Summary: Wondering how to recover deleted files from an SD card? In this article, we will learn about precautionary measures, proven solutions, and more to help you recover deleted files from your SD card.
SD cards are removable storage drives that are used in a wide variety of devices. the compact size, weight, and high storage capacity make it a popular choice for portable devices including phones and cameras.
Such a device that is high in function and is regularly used to transfer files from one device to another is bound to experience issues.
While transferring files, they may accidentally empty their SD card and delete all the files inside. If you seem to have accidentally deleted your Files from your SD card then please follow the instructions given below-
What to do when you have accidentally deleted or are missing files on your SD card?
- Stop using the SD card.
- Explain your Card for any physical damage (look out for any deformities or major scratches.)
- Check to see if the card is recognized by other devices as well.
If you created a backup for your SD card earlier, you can always restore your files. However, recovering deleted files from an SD card is still possible with professional data recovery software like SFware which supports SD card recovery across common file systems like FAT16, FAT32, NTFS, and exFAT.
Recover Deleted Files From SD card using SFWare
People do not usually maintain a backup drive for SD cards which makes it important to try and recover your data with utmost care. SFware is a professional data recovery software that is designed by experts to safely recover deleted files from an SD card. You can try it for yourself by downloading SFWare data recovery now.
Step 1: Download, Install, and Launch SFWare Data Recovery Software.
Step 2: Select the SD card drive from which you would like to recover your deleted files from and click on “Start Scan”.
Step 3: You can view the recovered files during the scan.
Step 4: After the scan is complete, locate, preview, select all the files that you would like to recover, and click on “Save”.
Recover Deleted Files From SD card using Windows file recovery
Windows File Recovery is a command-line program that helps recover personal data and is available in the Microsoft Store. You can use it to recover personal files that were accidentally deleted. Try it for yourself by following the steps below
Step 1: Download, Install, and launch Windows file recovery from the Microsoft store.
Step 2: A Command prompt window shall open.
Step 3: Type “chkdsk F:” and press Enter.
Note: Replace F with the drive letter assigned to your SD card.
Preserving Data in SD cards
We must first understand what it is made for to prevent data loss in SD cards. SD cards are used for their portability, and ability to transfer data between different types of devices regularly.
According to the SD Card Association, SD cards can last for around 10 years if the conditions are favorable. Its lifespan can vary depending on the Quality of the card, the manner and frequency of usage, and the environment.
SD cards are not designed to store large amounts of data for long periods. They are also fragile and susceptible to physical damage. If you wish to store huge amounts of high-quality data, make use of an external hard disk or SSD.
SD cards are also susceptible to Bit rot. If you are a professional who frequently uses an SD card, it is recommended to change your card every few years to avoid data loss.
Additional Tips to preserve data in SD cards-
- Create and Maintain a backup: always back up your SD card data. Not only will it create space but also eliminates any risk of losing your media files
- Avoid Maxing out the storage capacity: Never fill your SD card, maxing out the storage capacity could lead to data corruption or data loss.
- Storage: Always keep your SD card clean and dry. Store your SD card in a solid card case to protect it from physical damage.
- Avoid harmful environmental factors: avoid exposing your SD card to extreme temperatures and strong magnetic fields.
- Reformating is better than deleting: the best way to empty an SD card is to first copy all the files onto your laptop or storage drive, then proceed to format the entire SD card instead of individually deleting each picture
- Use Write-protect: use the Physical switch on the SD card to turn on Write-protect to prevent accidental deletion.
Conclusion
SD cards are used with multiple devices and hence we should take extra precautions while handling them. Create and maintain a backup at all times and double-check if there is a chance of accidentally deleting an important file. Please feel free to reach out with your queries and suggestions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How can I find deleted files on my SD card?
Your deleted files are still present in the SD card, however, their storage locations are considered available and will be overwritten when there is new data to store. To recover these deleted files from your SD card, you will need professional data recovery software to get the job done.
Q2: Can I recover from my SD card after dropping it?
When it comes to Physical damage, always approach a professional data recovery service that has the expertise in dealing with such advanced cases. If the problem is logical, you can recover the data yourself using data recovery software.
Q3: Why should I avoid using my SD card after experiencing data loss?
Your deleted files are still present in your SD card, but they will be overwritten as soon as there is new data to store. Once the deleted files are overwritten with new data the chances of recovering it drop significantly. The best way to avoid this from happening is to avoid using your SD card until you have recovered your deleted files.
