SD card.

A memory card is an electronic data storage device used for storing digital media such as photos, videos, and data files - typically using flash memory. It’s usually used in small, portable devices such as digital cameras and mobile phones. 

The most common memory card formats today are SD and micro SD.

Since SD cards are used in phones and cameras, they tend to contain valuable files that document our lives. 

common causes of SD card data loss.

SD cards can lose your photos and videos for a wide range of reasons:

• damaged cameras

• reformatted SD cards

• corrupt files

• accidental file deletion

• unsafely ejected cards

• electrical damage

• cracked cards

• water, fire, or other physical damage

how to spot SD card data loss.

The following SD card errors usually indicate data loss:

- card not detected

- card not recognized by the device

- missing photos

- damaged photos (missing pixels, grayed-out appearance, lines running through image)

tips to prevent SD card data loss.

SD cards are great, however, they are fragile and don't like being mistreated.

Although SD card data loss is a common problem, many times it could be preventable.

To minimize the risk of potential failure, you should:

1. transfer photos from the card.

The most critical step in preventing data loss is transferring your pictures and videos from your SD card. If anything happens to your card in the future, you will still have your photos in another safe location.

Keep a backup of your images in at least two different locations. If you have a laptop with you, then the laptop becomes primary storage and the memory cards are secondary storage. If you have a laptop and an external drive, then those two become primary and secondary, while memory cards become tertiary storage.

2. backup cards to a cloud-based system.

Another crucial way to prevent data loss is to upload your images to a cloud-based storage system, such as iCloud or Google Photos. Doing so will allow you to access your photos and videos from any mobile browser, and dramatically decrease the chance of data loss.

3. use the “Eject” command to remove the card safely.

Once you finish backing up your photos on your computer, click the SD card icon and select “Eject.” You can now remove the card without risking accidental deletion or corruption.

4. store your SD card in a cool, dry place.

Hot, cold, or humid weather conditions can damage your SD card. It is recommended to store your card in a cool, dry location and limit the exposure to harsh weather conditions as much as possible.

5. avoid static charges.

If you are in a very dry environment and you wear clothes that gather a lot of static, you should avoid touching memory cards. While the exterior shell of most memory cards is made out of plastic, the pins that connect to devices are made from copper and other materials that conduct electricity. Since electrical components can easily get fried with a static charge, you want to avoid touching them.

6. mark used cards.

Mark or label the SD card after it was used to make sure you don't format a used card with the photos you need. While you can recover photos from properly formatted cards, the images you had before are not recoverable if you write anything over the formatted card, especially if you fill up the card with new images.

7. replace SD cards every few years.

Keep in mind that with any storage type, the question is not “if”, but “when” it will fail. SD cards fail and the more you use them, the more likely they are to fail at some point in time. Make it a good practice to replace them every so often. Also, keep in mind that new memory cards are most likely going to be much faster and potentially even more reliable compared to your old cards.

what to do when your SD card becomes corrupt.

To maximize the possibility of photos and videos recovery, you should:

1. stop using the card.

If you have inadvertently deleted images from your SD card or prematurely formatted the card, stop using that card. When you delete a file or reformat an SD card in your camera, the index information for those images is removed. However, the original image files usually are not deleted. To maximize your chances of recovering deleted files, don’t write any new data to the card until you have tried to recover the deleted files.

2. do not format the SD card.

Formatting your SD card may leave your images intact, though some cameras may wipe the data during a format and recovery isn’t guaranteed.

3. turn off your camera or smartphone.

This will prevent any future activity from damaging the card further.

4. remove the SD card from your device.

Carefully remove the SD card from your digital camera or smartphone. Try not to force the card if it appears stuck. You don't want to cause any more physical damage.

5. now you can try to use a data recovery application.

If the SD card is readable by your computer, you can try to download a data recovery application. The data recovery software will scan the entire card looking for images and data files that are still intact and haven’t been overwritten. These files aren’t visible in your operating system but can be retrieved by data recovery applications.

Searching for memory card file recovery tools online may lead you to results from dubious sources and questionable quality. Many memory card manufacturers provide their data recovery tools (either free or paid), but unfortunately, less reputable applications often obscure them in online search results.

Here are some proven data recovery applications from the biggest memory card manufacturers:

Lexar - a free Lexar Recovery Tool can recover various deleted file types on memory cards and USB flash drives.

Sony - a free file rescue tool called Memory Card File Rescue, designed specifically for Sony memory cards.

SanDisk - to recover deleted files, they recommend SanDisk RescuePRO and RescuePRO Deluxe from LC Technology. The trial version will only preview the found files. Actual recovery requires purchasing a license.

ProGrade Digital - they offer Recovery Pro, a file recovery application. The trial allows you to see files that can be recovered, but actual recovery requires purchasing a license.

Delkin - they also partner with LC Technology for file recovery software called PHOTORECOVERY. A demo version offers a preview of files that can be recovered. Actual recovery requires a license purchase.

Transcend - they offer a free data recovery application called RecoverRx.

Windows File Recovery - Microsoft provides a free application for Windows 10 or later, called Windows File Recovery that may be able to recover deleted files.

You don’t necessarily need to match the data recovery application with the card brand. Many applications will find deleted files on other manufacturers’ cards.

6. find a data recovery specialist.

When your SD card is physically damaged, it may no longer be readable by a computer. So, if your computer or laptop doesn't recognize your SD card, first try it on a different computer. Sometimes it's the reader at fault, not the card. If it is still not recognized, don't try to fix your SD card yourself. The last thing you want is to damage your SD card further or accidentally delete more photos. Instead, secure the SD card in its plastic case, a small bag, or a box and send the card to a professional data recovery company that has the specialized tools needed for accessing the data. 

if you’re planning a photo trip.

Photos and videos capture the precious moments in time that together create a story of feeling, beauty, and life.

In 1987, in order to recognize the role photography plays in modern society, May became National Photography Month.

If you are a photo enthusiast, follow these tips to avoid any unpleasant surprises and painful photo loss:

- check all your gear before you go on a trip (make sure everything is in working order)

- update the software on your laptop

-  be sure to have outlets for all your electronics – laptop, phone, battery charger

- if you’re going to a foreign country, be sure to have the right adapters

- bring enough memory cards so you won’t have to format while on your trip

- and last but not least - backup. If possible, bring an external hard drive to back up your precious images each day.

Unfortunately, no matter how planned our security measures are, most of us will at some point encounter SD card data loss which can be extremely stressful. Photos and videos document unique moments in our lives and when your SD card becomes corrupt and loses your irreplaceable images, you may feel like your memories have been lost along with it. For a professional photographer, sudden data loss can also mean weeks of lost work, which can have a serious economic impact on their business.

Kotar Data Recovery has extensive experience in recovering data from damaged SD cards. We pay special attention to privacy, safety and security. Our professional data recovery services include free shipping, free evaluation and a no data, no fee guarantee.