Fix: Disk Does Not Have Enough Space to Replace Bad Clusters

When performing a CHKDSK on a drive, many Windows users have received the message, “disk does not have enough space to replace faulty clusters.” Most of those who got the error message said they tried to perform the procedure several times but had the same result. The problem isn’t limited to a particular Windows version; it affects all versions of Windows operating systems.

What Causes the “The Disk Does Not Have Enough Space to Replace Bad Clusters” Error?

We looked at many user complaints and their methods to fix this CHKDSK problem to understand the problem better. According to our research, aside from the following are some examples of situations that are likely to result in CHKDSK displaying its specific error message:

• Littoral Disk Crash: You may be experiencing this problem due to a hard disk crash caused by a power loss or an abrupt and unexpected machine shutdown. If such is the case, you need to be patient until the CHKDSK scan is performed to guarantee that the remainder of your disk is in good working order.
• Failing Disk: Multiple failed sectors indicate that your hard disk fails. If CHKDSK or a similar software regularly gets new corrupted sectors, your disk will likely become irreparable in the upcoming days. If you have a failing hard disk drive, you should create a backup and replace your hard disk.

There could be several additional reasons why your hard disk is failing. The following part will discuss the most effective methods for resolving the CHKDSK problem.

What Happens When You Get a Disk Read Error Occurred Message

Bad clusters can indicate that you have a failing drive. This could be typical if you’ve owned the disk for some time. Furthermore, your disk is likely nearing the end of its life cycle, or the drive lacks sufficient room to replace clusters.

In this scenario, you must immediately begin to back up your data. If your warranty is still valid, you should make use of it. Any issues with your disk’s ability to swap defective clusters should be resolved.

Keep in mind that the CHKDSK software is the principal utility on Windows for dealing with disk-related issues. CHKDSK fixes bad sectors by transferring the bad sector’s code to a blank sector, and the best course of action is to sit tight and wait for the results of a scan before moving on to other options.

Another possible interpretation of this problem is that the disk in question has reached the end of its useful life. Every disk has a predetermined lifespan, and as the end of that lifespan draws nearer, you should anticipate that it will break down more frequently than usual. Such as free space to replace bad clusters, detect extra sectors, generate bad sectors consistently, and much more.

You should buy a new Disk in this instance, or if you don’t have enough disk space to rectify problems.

How to Fix the “Disk Does Not Have Enough Space to Replace Bad Clusters” Error Message in the CHKDSK Utility Scan

The device’s design ensures that it will never experience a shortage of storage sectors during the typical lifespan of a hard drive, which is five years. If you have purchased a new hard disk drive and are experiencing a capacity issue, the drive is producing a massive number of defective sectors and cannot replace them. This, in turn, can cause data loss or a replacement of your entire drive.

Several people have successfully addressed the chkdsk insufficient disk space problem using the solutions described in our article. Before following our solutions, we recommend backing up your files and data to a cloud or external storage device so you can bring them over to your new drive in case you need to replace them.

First Method – Wait for the CHKDSK Utility to Finish Scanning

Don’t shut down the CHKDSK window if you get an error message stating there isn’t enough room on your disk to replace defective clusters. When you do this, an operation still being worked on will be stopped midway through.

Although the CHKDSK scan may take two to four hours, especially if you have a lot of files on your drive, the CHKDSK software will keep trying to fix your hard disk.

If too many sectors need repair, the operation time may be lengthened by one or two hours. If you still have issues with the disk, you can try applying the other methods below.

Second Method – Regenerate Bad Clusters – Victoria App

There may be some good sectors left on your hard disk even though CHKDSK could not fix some problematic sectors; this is called being fortunate. Using effective isolation methods, you can create partitions on your drive so that the bad sector will not be a part of the partition. This will allow you to access all of the data on your disk.

Various third-party programs will let you perform this type of separation. Some of these items are available for free, while others need payment.

Recommended: Fortect System Repair Tool – Fix Errors & Speed Up Windows Automatically

Don’t be concerned. We understand your desire to utilize a free option that can do the same functions as premium software with a few minor tweaks. Many people have discovered freebies such as Victoria and HDD regenerator – a third-party software that can detect and repair damaged sectors on your disk or external hard disk without spending a penny.

Take note that Victoria does not work on a USB Flash Drive. Follow these steps to regenerate bad sectors with Victoria.

1. Download the Victoria app by clicking here.
2. Once you have downloaded the installer file of Victoria, proceed with launching the file.
3. You will be brought to its homepage. Select the drive displaying the CHKDSK error and click on the “SMART” tab.

4. While we’re at it, there are two main items that we should look at. Review the Reallocated sector count once the analysis is finished. If the number exceeds ten, the error is not a false positive, and you’re dealing with defective sectors.
   Also, check your drive’s status (which can be found near the Get SMART button). If the status is GOOD, there is a good chance that you will be able to fix the problem and continue using the HDD.

5. If your Reallocated Sector count is higher than 10, click on the “Test & Repair” tab and “Scan.”

6. After the scan has been completed, you should be able to successfully regenerate your disk by restarting the computer. 
7. To ensure that Victoria could fix bad sectors, run a CHKDSK utility scan.

• See Also: How to Fix: Hard Drive Not Showing Up

Fourth Method – Extend the Volume of Your Drive

If you increase the system volume, also known as the C: partition, you can fully use any spare or unallocated space on your hard drive unused by any other partitions. The most crucial advantage of expanding the size of the C drive is that it will help your computer achieve better, more optimized performance at a higher speed.

1. Press “Windows + R” on your keyboard and type “diskmgmt.msc” and hit enter on your keyboard or click “OK.”

2. Right-click on the disk on which you want to extend the volume and select “Extend Volume.”

3. Follow the prompts on the Wizard, and you should be all set.
4. Open CHKDSK Scan, begin scanning, and confirm if this fixes the problem.

Recommended: Fortect System Repair Tool – Fix Errors & Speed Up Windows Automatically

Final Words

A hard disk drive is an essential part of your computer. It holds all your data, files, and the Operating System. A failing disk can’t replace bad clusters. Therefore, it’s just a matter of time before your disk becomes unusable. We highly recommend getting it fixed before it’s too late. Make sure to back up all your files just in case the worst happens.