How to retrieve pictures from a corrupt memory card

Have you ever put your memory stick into your camera, only for the camera to tell you there are no images on the card? YOU KNOW there are hundreds on there but the camera NOR your PC can read them.

A memory Stick is just like any other kind of storage medium, It has an INDEX to tell you PC or camera where to find the image information on the card.

There are many companies charging outrageous fees for recovering your images from these cards, but there are several things you can do before paying someone to retrieve them.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A Windows PC
• Image Recovery Program
• CD/DVD Burner

1. Visit Download.com or any other type of software repository site and search for image recovery software.

2. Narrow your search to "FREE" software that is proven to be virus and spy ware free. There are many different programs listed on download.com for various operating systems.

3. Select the software program that is best suited for your PC. I have used "Recover Files 2","Undelete2" and "ADRC Data Recovery Tools 1".

4. Install the software you choose

5. Run the software and point it at your memory stick, memory card, etc. ( You may need to purchase a USB memory card reader if your PC does not have one installed"

6. 
   Analyze your memory card, or memory stick for lost images

   Select the Analyze button. ( The program then looks for files that have no association in the master index on the memory card), this would be all images on a memory card if the card is corrupt.

7. Select the files you want to undelete and select the undelete option on the program

8. 
   Select a Location for you files to be recovered to

   You will be prompted for a location to save the files to. By default, most programs will not let you undelete and save images to the device you are recovering from.

9. Save your files.

10. Make a copy of your images and save them to CD or DVD.

Tips & Warnings

• It's always best to save or make a copy of your memory card images on a regular basis.
• Put a copy of your images on CD or DVD on a monthly or quarterly basis.
• If you cannot find ARCHIVAL quality CDs, Date them and copy them every 3-4 years, as some types of CDs start to get cloudy after several years.
• The next time you buy a PC, consider getting a memory card reader installed at the factory.( this is an option for many )
• Power off your camera before removing a memory card. A card will generally get corrupted if you remove it while the camera is writing something to it.
• Remove any USB memory card readers from your PC by following the PC's instructions on USD device removal.

[jimdris]

on 9/26/2008 I will probably need to use this someday - thanks! Now if only I could retrieve photos lost on a malfunctioning CD/RW . . . .

[webzarus]

on 9/25/2008 I'm so glad it helped....

I actually tracked this down and found this download to retrieve photos of my grandchildren

Several friends have also done this to get their photos back..

That's why I wrote it, cause I realized that this happens more often than just occasionally...

I'm glad to hear it saved you some tears

[shannon1677]

on 9/21/2008 SB Glasby....I LOVE YOU!!!! Thank you so much for this article! I thought my brother in laws photos i took today were history...and i was searching online, and came across your page. this information totally saved his business website photos!!! I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to write this out for MEEEE!!!! I was almost in tears until I found a free download that retrieved everything for me!!!
Forever, in debt to you.....
Shannon