Video files are not immune to issues and may become blurry, pixelated, or unplayable.
Fortunately, thanks to the technological advancement in the last few decades. We have solutions to practically every problem, including tools to uncorrupt video files.
This article will provide you with step-by-step instructions to restore problematic or damaged video files. With the help of this article, you can fix corrupt video files of any format, and any file size, that are saved in any location.
so, without wasting any more time, let’s start fixing your video files.
Table of contents
- How To Repair Corrupted Video Files?
- All Possible Reasons Why Your Video Files Get Corrupt
- Tips to avoid video corruption
- Conclusion
How To Repair Corrupted Video Files?
Any corrupted video can be easily fixed using a reliable video repair tool. Media players like VLC can also help users repair corrupt video files; these days, we also have some free, open-source tools that claim to be effective and capable of restoring corrupted video files. This section talks about all those solutions.
Solution 1: Corrupt Video Repair Using SFWare Video Repair Software
Starting the list with a straightforward solution. SFWare Video Repair Software is designed with a clean interface, built with advanced repair mechanisms capable of repairing severely corrupt and extremely damaged video files, including DJI video files, shot on any device, and saved on any internal or external drive with just a few simple clicks.
Steps To Fix Corrupt Video Files Using the SFWare Video Repair Software
1: Download and set up the tool on your Windows or Mac system.
2: Launch the tool from the main screen. Click on the Add File button to select the corrupted video file.
3: If the header of the video file is corrupted or not found, the tool will ask you to provide a reference file taken on the same camera.
4: The tool will start the corrupt video repair process.
5: After completion of the repair, the tool will display the repaired video on your screen. Use the Preview option to have a quick look at the repaired file.
6: Click the Save button and select the location to save the repaired video.
Solution 2: Convert the Corrupt Video File to Another File Format Using the VLC Media Player
VLC Media Player lets you convert the unplayable or damaged video file into another format.
Converting repairs the corrupt header, indexes, codes, and other structural errors, leading to a playable video.
1: Launch the VLC Media Player, and from the main screen, click on the Media option in the top menu bar.
2: Select the Convert/Save option, and locate and add the corrupted video file you want to repair.
3: Choose a new output format and click the Start button.
Do note conversion might not be a guaranteed solution for all levels of corruption. The success rate of the solution depends on the extent of the damage and compatibility of new codecs. The next solution talks about fixing the corrupt or unplayable video file using the VLC Media Player.
Solution 3: Corrupted Video Repair Using VLC Media Player
The VLC media player is an open-source media player with a built-in code system that helps you repair basic corruption in any video file format. In addition, the VLC media player contains a unique codec library compatible with all video file formats. Therefore, the VLC media player can work with any file format compatible with its codec and repair damaged or corrupted video files without any hassle.
Important Note: Ensure you always use a copy of the original video for repair. Avoid working on original video files to evade further corruption during the process.
Steps to repair videos using a VLC media player
First, take a copy of your videos (be it any file format other than AVI) convert into AVI or change the file extension to .AVI.
1: Download the VLC media player on your computer. Open the video file in VLC Media Player.
2: Go to Tools > Select Preference > Input & Codecs from the top menu.
3: Select Always Fix from the drop-down next to the Repair AVI file.
4: Click on Save. Now check at the saved location if the video is playing without any problem.
If your files are severely corrupt, a professional video repair tool might be the best option.
Solution 4: Open-Source Video Repair Tools to Fix Corrupted Video
The last solution in this list Is to use free, open-source tools. Most of these tools are created and developed by passionate engineers and developers who want to make technology free and accessible to anyone and everyone at all levels.
However, these tools often come with a fair share of drawbacks, including the non-availability of tech support; the success rate of these tools has not been very encouraging, and the reliability and authenticity of these tools are also questionable.
Suppose you have decided to give open-source video repair tools still a shot. I recommend you try Handbrake, Avidemux, FFmpeg, or MKVTool. These are some of the best free and open-source tools available.
It’s always good to know the reasons that triggered the problem. Being aware of the causes might help you take appropriate steps to ensure the safety of your video files in the future. You can keep reading the next section to discover all possible causes that might repair damaged video files.
All Possible Reasons Why Your Video Files Get Corrupt
Software issues
Software issues can present themselves in many different ways such as
- File System corruption.
- Glitches with the software application,
- Media player issues,
- Virus or malware infections.
- Improper or incomplete compression or decompression.
- Incompatible software/media players.
Hardware issues
Hardware issues such as hardware failure, physical damage, power fluctuations, overheating, and storage device errors can be one of the reasons why video files and other files saved on any internal or external storage devices might get corrupted, broken, or damaged.
Human Error
Human Errors, such as saving a video file with the same attributes and file name onto an existing file, are some of the most common mistakes users usually make that might result in video files becoming corrupt, ultimately making them unplayable.
Tips To Ensure the Safety of Your Video Files
Using these tips, you can ensure that your video files are safe from getting corrupted, and other data and files can also be prevented from getting corrupted or permanently deleted.
- Take regular backups. The general rule of thumb is 3-2-1 backups—3 copies of backups, 2 different storage devices, and 1 off-site location or cloud.
- Always use reliable, authentic, high-quality storage devices like Hard Drive, SD Cards, Memory Card, and USB drives. Quality storage devices usually last longer and offer better protection against physical damage.
- Protect your external storage devices from extreme weather and climatic conditions. Cooler or warmer environments and too humid or moist climates might damage the device and corrupt your data. Always keep your storage devices in well-ventilated places.
- Regularly update your software applications, device drivers, video or audio Codecs, firmware, and Operating system.
- Use Anti-virus software regularly to ensure your device is not affected by malware or viruses
- Always connect or eject your external storage devices properly. Abruptly removal or improper connection might result in data loss.
As the famous Dutch philosopher Desiderius Erasmus said, “Prevention is better than cure.” By practicing and implementing these safety measures and good file management habits, you can greatly decrease the risk of video file corruption and ensure your files remain safe and healthy for a long time.
Note: If you are a Mac user, then I recommend you try the solutions mentioned in this article to repair corrupt video files on Mac.
Conclusion
Our most cherished video memories are always close to our hearts. These files may get corrupted, damaged, or unplayable. The issue of file corruption is common. However, it isn’t unfixable. This article helps you understand the main reasons why your videos become unplayable I hope that these corrupt video fixer solutions are guaranteed to work to fix no matter the size, format or location of your video file.