How to retrieve deleted pics from sd card​？

Retrieving deleted pictures from an SD card can be accomplished through several methods, which often involve using specialized software, leveraging built-in features of operating systems, or seeking professional data recovery services.

Method 1: Use Data Recovery Software

Panda Assistant is a robust data recovery software designed to help users retrieve lost or deleted files from various storage devices. Whether it’s recovering documents from a hard drive, photos from an SD card, or videos from a USB drive, Panda Assistant employs advanced algorithms to scan storage media and restore files with ease. The tool is particularly known for its user-friendly interface, which makes the recovery process straightforward, even for those without technical expertise.

What sets Panda Assistant apart is its versatility. It supports multiple file systems, including FAT, NTFS, exFAT, and others, allowing it to work with a wide range of devices like external hard drives, USB drives, memory cards, and even damaged or formatted drives. The software offers multiple recovery modes, including deep scan options for more challenging cases where files might be severely corrupted or partially overwritten.

Installing and Running the Software:

For Windows: Download the software from the official website and run the installer. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. Once installed, launch the software. Insert the SD card into a card reader and connect it to the Windows computer. In the software, select the SD card as the target drive to scan.

For Mac: Download the software compatible with Mac OS. After installation, insert the SD card into a suitable card reader and connect it to the Mac. Open the software and choose the SD card from the list of available drives.

Scanning the SD Card: Most data recovery software offers two types of scans: a quick scan and a deep scan. The quick scan is faster and usually sufficient for recovering recently deleted files. It scans the file system for deleted file entries. The deep scan, on the other hand, is more thorough. It scans the entire SD card sector by sector, which takes longer but can recover files that have been overwritten or are more deeply damaged. Start with a quick scan and if it doesn’t yield the desired results, perform a deep scan.

Previewing and Recovering the Pictures: After the scan is complete, the software will display a list of recoverable files. You can usually preview the pictures to see if they are the ones you want to recover. Select the pictures you need and choose a location on your computer to save the recovered files. It’s important to save the files to a different drive or location than the SD card to avoid overwriting the recovered data.

Method 2: Use Built-in Features of Operating Systems

Windows File History: If your Windows system has File History enabled and the SD card was previously backed up using this feature, you can recover deleted pictures. Go to the folder where the pictures were originally stored on the SD card. Right-click on the folder and select “Restore previous versions”. A window will open showing the available versions of the folder. Select the version that contains the deleted pictures and click “Restore”.

Mac Time Machine: For Mac users, if Time Machine has been backing up the SD card or the data on it, you can use it to recover deleted pictures. Open the folder where the pictures were located on the SD card. Then, click on the Time Machine icon in the menu bar and select “Enter Time Machine”. You will see a timeline on the right side of the screen. Scroll through the timeline to find the point in time when the pictures were still on the SD card. Select the pictures you want to recover and click the “Restore” button.

Method 3: Use Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac)

Using Command Prompt in Windows:

Check the SD Card Drive Letter: Insert the SD card into the card reader and open the Command Prompt as an administrator. Type “diskpart” and press Enter. Then, type “list disk” to display a list of all disks connected to the computer. Identify the SD card by its size and other characteristics. Note down the disk number. Next, type “select disk [disk number]” to select the SD card. Then, type “list partition” to view the partitions on the SD card. Note the partition number that contains the deleted pictures.

Using CHKDSK Command: Type “chkdsk [drive letter]: /f” in the Command Prompt, replacing [drive letter] with the actual drive letter assigned to the SD card. This command checks the file system for errors and attempts to repair them. It may also recover some deleted files. After the process is complete, check if the pictures have been recovered in the original location or in a folder named “FOUND.000” in the root directory of the SD card.

Using Terminal in Mac:

Checking the SD Card Device Name: Insert the SD card into the card reader and open the Terminal. Type “diskutil list” to display a list of all disks and partitions connected to the Mac. Identify the SD card by its size and other details. Note down the device name, such as /dev/disk2.

Using Disk Utility Commands: You can use commands like “sudo fsck_hfs -r [device name]” to check and repair the file system of the SD card. Replace [device name] with the actual device name of the SD card. This command may help recover some deleted files. However, be careful when using sudo commands as they can have significant effects on the system.

Method 4: Professional Data Recovery Services

When to Consider Professional Services: If the above methods do not work or if the SD card is physically damaged, it may be necessary to seek professional data recovery services. This is especially true if the pictures are extremely important and irreplaceable, such as for business-critical applications, legal purposes, or precious family memories.

Choosing a Reputable Service Provider: Look for data recovery companies with a good reputation and extensive experience in dealing with SD card data recovery. Check online reviews, ask for recommendations from friends or colleagues who have had similar experiences, and ensure that the company has the necessary certifications and equipment. Some well-known data recovery service providers have specialized clean rooms and advanced tools to handle different types of SD card problems.

The Data Recovery Process: Professional data recovery services typically involve an initial evaluation of the SD card to determine the extent of the damage and the best recovery approach. They may use specialized hardware and software to extract data directly from the SD card’s memory chips if the card’s controller or other components are damaged. The process can be time-consuming and expensive, but they have a higher chance of successfully recovering the data compared to DIY methods.

Precautions to Take

Stop Using the SD Card Immediately: As soon as you realize that pictures have been deleted, stop using the SD card right away. Continuing to use the card, such as taking more pictures or recording videos, increases the likelihood of new data being written to the card, which can overwrite the deleted pictures and make them unrecoverable.

Handle the SD Card with Care: Avoid physical damage to the SD card. Do not bend, drop, or expose it to extreme temperatures or moisture. When inserting or removing the SD card from the card reader or device, make sure to do it gently and properly to prevent any mechanical damage to the card or its contacts.

Regularly Back Up Your Data: To prevent future data loss, it’s essential to regularly back up the pictures on your SD card to an external hard drive, cloud storage, or other storage media. This way, even if the SD card fails or the pictures are accidentally deleted, you have a copy of the data available.