How to Recover Deleted Flash Files

Flash memory cards such as SD cards or Sony Memory Sticks are removable storage devices used in cameras or hand held game consoles to store and transfer large amounts of data in a small space. If you have accidentally deleted a file on a flash memory card that you still need, it is possible to retrieve the data because flash cards don't actually erase the file--they simply write over it. You can use a file recovery program to recreate the deleted file and retrieve your lost data.

Things You'll Need

• Card reader

Instructions

1. Check the front and back ports on your computer to see if it already has a card reader installed. Purchase an external card reader if your computer does not have flash card ports (see Resources below). Connect the card reader's USB cable into one of the open USB ports on your computer.

2. Open your web browser and navigate to a website that offers a file recovery utility such as "F-Recovery" or "Snap Restoration" (see Resources below). Locate the downloads area of the website and click on the link to download the recovery utility's installation file. Click on "Save File" when a new window pops up asking what action you want to take.

3. Close your web browser and click on the "My Computer" icon on your desktop. Find the folder where you downloaded the installation file. Double-click the file and then follow the instructions that will appear on the screen to install the file recovery utility.

4. 

   Insert the flash memory card into the computer's card reader. Open the file recovery utility by double-clicking on its desktop icon. Click on the "Destination" button at the top left side of the window. Navigate to the drive letter corresponding to your flash memory card and click on "OK."

5. Click on the "File Image Prefix" button below the "Destination" field. Choose the type of file you are attempting to recover such as image, video or text files. Click on the "OK" button. Click on the "Start" button at the bottom of the window to begin the recovery process and retrieve your lost files.

Tips & Warnings

• Stop using your flash memory card in any way as soon as you realize you have deleted a file. If you continue to modify, add, or delete other files on the card your deleted files may become lost permanently because of the way that flash memory cards store and retrieve data.

References

• F-Recovery software website
• Snapfiles Restoration software website

Resources

• Buy card readers