Steps to Recover Deleted Files from SD Card

Have you ever accidentally deleted crucial files from your SD card? Losing important data can be a frustrating and stressful experience. Thankfully, there are methods and software available to help you recover those lost files. In this guide, I’ll share my personal experience and the steps I took to successfully recover deleted files from an SD card using various tools and techniques. From Disk Drill to other reliable methods, this guide covers everything you need to know. We’ll explore different scenarios, step-by-step methods, and some essential tips to ensure you can recover your files efficiently. Let’s dive in!

Common Scenarios:

Accidentally Deleted Files from SD Card 💔

Accidentally deleting files is a common occurrence and can happen due to a simple mistake or a system error. Such incidents can cause you to lose photos, videos, documents, and more. Whether it’s due to accidentally pressing the ‘Delete’ button or a malfunctioning device, the panic that follows can be overwhelming.

Formatted the SD Card by Mistake 👍

Formatting the SD card by mistake can lead to a complete loss of data. This often happens when users are trying to clear space or resolve an issue, only to realize too late that they’ve wiped out crucial data. Recovering files from a formatted card can be more challenging but certainly possible with the right methods.

SD Card Corrupted or Inaccessible ☠

Corrupted or inaccessible SD cards pose a significant problem. They often result from improper ejection, virus infections, or physical damage to the card. When this happens, the card might show errors when connected to a device, or files might disappear entirely. It’s critical to act fast to recover the files before further damage occurs.

Step-by-Step Guide. Recover Deleted Files From Sd Card:

Method 1: Using Disk Drill 🛠

Download and install Disk Drill from its official website.
Insert the SD card into your computer and launch Disk Drill.
Select your SD card from the list of available drives and click on the ‘Recover’ button.
Let the software scan your SD card for deleted files. This might take some time, depending on the size of the card and the amount of data.
Once the scan is complete, review the list of recoverable files and select the ones you want to restore. Click ‘Recover’ again to save them to a safe location.

Note: Make sure to save the recovered files to a different location to avoid overwriting any data on the SD card.

Conclusion: Disk Drill is a powerful and user-friendly tool that makes recovering deleted files from an SD card straightforward and efficient.

Method 2: Using Recuva 🎆

Download and install Recuva from its official website.
Connect the SD card to your computer and open Recuva.
Use the Recuva wizard to select the type of files you want to recover and the location (in this case, your SD card).
Click ‘Start’ to begin the scan. Recuva will analyze the SD card for deleted files.
Once the scan is done, select the files you wish to restore and click ‘Recover’ to save them to a different location on your computer.

Note: Avoid writing new data to the SD card until you complete the recovery process.

Conclusion: Recuva is a reliable and free option for recovering deleted files, especially for users who prefer a straightforward recovery process.

Method 3: Using PhotoRec 📷

Download PhotoRec and its companion software TestDisk from their official website.
Connect the SD card to your computer and extract the downloaded files.
Launch PhotoRec from the extracted folder.
Select your SD card from the list of drives and choose the partition you want to recover data from.
Choose a destination folder to save the recovered files and start the recovery process.

Note: PhotoRec works in a command-line interface, which might not be user-friendly for everyone.

Conclusion: PhotoRec is a powerful, open-source tool that can recover a wide range of file types, though it might require some technical know-how.

Method 4: Using EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard ⚙

Download and install EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard from its official website.
Insert your SD card into the computer and open the software.
Select the SD card and click on ‘Scan’ to let the software search for deleted files.
Review the list of recoverable files once the scan is finished. You can filter by file type or date to make finding your files easier.
Select the files you want to recover and click ‘Recover’ to save them to a different location.

Note: Make sure to review all recoverable files before proceeding with the recovery.

Conclusion: EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard offers a user-friendly interface and a robust recovery process, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Method 5: Using Wondershare Recoverit 🏆

Download and install Wondershare Recoverit from its official website.
Insert the SD card into your computer and launch the software.
Select your SD card as the target location and click on ‘Start’ to begin scanning.
Once the scanning is complete, review the list of recoverable files. You can preview the files before recovery.
Select the files you wish to recover and click on ‘Recover’ to save them to a safe location on your computer.

Note: The preview feature helps ensure you are recovering the correct files.

Conclusion: Wondershare Recoverit is a comprehensive solution for anyone needing to recover deleted files from an SD card, offering detailed scans and a user-friendly interface.

Method 6: Using CMD (Windows) 📟

Insert the SD card into your computer.
Open the ‘Command Prompt’ as an administrator.
Type `chkdsk [SD card letter]: /f` and press Enter. Replace `[SD card letter]` with the appropriate drive letter.
Allow the scan to complete. CHKDSK will attempt to fix any file system errors.
After the scan, check your SD card to see if the files have been restored.

