How to fix sd card corrupted​?

SD cards are commonly used in a variety of devices, including digital cameras, smartphones, drones, and other electronic gadgets. While SD cards are often reliable, they are prone to corruption due to factors such as sudden removal, physical damage, power failures, file system errors, or malware attacks. A corrupted SD card can result in data loss, but in most cases, the issue can be fixed using proper recovery techniques.

1. Assessing the Problem

Before diving into potential fixes, it’s essential to determine the cause of the corruption. Symptoms of a corrupted SD card might include:

Card not being recognized by the device.

Error messages like “SD card is damaged”.

Files becoming inaccessible or appearing as unreadable.

The SD card showing as empty, even though data is present.

Understanding the root cause can help guide you to the right solution. Start by checking the following:

Physical Condition: Examine the SD card for any visible damage. Look for cracks, deep scratches, or dirt accumulation on the metal pins.

Card Reader and Device: Sometimes, the problem lies with the card reader or device rather than the SD card itself. Try using a different card reader or test the SD card in a different device to see if the issue persists.

2. Using the Windows Error Checking Tool

One of the easiest ways to fix a corrupted SD card is to use built-in tools that come with your computer’s operating system. If you are using a Windows PC, follow these steps:

Step 1: Connect the SD Card

Insert the SD card into your computer via an SD card reader. Ensure that the SD card is properly connected.

Step 2: Open ‘This PC’ or ‘My Computer’

Navigate to the File Explorer and open the “This PC” or “My Computer” section where your SD card is listed as an external storage device.

Step 3: Run Error Checking

Right-click on the SD card drive and select Properties. In the properties window, go to the Tools tab. Under the “Error checking” section, click on Check.

Step 4: Scan for Errors

Allow the tool to scan and fix any issues. If any errors are found, Windows will attempt to repair them automatically.

Step 5: Format the SD Card (Optional)

If the tool is able to fix the errors but the card is still not functioning correctly, you may need to format the card. This will erase all data, so it’s only recommended if you cannot recover your files.

3. Using Command Prompt to Fix Corruption (CHKDSK)

If the SD card is still not working after using the built-in error checking tool, the next step is to use the CHKDSK command via the Command Prompt. This method can help fix file system errors and recover bad sectors.

Step 1: Open Command Prompt

Open Command Prompt as an administrator. To do this, search for cmd in the Start menu, right-click on it, and select Run as Administrator.

Step 2: Enter CHKDSK Command

In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

chkdsk

Replace “X” with the letter assigned to your SD card.

Step 3: Let the Process Complete

CHKDSK will scan the SD card for errors and attempt to fix them. This process might take some time, depending on the size of the card and the extent of the corruption.

4. Using Data Recovery Software

Panda Assistant is a reliable tool that can help fix a corrupted SD card and recover your valuable data. If your SD card has become corrupted due to sudden removal, file system errors, or physical damage, Panda Assistant offers a user-friendly solution for resolving the issue.

Steps to Fix a Corrupted SD Card with Panda Assistant:

Download and Install Panda Assistant: First, download Panda Assistant from the official website and install it on your computer.

Connect the SD Card: Insert the corrupted SD card into your computer using a card reader. Make sure it is properly detected.

Launch Panda Assistant: Open the Panda Assistant software, which will automatically detect all connected drives, including your SD card.

Start the Recovery Process: Select the SD card from the available drives list and choose the option to recover data. Panda Assistant will scan the card for any corrupted or lost files.

Preview and Recover Files: Once the scan is complete, Panda Assistant will show a list of recoverable files. You can preview the files and select the ones you wish to restore.

Repair the SD Card: After recovering your important data, Panda Assistant will attempt to fix the corruption by repairing the file system errors on the SD card. This step is essential for restoring the SD card to a usable state.

Format the SD Card (if necessary): If the card remains unresponsive, Panda Assistant can help format it, restoring it to its original condition.

5. Formatting the SD Card

If none of the previous methods have been successful, the next option is to format the SD card. Formatting will erase all data, but it can fix issues related to corrupted file systems. If you have already backed up your data, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open File Explorer

Go to This PC or My Computer, right-click on the SD card, and select Format.

Step 2: Choose Format Options

In the format window, select the following options:

File System: Choose FAT32 or exFAT, depending on the size of your SD card (use FAT32 for cards up to 32 GB and exFAT for larger cards).

Quick Format: You can check this box for a faster format, or leave it unchecked for a full format that will scan for bad sectors.

Step 3: Start the Format

Click Start to begin the formatting process. Once completed, the SD card should be restored to its factory condition and should be ready for use.

Step 4: Restore Data (Optional)

If you have data backed up, you can restore it to the SD card after formatting.

6. Advanced Recovery with Specialized Software

If your SD card is still corrupted after trying the above steps, you may need to turn to advanced recovery software. Some third-party tools specialize in fixing severe SD card corruption, recovering data from cards that are physically damaged, or inaccessible.

Some of these tools include:

R-Studio: An advanced recovery tool that supports deep data recovery from corrupted SD cards.

Stellar Data Recovery: Another robust recovery tool capable of retrieving lost files from severely damaged SD cards.

These programs can perform deeper scans for data recovery, especially when the file system is too corrupted for standard tools to repair.

7. Preventing SD Card Corruption in the Future

Once you’ve fixed your SD card, consider these preventive measures to avoid similar issues in the future:

Safely Eject the SD Card: Always eject the SD card safely from your device or computer to prevent corruption caused by sudden disconnection.

Avoid Physical Damage: Keep the SD card away from extreme temperatures, moisture, and physical stress.

Use Antivirus Software: Ensure that your SD card is free from malware by scanning it regularly with antivirus software.

Regular Backups: Backup important files from your SD card to a computer or cloud storage to avoid losing data in case of corruption.