https://www.makeuseof.com/old-files-may-already-corrupting-nothing-warns-you-until-too-late/
I checked my old files and found corruption silently destroying them before I ever got a warning
Windows file system
By Afam Onyimadu
Published Jul 24, 2026, 2:30 PM EDT
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Afam’s experience in tech publishing dates back to 2018, when he worked for Make Tech Easier. Over the years, he has built a reputation for publishing high-quality guides, reviews, tips, and explainer articles, covering Windows, Linux, and open source tools. His work has been featured on top websites, including Technical Ustad, Windows Report, Guiding Tech, Alphr, and Next of Windows.
He holds a first degree in Computer Science and is a strong advocate for data privacy and security, with several tips, videos, and tutorials on the subject published on the Fuzo Tech YouTube channel.
When he is not working, he loves to spend time with his family, cycling, or tending to his garden.
Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents:
One of my favorite photos that I had kept for years wouldn’t open. The filename was right, and the size seemed unchanged, yet it was somehow corrupted. Even though I hadn’t touched it in several months, that file was no longer the photo I had taken.
Sadly, computers don’t warn you when a file changes. Maybe it’s because, as far as they know, nothing has changed. But there’s a real chance that your old backups or folders that sat untouched since you saved them have changed.
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Ouch, this really scares me. You mean all my time, attention, effort, and dikw into “backing up” and stuff may still be lost? I’m not a “happy camper”. Argh!
3 is 2! 2 is 1! 1 is none! Look for redundant capability; not redundant gear!
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Reinke Faces Life 