Removable storage such as memory card are great but they`re fragile and don`t like being mistreated. They can accommodate all your data need of phone or camera. But when a card stops working you can lose a lot. Here we`ve focused on recovering files including photos, videos and documents. The basic principal remains the same for all type of files.
Here`s what you should do if your trusty memory card has stopped working. Don`t format the disk if you want to retain any of the photos in it. Follow standard tips on how to format a disk after you`ve tried to recover any files that are on our card.
And unless you have a lot of valuable data that you absolutely need to get back, we`d caution against self adventure activity. At least, not before you have tried the following.
Check this out to learn more on memory card recovery.
First try and find a different card reader. If you’ve inserted an SD card into your laptop or PC’s built-in slot and nothing happens, try using a different computer or a USB card reader. Sometimes it’s the reader at fault – not the card. You can buy a USB SD card reader online.
How to recover files from a memory card: recovery software
There are many free programs which claim to be able to recover data from corrupt or ‘dead’ memory cards. We explain step by step Memory card Recovery utility to recover lost files, but the same process works for SD cards whose contents can’t be seen in Windows Explorer.
When using such software, generally there are no guarantees you’ll get your files back intact, and typically they will lose their original file names which could be an issue for some people. Others will be able to rename recovered files with relative ease. However Memory Card Recovery is different.
Some free recovery programs are limited on the number of files or amount of data they will recover, so look for any limitations before downloading. Also beware of additional unwanted programs which might be installed alongside free software: never use the ‘Recommended’ installation option. Always choose ‘Manual’ and carefully read each screen, opting out of search bars and other software.
Most programs work in a similar fashion, but these instructions will give you an overview of how to use it.
Install Memory Card Recovery, and then insert the damaged SD card into your PC’s card reader. Launch MEMORY CARD RECOVERY. (You may have to disable your PC’s security software, in which case we recommend you also disable the internet connection).
When prompted, click the Image Recovery (Free) option. This will help you to recover photos from an SD card.
MEMORY CARD RECOVERY will now look for devices that are installed, and you need to point it toward the offending card. Select the correct disk and click next. Memory Card Recovery will now analyze your memory card. This will take a few minutes.
Once this is complete you’ll see a list of the recovered files. Click next and you can then select the folder into which recovered files will be placed. By default this will be the same as the folder your chose to save. Once you purchase the software you can save the files.
One important point: you will be asked to select a destination folder for the recovered files. Make sure you choose one on your PC’s hard disk and not back on to the corrupt memory card. The latter option will help you not one jot!
It will take a few minutes for the files to copy across. Once this is complete browse to the destination folder you selected. You should find most if not all of the files you wanted to rescue.