Help with Memory Card Error

[laurie31]

We just got back from the beach, and most of our pictures are on a SD memory card that my camera will now not read. I also tried it in the card reader attached to the computer and that also will not read it. All our other cards ARE readable by the camera and the card reader, so I presume the problem is in the card.

Does anyone know how we can recover the pictures on the card?

 

[Cricket2]

It doesn't see the card at all or it is just having trouble mounting it to read? If it can't tell there is a card there at all you might have a physical problem with the card. If it can see it but not recognize the formatting, then you might have a shot at recovering the data with some recovery software (not sure what software though as I have never had to do this from a card of any type).

I've had my cards corrupted before but I just reformat them and chalk it up to bad luck.

 

[SharonLowe]

Even if you format the card, the data rescue programs can find most if not all of your photos. The previous poster is correct - if your computer can at least see that a card is there, you can try one of the several data recovery programs out there. If it can't see the card, your next line of defense is to call the tech support for your memory card maker. They might offer to attempt recovery for you (they have way better ways to do it). I had 2 lexar 4gig CF cards die on me. Lexar recovered the images for me at no charge - only lost one or two.

 

[laurie31]

Thank you!! I never thought about tech support for the card!

We were able to download a recovery program and our pictures are back!!

Normally we download them after an "event" or at least once a month, but somehow time got away from us, and not only were our summer vacation pics on there, but Easter and Spring Break, the end of school, etc! Over 900 pictures! They are now safely downloaded and burned to CDs as well!

Thanks again - the DIS is the best!

 

[Lachesis00]

Yeah!! Glad they were saved!!

 

[SharonLowe]

Glad it worked!

 

[red1]

What recovery program was used, I need help with a memory card that seems to be corrupt.

 

[JR6ooo4]

My uncle was having a similar problem. THe computer seemed to find the card, it made the connection sound and we got the green (disconnect hardware) arrow on the right side of the taskbar. But I could not see the card in explorer or the "my computer" page. It was reckognized when the card was in the camera and he docked the camera.

So I believe it was the camera software (running on the computer) that would not allow us to see it in windows. But this was all during a family visit so I did not have much time for troubleshooting it further.

Mikeeee

 

[laurie31]

Hey!

We used the free program PC Inspector Smart Recovery

We just googled flashcard recovery and that one worked the best. We tried another one that didn't recover all the images before we found this one.

Good luck!!

 

[Groucho]

You may want to format your card then fill it up with "junk" photos (ie, just take a bunch of pictures of the wall or whatever) and see if you can then pull them all off the card when you're done. If you get any errors or corrupted pictures, chances are that the card is bad, and you can probably get it replaced under warranty - most have lifetime warranties.

 

[jfulcer]

You may want to format your card then fill it up with "junk" photos (ie, just take a bunch of pictures of the wall or whatever) and see if you can then pull them all off the card when you're done. If you get any errors or corrupted pictures, chances are that the card is bad, and you can probably get it replaced under warranty - most have lifetime warranties.

Ditto.

 

[Sirpurry]

What about having them replaced without a receipt or packaging? I have one that I bought, used once, and it had an error. Had to use a program to recover the pics. Now it won't work at all. Won't even let me reformat.

 

[Groucho]

I don't think you'll need a receipt or packaging. Just the serial number and the card itself.