, including MP4 videos.
- Malware or Viruses Attacks: Malicious programs like viruses or malware can infect and corrupt the drive’s file system and individual files.
Quick Methods to Repair MP4 Videos from a Corrupted USB Drive
Now that you know the causes, let’s explore the methods to fix corrupted MP4 video files on an external drive:
Method 01: Use Third-Party Video Repair Software
Before attempting manual fixes to repair MP4 files from a USB drive, try repairing them using a video repair software. Third-party tools like Stellar Repair for Video offer several amazing features, including compatibility across multiple platforms, an easy-to-use interface, a simple repairing process, etc. You can use this all-in-one video repair tool to fix video files corrupted or damaged due to any reason, such as black/ green screens, truncated, no-sound, audio-lag, and many more.
Here’s a detailed process on how to repair MP4 videos from a corrupted USB drive using the Stellar Repair for Video software:
Step 1: Firstly, download and install the video repair software on your Windows/Mac device. Also, connect the corrupted USB drive to that device using a USB cable.
Step 2: Launch the software and click the Add Videos button from the homepage to upload the MP4 video files that you need to repair.
Step 3: Now, click the Repair process to initiate the repair. Once the process completes, preview the repaired video files.
Step 4: Click the Save Repaired Files button to save the repaired MP4 videos to a safe location (not on the same USB drive).
Method 02: Repair MP4 Videos Using VLC Media Player
You can also use Windows built-in VLC media player, which is a versatile video player tool allowing you to repair minor corruption issues with your video files. Follow the below steps to repair corrupted MP4 videos using a VLC player:
- Launch the VLC media player on your computer.
- Go to Media > Convert/Save, upload the corrupt MP4 file, and choose the desired output format.
- Now, click the Convert/Save button to initiate the process. This can sometimes fix minor corruption.
Once the process completes, check if your video is playable. If not, rename your MP4 video to .AVI, then go to Preferences > Input/Codecs and enable the “Repair AVI” option.
Method 03: Check for Drive Errors
Sometimes, the issue lies with your USB drive itself. If your drive is corrupted, you need to repair these errors at the earliest to prevent further problems. Go through the following steps to check for drive errors:
- Connect the USB cable to your computer.
- Launch File Explorer and right-click on your USB drive.
- Select Properties, go to Tools > Check.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to scan and repair the drive.
Alternatively, you can use the CHKDSK command in Command Prompt to fix disk errors:
Type Windows + R keys and type CMD. Press the Enter key to launch Command Prompt.
Now, type the command: chkdsk X: /f (replace “X” with the USB drive letter) and press Enter.
Method 04: Format the USB Drive
If your USB drive is still unstable or its files are inaccessible, consider formatting it. When you format the drive, all its data gets deleted but this helps in resolving deeper corruption issues. To format your USB drive, you need to:
- Backup all recoverable files to a safe and secure location (use cloud backup services or external storage media for this).
- Connect the USB drive to your computer, right-click on it in File Explorer and select Format.
- Choose the file system (e.g., FAT32 or NTFS) and click Start to initiate the formatting process.
After formatting, test the USB drive to ensure it works properly.
Tips to Prevent Future Corruption
Though the above methods to fix corrupted MP4 on external drives are quite easy to implement, it is important to avoid such corruption issues. For this, follow these best practices:
- Safely Eject USB Drives: Always use the “Eject” option before removing the drive from your device.
- Avoid Power Interruptions: Ensure a stable power supply during file transfers to avoid uninterrupted shutdowns.
- Use Reliable Antivirus Software: As malicious programs are also the main reason for USB corruption, it is important to protect the drive from virus or malware attacks using a reliable antivirus software.
- Regular Backups: Maintain copies of important files on multiple storage devices.
Conclusion
If you are having damaged or unplayable MP4 files on a corrupted USB drive, go with the above-mentioned to fix them. Start by assessing the damage, recovering the files, and using reliable video repair software like Stellar Repair for Video to fix the damaged video files. Remember to maintain a backup of your data and practice safe storage habits to prevent future issues.
Repair MP4 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I repair an MP4 video without third-party video repair software?
Yes, tools like VLC Media Player offer basic repair features, but advanced issues may require dedicated video repair software.
What if the USB drive is not recognized?
Use disk management tools or data recovery software to detect the drive. If it’s physically damaged, consult a professional.
How long does MP4 video repair take?
The duration depends on the file size and the level of corruption. Simple fixes take minutes, while advanced repairs may take longer.
