Expandable storage hardware such as SD cards are a great way of getting more Data Recovery storage space for devices such as cameras, portable gaming devices and mobile phones. With amazing features such as write protect to avoid accidental file delete or alteration; these cards are, without a doubt, here to stay. So, what next if it malfunctions or ‘’dies’’?
SD cards are popularly used by cameras for storage. You would not want those special memories captured in photographs to disappear. Here is a guide on how to recover files from a dead SD card. Most recovery processes require assistance from third party software, depending on the extent of the damage. SD cards ‘’die’’ for different reasons. It might be impossible to recover files from a physically damaged SD card. However, if the malfunction was caused by malicious Data Recovery software, device firmware or the camera’s operating system, it is possible to recover these files.
The most common way SD cards malfunction is the wrong ejection or removing the card while it is still writing. The file system corrupts and Data Recovery is lost. Most cards are resistant, but not fully immune. If your SD card corrupts, here’s what you do.
1. Confirm that it is the SD card at fault not the reader in your device, preferably the same device you were using with the corrupted SD card. Find another SD card that you can confirm its functionality status. If you are sure it works, insert it into your device. If the SD card reads, then the problem is with your dead SD card.
2. Use a reliable computer or laptop that you are well familiar with. Ensure it is clean with no malicious software or virus.
3. Do not format the card, even if the device or computer recommends this. Run it through a reliable USB protection software or antivirus. Your files might be recovered at this stage. If this does not happen, you will need an advanced mechanism to recover your files.
4. There exists a couple of software available online for free that promise to recover files from corrupt SD cards. Disk Digger and Ease US are good examples. They are easy to use and the overall user rating is reassuring. Do a quick internet search and identify one or two.
Check on its r user rating and reviews. Reading customer feedback before downloading a freeware is important as these are real users with experience with the software. After going through the available satisfaction ratings, download the software with the best reviews.
5. You now have a reliable application you will use to recover your files. Most Twitter applications have an easy setup process so you should not have any problem at this stage. If you are not sure, go online to the software’s parent website and read the installation guide.
6. Insert the SD card into your computer and run the program. At this stage, you will have initiated the recovery process, and it is important it runs to completion uninterrupted. Once complete, the files will appear in the destination folder you selected at the beginning. Save your results and view if your effort was successful.
Finally, When using third party software, your security is paramount. Some free programs downloadable online carry harmful software such as spyware and Trojans. It is imperative that you don’t become a victim.