People store their valuable data in external cards to preserve it. When that precious content goes missing, it could result in the loss of critical information. With the right methods, your files can be effectively retrieved. There are several built-in Windows techniques for restoring data from your SD card. However, third-party tools can be used to recover files from an SD card if the built-in features fail.
Among these tools is the V14 version of Recoverit. This article comes with the top solutions for efficient SD card file recovery, including Recoverit.
Part 1. Why SD Card File Recovery Is Important for Your Data
It is important to understand the need for SD card file recovery to take effective measures for restoration. The following section explains why you must restore files from an external card:
1. Prevents Permanent Data Loss: SD cards are prone to corruption, accidental deletion, and formatting, which can permanently erase valuable files. Recovery helps restore important photos, videos, and documents before they are overwritten.
2. Protects Irreplaceable Memories: Many SD cards store personal photos and videos that cannot be recreated once lost. File recovery allows you to retrieve these memories safely after unexpected errors or device failures.
3. Saves Time and Effort: Recovering files is often faster than attempting to recreate lost data or reshoot content. It reduces downtime for professionals who rely on SD cards for cameras, drones, or recording devices.
4. Maintains Workflow Continuity: For photographers, videographers, and businesses, data loss can disrupt ongoing projects. SD card file recovery helps maintain productivity by restoring critical files needed to continue work.
Part 2. Why Data Loss Happens on SD Cards and How It Occurs
Before trying any recovery techniques, you should know the root cause and how the loss occurred. The following section is about why and how the SD card data loss happens, and why you would need to recover deleted files from an SD card:
Why Data Loss Happens on SD Cards
1. Accidental Deletion: Files are often removed unintentionally while managing storage on cameras, phones, or computers.
2. Formatting Errors: SD cards may be mistakenly formatted, erasing all stored data in a single action.
3. File System Corruption: Improper ejection, power loss, or malware can damage the card’s file system.
4. Physical Damage: Wear, moisture, heat, or manufacturing defects can make data inaccessible.
How Data Loss Occurs on SD Cards
1. Improper Removal: Removing the SD card while data is being written interrupts file-saving processes.
2. Device or Software Crashes: Sudden crashes during transfers can corrupt files or directory structures.
3. Virus or Malware Attacks: Infected devices can alter, hide, or delete files on the SD card.
4. Bad Sectors Development: Over time, repeated use can create unreadable sectors that store critical data.
Part 3. 4 Proven Ways to Retrieve Lost or Deleted SD Card Files
Now that we know the need and causes of SD card data loss, let’s explore the effective ways of data recovery. Follow the section below to learn how recovering files from a corrupted SD card becomes possible:
1. Use Data Recovery Software (Recommended for Deleted/Formatted Files)
You must opt for a high-quality data recovery software to restore your SD card files. Recoverit is an advanced data recovery software that caters to more than 10,000 lost file scenarios. With its newly released V14 version, this tool ensures better performance. It dives deep into your system and looks for the hidden files for effective retrieval.
Although the files scanning system is efficient, you can add custom filters to let the tool search in the specified folders and drives. Furthermore, Recoverit is a versatile tool that supports more than 1 million storage devices for effective lost file retrieval.
Key Features
1. File Preview: Using this feature, you can take a look at your retrieved files before they are downloaded on your device.
2. Batch Recovery: Recoverit data recovery enables users to execute a batch process by restoring multiple lost files in a single operation.
3. Compatible Format: Users can benefit from the multiformat support as Recoverit caters to more than 1000 file formats.
A Guide to Restoring SD Card Files Using Recoverit
Recoverit provides a quick way of retrieving SD card files. The following steps are a guide to using this tool for effectively recovering files from an SD card:
Step 1. Select the SD Card Option to Start
First, open Recoverit V14 and select the “SD Card Recovery” tab from the left.
Step 2. Connect the SD Card for Recovery
Now, connect your SD card with your PC and let the tool scan for the missing files. Once your lost documents appear, select the “Recover” button for restoration.
Step 3. Select the File Location and Save
After the files are retrieved, select the location path for them and click the “Recover” button to save them on your device.
2. For Corrupted or RAW SD Cards (Windows)
Assigning a drive letter is significant because Windows cannot access or scan an SD card without one. This simple fix often restores visibility of corrupted or RAW cards, enabling file recovery software to detect the storage and recover data without risking further damage. The following steps are a guide to assigning a new drive letter to recover deleted files from an SD card:
Step 1. First, connect your SD card with your device. Now, open your “Disk Management” option from the “Win + X” menu and access a new window.
Step 2. In this window, right-click on your drive and select the “Change Drive Letters and Paths” option.
Step 3. Using the following interface, click “Change” and assign a new letter to your drive using the relevant menu. Once done, click the “OK” button to end the process. Now, check if the SD card becomes accessible in File Explorer and locate the missing files.
3. Check Backups
Before attempting advanced fixes, check any existing backups on your computer, cloud storage, or camera software. Restoring files from backups is the safest option because it avoids further risk to the corrupted SD card. You can recover files from a corrupted SD card by using Google Drive, OneDrive, and other cloud services.
4. Seek Professional Help
If the SD card is physically damaged or severely corrupted, software solutions may fail. Therefore, it is safest to consult with a professional. Professional data recovery services use specialized tools to retrieve data safely, especially when the card is unreadable or detected as RAW.
Part 4. Expert Tips to Restore Lost or Deleted SD Card Files Quickly
To prevent your files from getting lost again, you must follow some simple rules. Check out the following points to learn the effective tips for prevention of future file loss from an SD card:
1. Stop Using the SD Card Immediately: Continued use can overwrite deleted files, making recovery difficult or impossible. Remove the card as soon as you notice data loss.
2. Use Reliable Recovery Software: Choose trusted SD card recovery tools that support your file types and card format. Avoid unknown programs that may further damage data.
3. Recover Files to a Different Device: Always save recovered files to your computer or another drive, not the same SD card, to prevent overwriting remaining data.
4. Check Card and Reader Health: Faulty card readers or damaged SD cards can interrupt recovery. Use a reliable reader and inspect the card for physical issues before starting.
Conclusion
To conclude, SD cards are globally trusted for preserving critical information and data. If your data inside the card gets lost, you could lose access to important information. This article was a detailed guide to using various Windows built-in and a third-party tool for effectively recovering files from an SD card.
While the built-in Windows facilities are helpful, you can use a third-party tool like Recoverit for extensive searches inside your device for the missing documents. This platform has recently introduced its V14 version for better outcomes.
