Are you annoyed that your SD card is corrupted? There's nothing worse than feeling irritated at the loss of such precious photos. Fortunately, by using recovery software, you can recover lost photo files from a damaged SD card. See the steps below to find out how.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using PhotoRec (For All Operating Systems)
Step 1. Download the PhotoRec app
PhotoRec is a data recovery application that can be downloaded for free and run through the command line interface. It's not as flashy as other recovery apps, but it can be one of the most powerful file recovery solutions, and it can run on all operating systems.
PhotoRec can be downloaded from the CGSecurity page. Make sure you download the right version, according to your operating system
Step 2. Extract the PhotoRec app
PhotoRec is a lightweight program that doesn't need to be installed. Therefore, you will need to open the PhotoRec ZIP file after the download is complete, and then copy the file to an easily accessible directory on your hard drive, such as on your C: drive or on your desktop.
Step 3. Run the PhotoRec app
Double-click on the "photorec_os" file in the 'TestDisk' folder. The os part of the filename needs to be replaced based on the version you downloaded. For example, if you are using Windows, the file needs to be labeled 'photorec_win'.
Step 4. Select the card you want to recover
Make sure the SD card is inserted into the computer's card reader, or is inserted into the camera that is connected to the computer via USB. When PhotoRec starts up, you will be given the option to choose which disc or discs you want to recover. Use the pointing arrow to select your SD card.
If you have multiple partitions on the disk, you will be prompted to select the desired partition. Most memory cards are unpartitioned, so you don't need to select a partition
Step 5. Make your selections
You will be given several options before the recovery process begins. Most users do not set or readjust the options. Such as the initial settings offered by the application (default setting). However, if you want to recover files, even if they are corrupted, you can enable it in this view.
By enabling the 'brute force' mode, the fragmented files will be recovered. However, this mode increases the use of the central processing unit or CPU (Central Processing Unit)
Step 6. Decide what type of file you want to search
In general, all file types will be selected. If you know exactly what file you're looking for, you can narrow down your options to speed up your search. Each extension (file type) in the list has a short definition that can help you choose the file type you want.
If you're doing file recovery on your camera, it's a good idea to focus on files with the RAW and CR2 extensions, as well as JPGs
Step 7. Choose a file system (file system)
PhotoRec needs to know what file system is on the memory card. Most memory cards are formatted in a single system in the 'Other' category.
If you don't get any results, try doing the review one more time with other system options
Step 8. Point PhotoRec at any space or directory you want to check
Photorec will give you two choices in space or directory inspection: Free or Whole. If your memory card is damaged, you will get better results with the Whole option. The Free option will only look for files that have specifically been deleted.
Step 9. Specify a storage location for the recovered files
The last thing you should do before starting the review is determine where to save the recovered files. You must select a location on your computer and not on the memory card you are trying to recover. Use the pointer arrows to change directories.
Step 10. Wait for the file scan to finish
You can view the scan results while the scan is being performed. PhotoRec will scan the card twice to find as many files as possible. The scanning process takes a few minutes.
Step 11. Track the results obtained
Once the scan is complete, the recovered files will appear in the directory you specified earlier. The original label of the file may be lost, so you'll need to manually re-label it as you wish.
If the files you need are still damaged, there may be no way to recover them
Method 2 of 3: Using Recuva (For Windows Operating Systems)
Step 1. Download and install Recuva
Recuva is a file recovery application available in a free version for home use. This application can only be used in the Windows operating system, and already has a graphical display (no longer via the command prompt). You can download Recuva from the Piriform page.
- Make sure you select the 'Free' version when downloading.
- Most users can use the initial settings (default settings) in the application installation process.
Step 2. Insert your SD card
Make sure the card is inserted into the card reader on your computer, or the card is inserted into the camera connected to the computer via USB.
Step 3. Choose the file type you want
When you launch Recuva and click on the start page, you will be presented with a list of options for the file types you want to search for. Choose the category that suits your needs, or click on the 'Other option to manually' label to manually select the file type you want.
Step 4. Choose a scan location
On the next page, you will be asked to specify where Recuva should look for files. Select 'On my media card or iPod' then click Next.
Step 5. Decide whether you want to perform a deep scan or not
On the next page, you will be given the option to perform a Deep Scan. This type of scan is a time-intensive scan and is best done if the first scan can't recover the files you need.
Step 6. Start the scanning process
Click the Start button to start the scan. The scan will start, and a progress bar will show how far the scan has progressed. The scan time will depend on the size of your SD card.
Step 7. Browse the results that appear
Once the scan is complete, you will be given a list of files that have been recovered. Click the Switch to advanced mode button. The button activates a drop-down filter that can help you narrow down the available scan results.
The original name of the file is usually deleted during recovery, so you will have to rename the recovered file manually
Step 8. Select the files you want to recover
Put a check mark in the box that corresponds to the files you want to recover. Use the preview to determine which files you want to save. Once you have selected all the files you want to save, click the Recover button. You will be asked to specify where to save the file, and the selected file will be copied to that location.
Method 3 of 3: Using Data Rescue 3 (For Mac Operating Systems)
Step 1. Download and install Data Rescue 3
Data Rescue 3 is a paid recovery app, but is one of the more effective file recovery apps for the Mac operating system. If you want the free version, read the information listed in the first part of this article.
To install the application, double-click on the downloaded DMG file, then drag its contents to the application directory
Step 2. Run the application
When you first run the application, you will be taken to the main menu. If this is your first time using Data Rescue 3, there will only be one option available: 'Start New Scan'. Click the label to run the scan.
Step 3. Insert your SD card
Make sure that your memory card is inserted into your computer's card reader, or that it is inserted into a camera that is connected to the computer via USB or Firewire.
Step 4. Select the SD card to scan
Your SD card will appear in the list of available discs or drives. If not, make sure that the card is inserted correctly. Click the Next button after selecting the card.
Step 5. Select the type of scan you want
You will be given several options for the types of scans that can be performed. A quick scan can be a great choice for a first scan because it is a fast and effective process. If the first scan doesn't work, you can go back and try doing a deep scan or a deleted files scan. Click the Start button to start the scanning process.
Step 6. Wait for the scanning process to complete
The scanning time will depend on the size of the SD card and how damaged the card is. You can look at the progress bar to see how far the scanning process has progressed.
Step 7. Select the files you want to recover
Once the scan is complete, you will be given a list of files and directories that have been recovered. Browse through the results and check the files you want to save.
- The original names of the files are usually deleted during the recovery process, so you will have to rename the recovered files manually.
- You can preview the file by selecting it and clicking on the 'Preview' button at the bottom of the list.
Step 8. Recover the selected files
You can recover files by dragging and dropping the files you want into any location in the Finder, or by inspecting the files and clicking the Recover button. You will be asked to specify a location to save the file.
