Applies to:

Both Windows and Mac versions of Acronis True Image (any year edition).

Symptom

1. You try to run backup or recovery task in Acronis True Image, either automatically by schedule, or manually.

2. The task fails with the error message "Read error or data content is corrupted":

Mac:

Windows:

Not to be confused with errors about metadata. The present article applies only to the error about data content, not metadata.

Cause

Local backups: possible issue with the connection to the backup storage device or an issue with the storage device itself.

Local and Cloud backups: the main body part of the backup could have been written incorrectly from the beginning, or there was an unsuccessful attempt to update the backup afterwards. The backup is damaged at present and is not readable. Such backup is also called "corrupted".

Resolution

1. Verify connection to the backup location

Re-connect the storage device to the computer.

NAS device - reboot the NAS.

USB HDD with external power supply - turn it off and back on.

Wireless connection - check if the issue persists with a wired connection.

Make sure the cables are plugged in firmly, try a different port (if available).

Backups in Acronis Cloud: check Internet connection, check if any file can be restored from the backup using the web console.

2. Check the backup storage device (local backups)

NAS device - open the NAS management console, navigate to the storage's health section, run the available diagnostic checks.

USB disks, internal disks (click to expand)

1) Free CrystalDiskInfo utility instantly reads the disk health status as reported by the disk itself and displays it as Good, Caution or Bad. It is the quickest way to identify a disk hardware failure.

2) Dedicated diagnostic utilities from the disk manufacturers take longer time to complete the checks, but provide the most accurate methods of checking whether the disk is good or needs replacement:

 - Western Digital drives: Data Lifeguard Diagnostic for Windows

 - Seagate disks: SeaTools for Windows

 - HGST disks: HGST Windows Drive Fitness Test (WinDFT)

 - Intel SSDs: Intel Solid State Drive Toolbox

 - Samsung drives: Samsung Magician

 - ADATA drives: ADATA SSD ToolBox

 - Kingston SSDs: Kingston SSD Toolbox, Kingston SSD Manager

 - Transcend SSDs: Transcend SSD Scope

 - Silicon Power disks: SP ToolBox

 - Toshiba disks: Toshiba PC Diagnostic Tool Utility

3. Recreate the backup from scratch

If the connection is fine (local, Cloud backups) and the backup storage device (local backups) is fine, proceed with re-creating the backup:

1) Click the backup in question and open its context menu:

2) Choose Delete

3) Confirm the deletion:

4) Create a new backup task and run it

More information

To reduce the risks of the backup corruption in future, always disconnect the backup storage device properly (using Safely remove hardware in Windows or Eject function in Mac for external drives), avoid pressing "Reset" button (NAS devices, PC, Mac). Consider adding protection from power surges, for a smoothly running environment.

If you are using local backups only, consider Acronis Cloud as an additional backup storage location for the most important files and data.