- Recovering From Corrupted Steam Cache Files in Windows
- Using Chkdsk to Repair Drive Errors
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator
- Type the Chkdsk Command
- Add Parameters like /f and /r
- Press Enter and Schedule Scan
- Alternative Disk Repair Tools
- Adjusting BIOS Settings
- Deleting Hidden Directories
- When All Else Fails, Replace the Drive
- References
Recovering From Corrupted Steam Cache Files in Windows
As an avid PC gamer, few things are more frustrating than running into issues with game clients like Steam. Recently, one user ran into problems deleting corrupted cache files from their Steam installation on Windows 10. Despite multiple attempts to remove the stubborn folders through various methods, they kept getting hit with cryptic error codes like 0x80070570.
After seeking help on forums, users offered various tips and tricks for eliminating corrupted Steam cache files. We’ll explore the core recommendations experts provided, including utilizing the built-in disk checking utilities in Windows and Command Prompt. By walking through the solutions together, we can equip ourselves to tackle this common headache when it rears its ugly head.
Using Chkdsk to Repair Drive Errors
The most frequently suggested remedy for removing corrupted Steam cache folders is running the Chkdsk disk checking tool. This handy Windows utility scans your drive for errors and then attempts to repair any issues it finds.
Here are the steps for using it:
Open Command Prompt as Administrator
Chkdsk requires elevated permissions to run, so you need to open the Command Prompt as an Administrator. The easiest way is to pressWindows Key + Xand selectCommand Prompt (Admin).
Type the Chkdsk Command
Once in the Admin Command Prompt, typechkdskfollowed by the drive letter you want to check. For example, to scan the C drive, you would enterchkdsk C:.
Add Parameters like /f and /r
You can customize what Chkdsk does by adding parameters:
-
/f– Fixes errors on the disk. -
/r– Locates bad sectors and recovers readable information. This is very thorough but slower.
So a full command might bechkdsk C: /f /r.
Press Enter and Schedule Scan
Hit enter to execute the command. If the drive is in use, you’ll be asked to schedule the scan for the next restart. Agree to this and reboot your PC to begin.
Pro Tip:The/rscan can take hours depending on drive size, so run it overnight!
Chkdsk should repair any file system corruption that’s preventing deletion of files. Once finished, you should be able to remove the troublesome Steam cache folders.
Alternative Disk Repair Tools
If Chkdsk doesn’t seem to do the trick, you can also try the built-in Windows disk checking utility. HitWindows Key + Rand enterCHKDSKto open it up. This provides a simple GUI for scanning and automatically repairing drive issues.
Adjusting BIOS Settings
Beyond disk errors, some users pointed to motherboard BIOS configurations as a potential culprit behind undeleteable folders. You can try adjusting these settings to see if it resolves the issue:
-
AHCI Mode– Ensure SATA connections are set to AHCI rather than IDE or RAID.
-
Fast Boot– Disable fast boot options to eliminate potential driver problems.
Access your BIOS by pressing the appropriate key during bootup (F2, Delete, etc.) and browse for the above options. The layout varies by manufacturer. Changes require a restart to take effect.
Deleting Hidden Directories
Some stubborn folders may be undeletable because they are actually hidden system directories. You can attempt to remove these manually from Command Prompt.
Here are a few common hidden folders that cause problems:
C:\Users\<User>\AppData\Local\Steam\htmlcacheC:\ProgramData\Steam\packages
To delete them:
- Open Admin Command Prompt
- Enter
RD /S /Q <FolderPath> - Repeat for other paths
This should forcibly remove the hidden folders if simple deletion fails.
When All Else Fails, Replace the Drive
If no amount of file system repairs and tweaks allows you to remove the corrupted Steam cache files, the hard drive itself may be failing. When CHKDSK finds drive errors it cannot fix, physical disk replacement is unfortunately necessary.
Back up any data you want to save, then install a brand new drive. Once booted into the new disk, you can format the old one to salvage any working space before proper disposal.
While disk failures are never fun, hopefully this breakdown of professional tips helps you quickly eliminate those pesky undeleteable Steam folders. Let us know if you have any other fixes for this common PC gaming headache!
