How to Fix ERROR_DATA_CHECKSUM_ERROR

If you encounter an error data checksum error, it means the integrity of a file or system data has been compromised. This issue can appear in various scenarios, such as when extracting archives in WinRAR, loading ZIP files, or even during system boot with a CMOS checksum error. In each case, the checksum verification process detects that the file’s current data does not match its expected value, signaling corruption or unauthorized modification.

How do I fix ERROR_DATA_CHECKSUM_ERROR?

1. Run Check Disk Utility (chkdsk)

1. Press Windows + X and select Terminal (Admin).
2. Type the following command and press Enter (Replace C: with the affected drive letter): chkdsk C: /f /r /x
3. Follow on-screen instructions and reboot after the scan.

Checking the disk for errors is the first thing to do when you get an error such as ERROR_DATA_CHECKSUM_ERROR and usually it fixes the problem. If you find any errors on the drive, click the highlighted link to learn how to fix them.

2. Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

1. Press Windows + X and select Terminal (Admin).
2. Run the SFC scan by typing the following command and pressing Enter: sfc /scannow
3. If the issue persists, run DISM to fix the Windows image: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
4. Reboot after completion.

The ERROR_DATA_CHECKSUM_ERROR is sometimes caused by file system corruption so SFC and DISM scans will check and repair any such issues.

3. Check and replace faulty RAM

1. Press Windows + R, type mdsched.exe, and press Enter.
2. Choose Restart now and check for problems.
3. If errors are detected, consider replacing the RAM.

Corrupted RAM can lead to checksum errors. Besides using Windows Memory Diagnostic, if possible, open the PC case and reseat the RAM modules on the motherboard.

4. Fix BIOS-Related Checksum Errors

If you face a CMOS checksum error at boot, your BIOS settings or battery may be faulty. Follow our dedicated fix for MBR checksum mismatch errors if your boot sector is affected.

1. Restart your PC and enter BIOS (usually by pressing F2 or Del).
2. Load default BIOS settings and save changes.
3. If the error persists, replace the CMOS battery.

5. Update or reinstall the disk drive and storage controllers drivers

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the Disk drives and the Storage controllers sections
3. Right-click each device and select Update driver.
4. Reboot after updating all essential drivers.

You may also go to the disk drive manufacturer’s website and download the correct drivers for your system. If the system doesn’t find any new drivers, install the latest Windows updates and try using a driver update utility. Such tools update your drivers automatically and a lot faster than you could do it manually.

If the solutions above didn’t fix the problem, as a last resort, you may also perform a Windows 11 clean installation. This isn’t the only error you can encounter, and we covered ERROR_NOT_TINY_STREAM in our latest article.

Why Do Checksum Errors Happen?

Checksums are used to verify that data has not been altered during storage or transfer. When a checksum mismatch occurs, it usually means:

• File corruption due to incomplete downloads or damaged storage media.
• Data alteration caused by malware or faulty applications.
• Memory or hardware issues impacting file integrity.
• Improper shutdowns or power interruptions during data writing.
• Incorrect BIOS settings causing startup checksum warnings.

If you are not familiar with how checksums work, check our detailed guide on how Windows uses checksum.

Wrapping Up

We hope that the steps above helped you fix the ERROR_DATA_CHECKSUM_ERROR and now everything is back to normal. For any other questions or suggestions, don’t hesitate to use the comments section below to let us know.