SD cards, also known as memory cards, are used in a variety of electronic devices, especially digital cameras and smartphones. Due to their compact size and large storage capacity, they are perfect for portable media devices. However, just like any other electronic product, they are liable to malfunction.
The following are some of the common indications of SD card data loss:
- An error message saying “SD card is not accessible.”
- Not able to open your photos or videos on the SD card.
- Not able to copy any file to or from your SD card.
- A message such as “SD card not formatted. Do you want to format it now?”
Common SD Card Errors and Solutions to Fix SD Card Error
One of the most common issues that SD card users encounter is the “SD Card needs to be formatted” error. However, the exact error message for the same varies from one manufacturer to another.
Some of the most common ones include:
- SD Card is not recognised/detected.
- SD Card unexpectedly removed.
- The volume doesn’t contain a recognised file system.
- The disk structure is corrupted and unreadable.
- SD Card is blank or has an unsupported file system.
- SD Card is damaged. Try reformatting it.
When you receive these messages, your device will prompt you to format the SD card.
If you agree, then you will lose all the data stored on your card. Thus, the problem needs to be fixed in a better way.
The below methods can be used to fix the SD Card errors. Let’s have a look –
- Using another Device
It’s possible that the device you are using with the SD card is itself damaged. So, you can try using the SD card with another compatible device and see if you can access the files then.
- The CHKDSK Command
CHKDSK is a popular computer command that can be used for fixing data-related problems of various storage media devices. To use it for your SD card, insert the card in an SD card reader and then connect the card reader to a computer. Then, follow these steps:
- Launch the command prompt tool by pressing Win + R and enter “cmd” in the search box.
- In the command prompt window, enter the code “chkdsk /e” (without quotes; ‘e’ is the drive letter of the card reader).
- This should fix data corruption related issues, etc. and make the files readable again.
- Turning off Write-Protection
Many SD cards come with a write-protection feature that can be accessed with a tiny switch on the side of the card itself. If it’s enabled, then you can’t modify or delete the files on the memory card. So, by turning it off with a simple flick, you can use the SD card as you wish.
If any of these methods don’t work, then you can use a specialised data recovery software such as Stellar Photo Recovery Software. It can recover all your lost photos, videos, and other files from your SD card. It is easy to use, supports RAW file formats, and can be used for both Windows and Mac.
- Changing the Drive Letter
If you can’t access the SD card when using it on a computer, then you can try assigning a new drive letter to it. For this, follow these steps:
- Connect the SD card to your computer with a card reader.
- Right-click on My Computer and select “Manage.”
- Click on “Disk Management.”
- Right-click on your SD Card profile and select “Change Drive Letter and Paths.”
- Select the drive letter and click “Change”
- Select a new drive letter from the drop-down menu (preferably less common ones like X, Y, etc.).
What to do when an SD Card becomes dead?
If any of the above methods do not work, then it’s possible that SD Card is physically damaged or dead and you cannot recover data by yourself. The only solution that can work now is to approach a data recovery experts for SD Card Recovery.
Stellar is the only ISO/IEC 27001 & ISO 9001 certified data recovery service providers in India. They can recover data from all kind of storage devices such as SD Card, Pen drive, flash drives, hard drive etc. In addition to that, they have an advanced infrastructure and a team of highly skilled data engineers who ensure that your SD card data is recovered safely and completely.
The following are some of the reasons why to obtain Stellar Data Recovery service:
- Recovering data since 1993
- 15 Branches across India
- 100 % Data Safety and Privacy Guaranteed
- Free media pick up and drop facility
- More than 2 Million Customers
One of the key features of Stellar Data Recovery is the No Recovery, No Charge* policy under which you need to pay for the services only if the data is recovered. It’s one of the reasons why new customers are less apprehensive when choosing Stellar Services.
Tips to protect SD Card Data
If you want to protect your SD card data from any damage, then be sure to keep the following things in mind:
- Install a comprehensive antivirus on the computer.
- Use good quality card readers and data cables.
- Never disconnect an SD card when it’s still being used by a computer or some other device for a data transfer.
- Create a backup image of the SD card and update it on a regular basis.
SD cards are compact yet highly useful data storage devices. However, due to their minuscule size, they can’t be repaired once damaged. You can only recover the data stored on them with the help of specialized tools.
So, if you are looking for SD Card Recovery service, then be sure to contact only a professional who has the right tools, infrastructure, skills, and experience to get the desired results. For more information about stellar data recovery services visit their official website or dial their toll-free number 1800-102-3232