What does it mean that the sd card is damaged. How to recover data from a damaged SD card

There are cases when, after rebooting Android, a message like “The SD memory card is damaged” appears on the screen of the mobile device. In the same window, the system immediately offers to format it. By agreeing to this, you may return the flash drive to functionality, but all data stored on it will be erased.

When faced with a similar problem, do not rush to go to a service center, since most of the steps to resuscitate external memory can be performed at home. Let's figure out what to do if the SD card is damaged on Android, and how to fix the current situation with minimal loss of user data.

Sequence of actions to restore micro sd memory

To revive external storage media, be it micro sd, USB flash or another type of memory, many effective applications have been developed. With their help, you can not only return the card to functionality, but also restore the information recorded on it.

However, the problem does not always lie in the media. Often the cause of the failure is the Android system itself. Therefore, before correcting the problem, you should accurately determine the source of the breakdown and the extent of the damage.

What to do if the computer does not open the SD card?

Let's consider a more complex case when, when connecting the external memory of an Android device through a card reader, the computer detects it, but refuses to open it. In the example above, you can't do without formatting. Therefore, the first step towards restoring an SD card will be to completely clean it. To do this you need:

After completing this procedure, the functionality of the flash drive should be restored, that is, you will again be able to use it on your smartphone as usual. If quick formatting does not solve the problem, uncheck the corresponding item and run the cleaning again.

Formatting a memory card deletes all data stored on it. This is not always acceptable, since some files can be very important for the owner of the device and are stored in a single copy (for example, photographs). Therefore, the next step is to restore the erased information.

Deleting any data from a memory card does not mean erasing it completely. Fingerprints are almost always left in the storage, from which files can be restored. An important condition for successful resuscitation is to eliminate the process of copying new information to the problematic flash drive. This is due to the fact that it can be written over existing “casts”, thereby reducing the chance of recovery to a minimum.

One of the most effective applications that allows you to regain access to lost data is the free CardRecovery utility. Therefore, we will use it to recover files from a formatted micro sd card. To do this you need:

A scan will begin and may take several hours or more. It all depends on the capacity of the SD card and the amount of information that needs to be returned. During the search process, the found files will be displayed in the corresponding window. If necessary, you can stop scanning using the Stop button.

After the search is complete, all you have to do is mark the data that needs to be recovered and click Next. The selected objects will be saved in the previously specified folder. If necessary, they can be transferred to the internal or external memory of Android.

Recovering data from a micro sd card without using a computer

If you don’t have a PC at hand that could be used during resuscitation efforts, use the Undelete program to recover erased files. It is installed directly on a mobile device and allows you to work with both the built-in Android memory and an external SD card.

Today, a very large part of mass-produced digital camera models rely on SD memory cards as the main means for recording photos and videos. The formats in which data is stored on them vary depending on the camera brand and model, but are usually based on a similar organizational structure, which, however, is not completely immune to errors and failures. This is why in many user manuals, manufacturers emphasize that, in order to avoid the risk of data corruption, the memory card should only be removed or inserted into the device when the device is turned off.

However, many users ignore this warning and end up with a bunch of damaged photos, and with them very unpleasant emotions. However, improper handling of the SD card is far from the only cause of such problems. It is not uncommon for damage to occur when the camera is completely discharged during the shooting process, and sometimes flash cards fail for no apparent reason. As a result, upon returning home after vacation, instead of hundreds of digitally captured memories, the camera owner finds a memory filled with unreadable files. Fortunately, all is not lost—data on a seemingly unusable memory card can often be recovered. Here's how.

Required Tools

Although you can find many guides on the Internet on how to recover data from damaged SD cards, in this text I will make three basic assumptions: you are a Windows user, you are not a technology expert, and you do not have the extra time to read and study numerous instructions.

I want to offer you a very quick and easy to use solution - a small but very useful program called ZAR X Systems recovery software. Although the full version of the tool is paid, the recovery tool (which is what we actually need) is available absolutely free in the demo version.

After downloading and installing the program, make sure that you have enough space on your local disk to save the data recovered from the memory card. This means that if your card is 16GB, then you should have about 16GB of free space on your computer's hard drive. You will also need a memory card reader (in other words, a card reader) - most modern laptops have a built-in slot.

Recovery

I do not recommend that if you find that the entries on the memory card are damaged and are not recognized correctly, you try to copy or rename them manually. Instead, trust the tool. Connect a memory card, launch ZAR X and select “Image Recovery” - an option available in the free version of the application.

In the list of drives, select the damaged memory card and click “Next”.

Nothing more is required from you - be patient and wait until ZAR X scans the flash drive and extracts all records that can be recovered.

Once the file analysis is complete, you will have the option of selective or full recovery. For a complete recovery while maintaining the file structure, check the “RAW” and “FAT” options and click “Next”.

For the average smartphone user, the data stored on the phone and memory card is more important than the device itself. Therefore, if a microSD drive is damaged, people are more afraid for the safety of their data than for the performance of the flash drive. So, let's look at how to fix SD card corruption on Android and recover data.

