How to Recover Deleted Files From Compact Flash

Use freeware to attempt recovery of deleted files from a CF card.

Compact Flash (CF) cards are a type of storage memory used in portable digital devices such as digital cameras. Files or images deleted from these cards may be recovered using Windows-based freeware tools. The CF card must be loaded to the computer as an external drive using a CF card slot, or a USB connection with a device that supports the medium. Files more recently deleted are the most likely to be recovered successfully. Freeware to attempt file recovery can be downloaded online.

Things You'll Need

• freeware for file recovery

Instructions

1. Insert your CF card into your computer's external memory card slot. If your computer doesn't have this, load the CF card into the device you typically use it with and connect the device to your computer using a USB cable. Windows should automatically detect the card and present an option to open a folder to view the files. Make note of the drive letter (such as "E:/") for later and close the prompt.

2. Launch the freeware you've downloaded to attempt the file recovery. There are several options for download in the resources section of this article. Use the software to navigate to the drive letter assigned to your CF card ("E:/" in this example). The label may be "Removable Disk". Click on the drive.

3. Review the files presented under this drive letter. The program will show the deleted files that it can recover. Right-click on individual files to save them to your hard drive, or check multiple files and click on the "Recover multiple files" option to restore them.

Tips & Warnings

• If you've erased images from a Compact Flash card, don't use it at all. Any new information written to the card could destroy the deleted files you want to recover.

References

• CompactFlash Association
• Greenspun.com Forum

Resources

• PC Inspector
• NTFS Undelete
• Handy Recovery