How to recover corrupted memory card data?

Memory Cards SD | microSD | CFast | CFexpress | CompactFlash
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Hi there,

I have been using a 64GB SanDisk memory card for a long time, and I recently connected my phone to my computer, but I can’t view my data since it’s showing some corrupted files, and clicking there only shows formatted alternatives, but I need a backup of my memory card because I have essential files on it…Could someone please assist me retrieve my data?

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Hi @robertseal1995y,

Please refer to the article: Error

Have you opened a Support Case? If not opened, for more information, please contact the SD Technical Support team for best assistance and troubleshooting:
https://kb.sandisk.com/app/ask

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First things first, try using connect your SanDisk memory card to the computer via a card reader. Your SD card might be experiencing compatibility issues or file system corruption. To fix it, follow the given steps:

Step 1: Type cmd in the Windows search bar. Right-click on “Command Prompt” and select “Run as administrator.”

Step 2: Type the chkdsk X: /f command and press Enter. Replace X: with the drive letter assigned to your SanDisk memory card. For example, if your memory card is assigned the drive letter E:, you would type chkdsk E: /f.

Step 3: After chkdsk completes, it will display a summary of its findings.

CHKDSK can only address logical damage issues on an SD card. If the SD card is physically damaged or cannot be recognized by the computer, I recommend seeking professional data recovery services for assistance. Check out this article to learn more about how to fix corrupted SD card.

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As an SD card is frequently plugged in and out, especially without safe ejection, it is likely to cause file system corruption or bad sectors on the card. Apart from the SD card’s improper handle, many other common factors may cause an SD card to malfunction. For example, a virus infection, interruption of data transfer, SD card removal while writing files to it, etc.
You can first try your best to recover data from a corrupted SD card, then use the methods in this tutorial to get started fixing corrupted or damaged SD cards.

Here are the common corrupted SD card errors, which can be fixed via data recovery software or data recovery services.

  • SD card not showing up in File Explorer.
  • SD card displays as RAW.
  • SD card suddenly shows empty, files are missing.
  • A read-write error occurred on your sd card… SD is write-protected, locked, or read-only.
  • “SD card is damaged. Try reformatting it” error message.
  • SD card freezes or gets stuck.
  • Failed to load photos in SD card.
  • SD card is not detected, not recognized, and showing no media in Disk Management.

However, if your SD card is partially broken or damaged, it is hard to restore data from a damaged SD card.

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It’s definitely possible to recover data from a corrupted SanDisk SD card. Firstly, Stop using the SD card immediately to prevent overwriting any potentially recoverable data.
Use a professional photo recovery tool such as Stellar Photo Recovery or Photorec. These programs can scan storage drives that you can’t normally access. Stellar offers a trial version for free data recovery.

  • Steps for using Stellar Photo Recovery:
    1. Download and install the software on your Windows or Mac PC.
    2. Connect the SD card to your computer.
    3. Open the software and select “SD Card drive” for Recovery.
    4. Choose your SD card and click "Scan for lost data.
    5. Preview the files and select what you want to recover.
    6. Recover the data.
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@Ellinor_William You’re absolutely right! Stopping use of the SD card is essential to prevent overwriting data. I’ve personally used Stellar Data Recovery Professional for Windows, and it worked great for me. Both Stellar and Photorec are excellent tools for recovering lost files from corrupted SD cards. Highly recommend giving them a try!

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Wait, so your 64GB SanDisk was working fine, but now it’s just showing corrupted files and asking to format?

That’s strange… Could it be a file system issue or some kind of error with the connection?

Maybe try BLR data recovery software—it might help recover your important files before formatting.

Have you checked if the data is visible on another device?