Note: This method primarily fixes file system errors and might recover some lost files.

Conclusion: Using the CMD (Command Prompt) is a technical but free method to attempt SD card recovery. While it may not always recover deleted files, it can resolve file system issues.

Watch on Youtube: Steps to Recover Deleted Files from SD Card

Precautions and Tips:

Safeguard Your SD Card 🛡

Always safely eject your SD card from devices to prevent corruption.
Regularly back up your SD card data to another storage medium.
Avoid using the SD card once files are deleted to prevent overwriting.
Keep your SD card free from malware by using trustworthy antivirus software.
Handle your SD card with care to prevent physical damage.

Regular Maintenance 🛠

Routinely check your SD card for bad sectors using error-checking tools.
Format your SD card occasionally to keep it in good health, but ensure all important files are backed up first.
Keep your device’s firmware updated to handle SD cards effectively.

Use Reliable Software 🛠

Choose trusted and reputable software for data recovery to avoid further damage to your SD card.
Stay updated with software recommendations and reviews to pick the best tools for your needs.
Test the recovery software with non-critical data first to ensure it works well before relying on it for critical recovery.

Added Tips

When dealing with SD cards, it’s essential to stay informed and proactive about maintenance and recovery strategies. Here are some valuable tips and resources to enhance your experience:

When choosing a recovery tool, prioritize those that have good reviews and consistent updates. Some recovery can be complex, and using trustworthy software is crucial for success. Tools like Recuva and EaseUS consistently receive positive feedback for their effectiveness and user-friendly interfaces.

If you encounter a physical damage issue with your SD card, seeking professional help might be necessary. Services like Ontrack Data Recovery offer specialized support for severe cases where standard software fails.

Don’t overlook regular backups. Utilize cloud services such as Google Drive or Dropbox to keep your data safe. These platforms provide automated backup options and can significantly reduce the risk of data loss.

Lastly, stay informed about the latest trends and software in data recovery. Websites like TechRadar and Tom’s Guide offer reviews and articles on the latest recovery tools and techniques, helping you stay prepared for future incidents.

Conclusion:

Recovering deleted files from an SD card can seem daunting, but with the right tools and methods, it is entirely achievable. This guide has highlighted multiple ways to help you retrieve your lost data, from using reliable software like Disk Drill to exploring alternative methods. By following these steps and tips, you can increase your chances of successful recovery and protect your data in the future. For additional insights on how to use memory card recovery software effectively (Article on LinkedIn), check out this comprehensive guide. Stay diligent and proactive to keep your SD card data safe and accessible.

Mac users, check out the LinkedIn tutorial on recovering deleted files from an SD card using Disk Drill. This app is highly recommended for its features, scanning options, reliability, price, and user reviews. Follow the step-by-step instructions, but be prepared for the scanning process to take some time.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-recover-deleted-files-from-sd-card-mac-macgasm-yrmke

FAQ

How do you recover deleted files from an SD card using manual methods?

To manually recover deleted files from an SD card, you can attempt to use the Command Prompt. Run the command chkdsk followed by your SD card’s letter and parameters like /r to fix errors.

Can recovery software retrieve my deleted files from an SD card?

Indeed, recovery software like Recuva or TestDisk can efficiently scan and recover lost files from SD cards. These tools often support a variety of file types.

Is it possible to recover deleted files from an SD card without a computer?

Yes, you can use mobile apps such as DiskDigger available on Android to recover deleted files from an SD card directly on your smartphone or tablet.

What should I do first to recover lost files from an SD card?

Immediately stop using the SD card to avoid overwriting data. Then, use a reliable data recovery software or seek professional assistance to maximize item recovery chances.

Can physical damage on an SD card affect data recovery?

Physical damage can severely impact the ability to recover files. For damaged cards, consider consulting professional data recovery services which may have specialized equipment for this purpose.

Are there any reliable data recovery services for SD card recovery?

Professional services like Ontrack or DriveSavers offer specialized data recovery services for retrieving files from SD cards.

How does an SD card reader assist in recovering deleted files?

An SD card reader helps connect your SD card to a computer, allowing data recovery software to access and scan the card for deleted files more effectively.

Can I use the Recycle Bin to recover deleted files from an SD card?

Files deleted from an SD card don't go to the Recycle Bin. Use specialized data recovery tools instead, as the Recycle Bin is only for files deleted from internal storage.

Is there any prevention method to avoid accidental file deletion from SD cards?

Regularly backup your data from SD cards to cloud storage or another drive. Additionally, using write protection and being aware while deleting files can prevent accidental loss.

Does the operating system affect the ability to recover deleted files from an SD card?

The operating system might influence which recovery software is available or compatible. Software exists for Windows, macOS, and Linux to help recover deleted files from an SD card.