Cards can be easily corrupted.
Losing photos from a memory card is an infuriating ordeal, especially if the shots had emotional or financial value. Unfortunately, any who shoots enough eventually will know the frustration. Anything from static electricity to forgetting to properly eject the card before removing it can make photos seemingly vanish into the mist. Thankfully, advances in software and hardware recovery technology has make recovering some or most of the lost material.
Instructions
1. Keep your memory card or camera connected to the computer. For many, the first reaction is to immediately disconnect the camera or memory card without properly "ejecting" it. If the card is removed without ejecting it first, further damage and corruption can occur to the files.
2. Check to make sure the card or camera is secure in the reader and the reader's connection to the computer is secure. If it is necessary to remove the card or camera to recheck connection, always "eject" the drive by finding the icon in bottom right (Windows) or dragging the drive to the Trash Bin (Mac).
3. Check for lost or deleted files by opening the Recycle Bin (PC) or Trash Can (Mac). Files can be deleted by accident. When this happens, they will move to one of the above locations unless they are too large. If the files are found, either right-click or option-click and select "restore" or "undelete."
4. Purchase or download software to assist in data recovery. The internet is full of companies offering do-it-yourself data recovery software, and many offer free software trials. The free versions often lack the full functionality, but can be used to get a feel for a program before investing in it. Most data recovery software is designed to work for those who want point and click while still giving advanced users more control. A few examples of photo recovery programs can be found under Resources.
5. Pack your memory card to a data recovery specialist. The most thorough and expensive method to save photos you absolutely cannot bear to part with is to pay a professional data recovery service. Using specialized hardware and propriety software these groups often can recover some, and occasionally most of the data from even damaged cards. When shipping electronics, pack them a static discharge container and ensure they are securely enough to survive the shipping. A few examples can be found under Resources.
Tags: data recovery, card camera, memory card, your memory card, data recovery software, found under, found under Resources
