How to Recover SmartMedia

A SmartMedia card is a type of flash memory that can hold large quantities of data in a small space. These cards are typically used in electronic devices such as digital cameras or camcorders to store photographs and video files. If a file has been accidentally deleted from your SmartMedia card, or if you've accidentally formatted the card entirely, it is possible to recover the data. You can take advantage of a file recovery software utility to scan the SmartMedia card and recreate the original deleted files.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. 
   External Card Reader

   Insert your SmartMedia card into the card reader on your computer. Acquire an external card reader if your computer does not have an internal card reader.

2. Access the link in the "Resources" section for the "PC Tools File Recover" website. Download the installation file for the software. Open the installation file and follow the on-screen instructions.

3. 
   Choosing "Advanced Scan"

   Open the file recovery software and click the "Advanced Scan" icon at the middle of the window. click the "Physical Scan" radio button at the left side of the window.

4. 
   Selecting the Scan Location

   Navigate to the "Select Scan Locations" heading at the upper-right corner of the window. Click the drive letter that corresponds to the card reader (e.g., J:\ or D:\).

5. 
   Choosing the File Types

   Click the "File Types" drop-down menu located underneath the "Filter Options" heading. Click the type of file that you need to recover from the SmartMedia card, such as "Graphics" or "Video." Click the "All Files" button if there were multiple file types on the card that you need to recover.

6. Click the "Scan" button to start the file recovery process. Click the name of the specific file you want to recover in the panel at the right side of the screen when the program locates it. Click "Recover" to save the file back onto the SmartMedia card.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are using a different file recovery utility, the names and locations of the specific buttons may be slightly different.
• Do not choose the "Quick Scan" option. It takes less time to finish scanning, but it is also less likely to recover the files you want. Stop adding new files to the SmartMedia card immediately once you delete the file. If you continue to use the SmartMedia card, the deleted file may be overwritten with new data, which means that the file will be lost for good.

References

• Recovering Deleted Data
• Using PCTools File Recover Program

Resources

• Download the File Recover Program