Data integrity checks are essential to ensure that the data on your system is accurate, complete, and consistent. When dealing with a Windows installation problem caused by data integrity checks, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you troubleshoot and resolve issues:
Problem symptoms:
- The Windows installer fails or returns an error code after attempting to install software or other components.
- You receive an «Invalid or corrupted data» error message during the installation process.
- Your system is not able to write files, access files, or perform certain tasks due to data integrity check failures.
Step 1: Check for corrupted drivers and device drivers
- Open the Device Manager (Press Win + X > Device Manager).
- Expand each category and look for any devices with an exclamation mark or a red cross symbol.
- Right-click on these devices and select «Update driver» or «Roll back driver.»
- If you encounter errors, restart your system and try again.
Step 2: Run the System File Checker (SFC) tool
- Press Win + X > Command Prompt (Admin).
- Type
sfc /scannowand press Enter.
- The SFC tool will scan your system for corrupted files and replace them with copies from the Windows Recovery Environment.
Step 3: Run the DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) tool
- Press Win + X > Command Prompt (Admin).
- Type
dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealthand press Enter.
- The DISM tool will scan your system for corrupted files and repair them.
Step 4: Check for malware and viruses
- Run a full antivirus scan using an approved virus scanner (e.g., Microsoft Defender, Norton Antivirus).
- Remove any detected malware or viruses.
Step 5: Update drivers and operating systems
- Visit the Microsoft Support website to check for updates.
- Install any available updates and restart your system.
Step 6: Reinstall Windows (as a last resort)
If none of the above steps resolve the issue, you may need to reinstall Windows from scratch:
- Unplug all external devices connected to your system.
- Boot from an installation media (e.g., USB drive).
- Follow the prompts to install Windows.
Additional troubleshooting tips:
- If you’re using a virtual machine, ensure that it’s properly configured and up-to-date.
- Check for any recent software updates or patches that may have affected your system.
- Run a disk check using
chkdsk(Windows 10/8) orfsck(Linux).
- Use the Event Viewer to monitor system events and identify potential issues.
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve data integrity checks-related installation problems in Windows.