How to retrieve pictures from formatted sd card​？

Retrieving pictures from a formatted SD card can be a complex but often possible task.

I.Basics

A. Data Recovery Basics

When an SD card is formatted, the file system information that tells the operating system where the files are located is erased. However, the actual data (in this case, the pictures) often remains on the card until it is overwritten by new data.

The key to successful recovery is to act quickly and avoid using the SD card further after formatting to minimize the risk of data overwriting.

B. Reasons for Formatting

Accidental formatting is a common scenario. Users might accidentally select the format option instead of another operation like deleting a single file.

Formatting can also occur due to device errors, such as a malfunctioning camera or a corrupted file system that prompts the device to format the card to fix the problem.

II. Tools for Recovery

A. Software – Data Recovery Programs

Panda Assistant is not just a data recovery tool; it’s your personalized assistant designed to retrieve lost, deleted, or corrupted files from a variety of storage devices. Be it an SD card, USB drive, external hard disk, or even your computer’s internal storage, Panda Assistant employs advanced algorithms to scan, locate, and recover files efficiently. Its user-friendly interface ensures that even those with minimal technical knowledge can navigate the recovery process with ease.

One of the standout features of Panda Assistant is its ability to perform deep scans. This ensures that even files that seem permanently lost due to formatting or corruption can be retrieved. Furthermore, it supports a wide range of file formats, from images and videos to documents and archives. Whether you’re a photographer recovering images from a corrupted SD card or a business professional retrieving crucial project files, Panda Assistant adapts to your needs.

B. Hardware – Card Readers

A reliable card reader is essential for the recovery process. Some SD cards may not be recognized properly by the device’s built – in card reader after formatting.

USB 3.0 card readers are recommended as they offer faster data transfer speeds, which can significantly reduce the recovery time. For example, if you have a large number of high – resolution pictures to recover, a USB 3.0 card reader can handle the data transfer more efficiently than a slower USB 2.0 version.

III. Steps for Picture Recovery

A. Stop Using the SD Card Immediately

As soon as you realize the SD card has been formatted, stop using the device that contains the card. For example, if it’s a camera, turn it off and remove the battery if possible. This is to prevent any new data from being written to the card, which could overwrite the pictures you want to recover.

B. Connect the SD Card to a Computer

Use a card reader to connect the SD card to your computer. Make sure the computer recognizes the card. If the card is not recognized, try using a different card reader or a different USB port.

In some cases, you may need to install the appropriate drivers for the card reader. Most modern card readers are plug – and – play, but for older or less – common models, you might need to visit the manufacturer’s website to download and install the necessary drivers.

C. Run the Data Recovery Software

Install and launch the data recovery software of your choice. For example, if you’re using EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard:

Select the SD card as the target drive for recovery. The software will usually display a list of available drives connected to the computer.

Choose the appropriate recovery mode. For a formatted SD card, you’ll typically select a mode that focuses on recovering lost partitions or formatted data.

Start the scan. The software will scan the SD card, and this process can take some time depending on the size of the card and the amount of data it contains. A large – capacity SD card (e.g., 128GB) with a lot of fragmented data may take an hour or more to complete a full scan.

After the scan is complete, preview the recoverable pictures. The software should display thumbnails or previews of the pictures it has found. You can then select the pictures you want to recover and choose a location on your computer’s hard drive to save them.

If you’re using Recuva:

Launch the program and select the SD card as the drive to scan. Recuva will prompt you to select the type of scan you want. For a formatted SD card, a deep – scan is usually recommended.

The deep – scan process may take longer than a standard scan, but it’s more likely to find all the recoverable pictures. As the scan progresses, Recuva will display the status and estimated time remaining.

Once the scan is finished, you can filter the results to show only picture files. Then, preview the pictures and select the ones you want to recover. Recuva allows you to choose a different location to save the recovered files.

With Disk Drill:

Open Disk Drill and select the SD card. You can then choose to create a backup of the card if you want to play it safe.

Start the scan. Disk Drill’s scan process is similar to other software, but it may have additional options such as scanning for specific file types first.

After the scan, preview the pictures and mark the ones you want to recover. Disk Drill also enables you to select a destination folder for the recovered pictures.

D. Save the Recovered Pictures

When you select the pictures to recover and choose a location to save them, make sure the destination drive has enough free space. For example, if you’re recovering a large number of high – resolution pictures, you may need several gigabytes of free space.

It’s a good idea to save the recovered pictures to a different drive than the SD card you’re recovering from. This way, you can avoid any potential data loss if something goes wrong during the recovery process.

IV. Precautions and Tips

A. Backup Your Data Regularly

To avoid the stress of trying to recover formatted data in the future, it’s essential to backup your pictures regularly. You can use external hard drives, cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox, or a combination of both.

For example, if you’re a professional photographer, you might backup your pictures to an external hard drive at the end of each photo shoot and also upload a copy to a cloud storage service for added security.

B. Be Cautious with Formatting Options

When using devices that interact with SD cards (such as cameras or smartphones), be careful when accessing the formatting options. Some devices may have a quick format option that seems less severe than a full format, but it still erases the file system information and can lead to data loss.

Always double – check before selecting any formatting option to ensure you don’t accidentally format the SD card and lose your pictures.

C. Consider Professional Data Recovery Services

If the data recovery software you’ve tried doesn’t yield satisfactory results, you may want to consider professional data recovery services. These services have specialized equipment and expertise to handle more complex data loss situations.

However, professional services can be expensive, and they may not always be able to recover all the data. It’s important to research and choose a reputable data recovery service provider and understand the costs and potential outcomes before handing over your SD card.