How to Recover Pictures With an SD Error

SD cards can be found in everything from MP3 players to cell phones.

SD cards (short for secure digital) can be corrupted from static electricity, improperly removing the card or even an error within the camera--which can cause you to lose your pictures. Fortunately, there are several ways to recover lost pictures.

Things You'll Need

• Card reader
• USB or firewire cable

Instructions

1. Ensure the connection between the camera or card and the reader is secure, and check the connection between the reader and the computer. "Eject" the device by finding the icon in the bottom right of the screen on the task bar (PC) or by dragging the device to the trash can (Mac). A message should appear to notify you that the device can be safely removed. Unplug the device, recheck the connections and reattach it to the computer.

2. Check to ensure that the files were not accidentally deleted. Open the recycle bin on a PC or the trash can on a Mac to see if the files are there. Restore any files you find by right-clicking (or option-clicking on a Mac) and selecting "restore" or "undelete" from the menu. The files should return to their original location. If the card or camera is not connected when you try this, it may cause an error.

3. Restore severely corrupted or damaged files using data recovery software. Each program is different, so consult the user manual or help file for program-specific guides. For examples of data and photo recovery software, see Resources.

Tips & Warnings

• If all else fails, pay a data recovery specialist to recover your pictures. Professional data recovery offers the most thorough and costly method of recovering lost photos and data. The services often use certified "clean rooms," and can restore photos even from damaged cards. Examples of professional data recovery can be found under Resources.

• Download and install Unlocker, a free program for Windows, if you get an error when attempting to stop or eject your card or camera. Right-click on the SD card drive and select "Unlocker" from the menu. When the Unlocker window opens, select any process using the SD Card and select "kill process." Alternately, you can select "kill all" to shut down all programs using the drive.

• Avoid unplugging your memory card or camera even if an error displays or photos appear corrupted. In many instances, the first reaction is to immediately disconnect the camera or card from the computer, but doing so actually can cause more harm to your photos.

• When moving or shipping SD cards or cameras, pack them securely and in a static-protection bag.

• Never attempt to disassemble an SD card.

References

• Digital Photo Recovery Guide: Storage and REcovery
• PC Stats: Hard Drive Data

Resources

• Unlocker
• Data Recovery Software
• Disk Doctor Photo Recovery Software with Demo
• Salvage Data Recovery Service