How to Use ISO Fixer and Fix Damaged ISO Files on Windows 10/11

The need to access important files stored in an ISO format is common for many users. Whether it's a software setup or a system image, these files basically help keep everything organized in one place. However, when these files get damaged, it can be difficult to fix them if you don’t know the reason behind it.

This problem actually happens for several reasons, like a bad download or faulty storage. That's where an ISO fixer becomes helpful in repairing broken files and making them usable again without much effort. Thus, this article explores why ISO files sometimes fail and how to fix them using the best tools available. Alongside that, we will share other simple methods you can try on Windows 10 or 11.

Part 1. Why You Need to Fix an ISO File?

Multiple issues with your ISO file can cause it to become unusable, and the data within it can become inaccessible. A few of the reasons that can force you to find an ISO file repair solution are given below:

• Corrupted Downloads: Files can have broken data or become inaccessible due to an unstable internet connection during download, preventing the ISO file from opening or running correctly.
• Storage Errors: Damage often occurs when moving files between drives or due to bad sectors in the hard disk, making parts of the ISO file unreadable and failing to load.
• Sudden Power Loss: Power interruptions during saving or transfer can leave ISO files incomplete or broken, resulting in corruption and inability to open later.
• Unsupported Programs: Software used to open the file may not support its structure or format, making the file appear broken despite intact content.
• Malware Infection: Viruses or malware can damage ISO files, making them unreadable by system tools by targeting internal file structures or hidden metadata.

Part 2. How to Use the Best ISO Fixer to Repair Corrupt ISO Files?

As discussed above, file corruption is one reason that can cause the ISO file to not open properly. Hence, tools like Repairit File Repair are recommended as one of the best ISO fixers designed to repair broken or unreadable documents. With this tool, users can repair any damaged files due to incomplete downloads or crashes due to a power failure while saving.

You will be able to repair a whole batch of ZIP files larger than 1 GB in one go. Moreover, this dedicated file repair tool allows users to preview their repaired files to verify if they are on the right track. This feature fixes files with unclear or distorted data affected by malware attacks.

Key Features

• PowerPoint Repair: Helps fix broken PowerPoint files by extracting and rewriting all content (e.g., tables, media) into a working presentation.
• Format Support: Enables repairing multiple damaged files across 20+ formats, including RAW and FLV.
• Word File Repair: Uses advanced AI to fix corrupt Word files (e.g., HWP, RTF) compatible with almost every version.

After going through the tools' dedicated features, let's dive into the step-by-step guide and find out how to use this ISO file repair tool:

Step 1. To start repairing your ISO files, access the tool on your PC, and from the "More Types Repair” tab, access the “Archive File Repair.”

Step 2. After that, click the “Add” button to load your damaged ISO files into the tool and continue to the repair page.

Step 3. Click the “Repair” button and let the tool work for a few moments to fix the ISO file. On the next screen, select the “Save” button, then press the “Save All” button to save your fixed ISO files.

Part 3. 5 Other Ways to Fix ISO Files on Windows 10/11

Apart from utilizing this advanced ISO fixer, there are other ways to repair ISO files without downloading additional software. Below are 5 simple methods that can help fix damaged files using built-in features or easy workarounds:

Fix 1. Repair the Third-Party App for ISO Files

Many errors are not caused by the digital archive file itself but by the program trying to open it. Hence, repairing the program restores missing features that may prevent file access. Furthermore, this method helps when the ISO file works elsewhere but fails in a specific app. Thus, follow the steps explained below to learn how you can repair ISO files by making changes to the software that opens them:

Step 1. To begin the procedure, go to the "Installed App” section in the “Apps” tab in device settings. Following that, find the targeted application that opens these files and select “Advanced Options” after pressing the “Three Dots” beside it.

Step 2. Afterward, scroll down a bit and use the “Repair” button under the “Reset” settings to end the procedure.

Fix 2. Run the System File Checker Command

This is a dedicated built-in Windows tool that scans and repairs missing or broken system files. It’s a safe and automatic way to fix common problems that might stop an ISO from working. Plus, many users rely on it to fix ISO file errors caused by system issues without installing any extra programs or tools. Adhere to the following steps and learn how you can run this command to resolve the dilemma:

Step 1. Type “Command Prompt” in your system’s search bar and opt for the “Run as Administrator” option.

Step 2. When you access its main display, enter the “sfc /scannow" command, press the "Enter” button, and restart your system after completing the scan.

Fix 3. Use the DISM Command

The DISM command is another helpful Windows feature that checks and fixes deeper system problems. This command basically cleans up and restores system health by fixing broken files and settings. If an error within the system affects your ISO file, DISM can help repair ISO problems by making changes to your Windows setup. Hence, let’s dive into understanding how to utilize this command to resolve your problem:

1. Access the "Command Prompt" as an administrator.
2. Type the command "dism /online /cleanup-Image /restorehealth" and press "Enter" to repair image files and resolve the issue.

Fix 4. Change the Third-Party App for ISO Files

You can switch to a different app, as it usually solves reading or mounting issues caused by limited file support. That’s because some ISO files use specific formats that certain apps cannot open. Therefore, switching between different apps allows better compatibility and support for UDF, Joliet, and other ISO formats. The settings that allow you to change apps in the Windows repair ISO are explained in the following steps:

Step 1. Enter the “Default Apps” screen through the “Apps” tab in your settings. Once inside, you need to choose the “Choose Defaults by File Type” option.

Step 2. Here, scroll down and find the “.iso” extension from the options and click on it.

Step 3. Finally, change the app by selecting from the given options on the new screen and hit the “Set Default” button.

Fix 5. Redownload the ISO File

Any damage to the downloaded file can lead to a corrupted ISO file that cannot be opened or mounted correctly. When that’s the case, redownloading it again fixes missing file data caused by unstable internet or server-side issues. However, make sure you always download the disc image from the original source to avoid unsafe versions.

Additionally, check the file size before you open it on your device. This method is important if errors appear immediately after the first download. Before downloading the disk image to fix the ISO file, ensure that you have enough storage space and a compatible app on your drive.

Conclusion

To conclude, effectively fixing damaged ISO files is vital for maintaining access to your important data. This guide covered various methods, from simple Windows tricks to using a powerful ISO fixer for advanced issues.

While built-in solutions can handle minor problems, a dedicated tool like Repairit offers comprehensive repair for complex corruption and bulk needs. That’s because choosing the right approach ensures your ISO files are reliably restored.