How to recover deleted files in sd memory card​？

Recovering deleted files from an SD memory card is an essential skill for anyone who uses these devices for storing important data, such as photos, videos, music, or documents. SD cards, commonly used in devices like cameras, smartphones, tablets, and other portable gadgets, are susceptible to accidental deletion, corruption, or formatting. Fortunately, there are various ways to recover deleted files from an SD memory card, and this guide will help you through the process in a comprehensive way.

SD cards, short for Secure Digital cards, are popular types of flash memory cards used to store data. These cards come in various sizes (SD, SDHC, SDXC) and storage capacities (ranging from a few gigabytes to several terabytes). As flash-based memory devices, SD cards are non-volatile, meaning they retain data even when powered off.

1. Stop Using the SD Card Immediately

The first and most crucial step when you realize that you’ve deleted files from your SD card is to stop using it. When you continue to use the SD card after deletion, new data might overwrite the space that your deleted files once occupied. This could significantly reduce your chances of recovery. The more you use the SD card after deletion, the more likely it is that the data will be overwritten and lost forever.

If you haven’t already, remove the SD card from the device and place it somewhere safe. Make sure not to use it for saving new photos, files, or apps. This will ensure that the deleted data isn’t overwritten by any new information.

2. Check the Recycle Bin or Trash

Before you dive into more complex recovery solutions, it’s always worth checking the device you’re using to see if the deleted files were simply moved to a recycle bin or trash folder. Many devices, including cameras and smartphones, have built-in features that temporarily store deleted files in a trash folder before they are permanently removed. You can retrieve the files easily by restoring them from the trash.

If you are using a computer to view the contents of your SD card, check the operating system’s recycle bin or trash can. On Windows, you can open the Recycle Bin from your desktop, while on macOS, you can check the Trash icon in the Dock.

However, if you are using a camera or phone, some devices have a “recently deleted” folder that allows you to restore files that were recently erased. Look for a “Restore” option in the menu of your device.

3. Use Data Recovery Software

If the files are not in the Recycle Bin or Trash, your next best option is to use data recovery software. These programs are designed to scan storage devices like SD cards for any recoverable files that haven’t yet been overwritten. There are several types of data recovery software available, each with different features and capabilities.

Here are a few reliable options for recovering deleted files from an SD memory card:

Panda Assistant is a versatile and user-friendly data recovery software developed by Panda Security, designed to help users recover lost or deleted files from a variety of storage devices, including hard drives, USB drives, and SD cards. It is an intuitive tool that can be used by both beginners and advanced users alike, offering powerful features to restore data that might have been lost due to accidental deletion, formatting, or even corruption.

Key Features of Panda Assistant:

Comprehensive Data Recovery: Panda Assistant supports the recovery of a wide range of file types, including documents, photos, videos, audio files, and emails. It is capable of retrieving files from both internal and external storage devices.

Simple and User-Friendly Interface: One of the standout features of Panda Assistant is its straightforward interface, which makes it easy for users to navigate through the recovery process. Even those with little to no technical experience can follow the on-screen instructions to recover their lost files.

Preview Before Recovery: After scanning a storage device, Panda Assistant allows users to preview the recoverable files before they restore them. This helps ensure that users can recover exactly what they need without having to recover unnecessary files, saving both time and storage space.

Deep Scan Option: For more advanced recovery needs, Panda Assistant offers a deep scan mode that searches more thoroughly for lost files. This feature is useful for cases where a quick scan may not find all recoverable files, such as in cases of severe file corruption or long-term data loss.

Supports Multiple Storage Devices: Panda Assistant can recover data from various types of storage media, including hard drives, SSDs, USB flash drives, and SD cards. It is compatible with both Windows and macOS, making it versatile for a wide range of users.

File System Support: The software supports various file systems, including FAT, NTFS, exFAT, HFS+, and more. This makes it effective for recovering data from both old and new devices, ensuring broad compatibility.

4. Manual Recovery (For Advanced Users)

In some cases, especially with complex issues like file system corruption, you may need to use manual methods to recover data from an SD card. This is typically only recommended for advanced users who are comfortable with command-line tools or file system repair utilities.

A. Using CHKDSK (Windows)

Windows includes a tool called CHKDSK that can check the integrity of storage devices and attempt to fix file system errors. Although it’s not specifically designed for data recovery, it can sometimes help recover lost files from corrupted SD cards.

Steps to Use CHKDSK:

Open Command Prompt: Press Win + R, type cmd, and hit Enter to open the command prompt.

Run CHKDSK: In the command prompt, type the following command:

bash

chkdsk X: /f

Replace X with the letter of your SD card drive.

Check for Errors: Press Enter to run the command. CHKDSK will scan your SD card and attempt to fix any file system errors. Once done, check the SD card to see if the deleted files are recoverable.

5. Prevent Future Data Loss

Once you’ve recovered your files, it’s important to take steps to prevent future data loss. Here are some best practices to follow:

Create Backups Regularly: Use cloud storage or external drives to back up important files stored on your SD card.

Use Write Protection: Many SD cards have a physical switch to enable write protection. When enabled, this prevents accidental deletion or modification of data.

Handle SD Cards Carefully: Always eject SD cards safely from devices to avoid corruption.

Enable Auto-Save: For cameras and smartphones, enable automatic backups or cloud syncing to protect your files.