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FILEDOCTOR REPAIR PLAYBOOK / 5 STEPS

WAV File Will Not Play: Check the Header

A WAV file can fail if its RIFF size, WAVE identifier, or format/data chunk is missing.

Work from a copy. Some damage cannot be recovered. Avoid uploading private files to untrusted services or overwriting the only original.

Step-by-step troubleshooting

  1. 01

    Preserve the recording

    Keep the original audio file untouched.

  2. 02

    Inspect container bytes

    Use the WAV Audio Header Checker to confirm RIFF and WAVE markers.

  3. 03

    Review reported metadata

    Check for a fmt chunk, data chunk and a plausible sample rate.

  4. 04

    Try a trusted editor

    An audio editor may open partial recordings and re-export the valid portion.

  5. 05

    Return to the capture source

    If audio samples were not recorded, header adjustments cannot recreate them.

NEXT ACTION / TEST YOUR FILE

Check before repairing.

Run an appropriate browser-side check to understand what can be verified about the file.

Open WAV Audio Header Checker ↗

What if the file is still broken?

Structural checks can identify evidence of truncation, checksum errors or a format mismatch, but a successful check does not prove every application can decode the file. If critical data is missing, restore from backup, request a new copy or use a reputable specialist with permission to access the content.

For important or sensitive files, retain a copy of the original and document each recovery attempt. Avoid tools that promise guaranteed reconstruction of missing bytes.

For a practical recovery order that minimizes accidental damage, see our safe file recovery checklist. For format-specific limits, see supported formats and test scope.

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