Causes of damage

Nothing lasts forever. This statement is also true for removable media. Perhaps your card has exhausted its resource and has passed into another world. But there are still a number of reasons why this problem arises:

1. Error in smartphone OS. Invisible processes of Android or any other mobile operating system more or less often lead to errors that leave a certain imprint on the performance of flash memory.
2. Outdated file system. If your SD card uses FAT, this may cause errors because... Some modern applications no longer work with this standard and interact incorrectly with the device.
3. Emergency shutdown of data transmission. If you disconnect the USB cable while copying files from your PC to your phone’s flash memory, there is a more than 50% chance that the damage to the SD card will be irreversible.
   

   Attention! Never turn off the device before the data transfer process is complete. If necessary, cancel the operation!

4. Incorrect removal of the drive. If you remove a flash drive without first disconnecting it, there is a risk of data damage and loss of functionality of the SD card.

Solving the problem

To recover data and disinfect a flash drive, follow these steps:

But there are situations when the memory card does not open on the computer. This is a bad sign and in this case you should turn to third-party data recovery utilities.

To do this you need:

1. Repeat steps 1-3 from the previous instructions.
2. Download the Recuva app.
3. After starting the program, a wizard will appear to help you. Click the "Next" button.
   
   
4. Select the type of files you want to recover (images, documents) and click Next.
   
   
5. In the new window, click on the “In a specified location” option and select the SD card. Click Next.
   
   
6. Wait until the operation is completed.
   
   
7. After the “return” of the long-awaited content, repeat steps 5-8 of the previous instructions.

The above steps will help you recover some of the valuable information.

Advice! To prevent such situations, it is recommended to regularly back up important files!

If the removable media is not detected by the computer, you will not be able to access the data yourself without certain skills and resources. Therefore, if necessary, contact a removable media repair service center. Now you know how to fix SD card corruption on Android.

Many people have encountered the problem of losing data on memory cards of phones or cameras. There are many reasons for its occurrence. We will tell you how to quickly and safely recover deleted files from a MicroSD memory card.

Losing data from a memory card is an unpleasant, but fixable phenomenon. In most cases, the user can independently try to recover deleted information. If the data is of great value, then you should contact a service center, where qualified specialists will help you retrieve your information intact and safe.

Reasons for data loss

Information can disappear from a drive for many reasons. It all depends on where the memory card was. Data loss can be either logical or mechanical in nature.

Basic logical errors:

• gadget failure;
• accidental formatting or deletion;
• virus.

Photo: data loss as a percentage

The most common mechanical causes are memory wear and physical damage.

Signs of a faulty memory card may include the following:

• errors in the folder structure;
• incorrect volume display;
• The memory card is not recognized by the computer or phone.

When they first appear, immediately back up your drive data, format it and check for errors. If the card works fine, the information can be transferred back.

What do we need

If the data has already been deleted, you can try to restore it yourself.

What you will need for this:

Important! Before starting the procedure, under no circumstances write new data to the memory card! This can lead to overwriting of existing ones and the impossibility of restoring them.

Recovering data on a MicroSD memory card via R-Studio

R-Studio is a powerful software package used by restoration professionals. In the absence of physical damage to the media, it is highly likely to save lost information. With the expansion of functionality and simplification of the interface, the program became available to ordinary users. To start recovering data from a microSD memory card, connect it to your computer via an adapter and launch R-Studio. All connected media will be displayed in the main window.

Photo: main window of the R-Studio program

To start scanning, you need to select the memory card and click the “Scan” button. In the pop-up window, you can select the file type, scan area size, and scan type.

These settings can be left as default. The procedure takes approximately 10-15 minutes. Upon completion, the disk window will display virtual partitions with boot records and files.

You can see the information found by double-clicking on the desired section (if it has been formatted, then most likely it will be a yellow section). A window will open with a list of directories, where you can view the contents of the found files and save it.

Program overview

In addition to R-Studio, there are several other effective utilities that will help you recover lost data. All of them are ideally very easy to use and are great even for novice users. Of course, each program has its pros and cons, but if you know them, you can avoid mistaken actions and choose a utility that is suitable for each specific case. Below we will talk about the most interesting of them.

Video: Recovering deleted files

Auslogics file recovery

One of the best programs of its type. It stands alongside R-Studio, but compared to it it has a more friendly and understandable interface. It is worth noting the ability to search and restore files of any type, as well as compatibility with memory cards of any type.

A convenient search system allows you to very precisely specify exactly what you need to find, thereby speeding up the scanning process. Preview will help you save only those files that are really needed, thereby not creating unnecessary garbage on your computer. The only drawback of the program is its cost. To buy the full version, you will have to pay about 1000 rubles.

Hetman Uneraser

Little known, but also a good program. Outwardly, it resembles an Explorer window in which found files are displayed. In the same window you can immediately restore them. The utility automatically performs a deep scan of the media even with a damaged file system.

Photo: Hetman Uneraser program interface

The main advantages of the program are:

• simplicity;
• support for devices of all types: memory cards, cameras, phones and other USB devices;
• work with all major file systems;
• recovering files from damaged partitions;
• ability to preview files before saving.

Hetman Uneraser is a paid product, it costs about $30, but this price, in our opinion, is unjustified. For the same price you can find more effective analogues.

SoftPerfect File Recovery

A simple utility that will help you restore information if it is accidentally deleted. Supports most media types and file systems. SoftPerfect File Recovery serves more as an assistant for minor troubles. Unfortunately, it is useless when formatting the media or overwriting already erased data.

Photo: SoftPerfect File Recovery program window

The advantages include a very simple interface and the ability to work with compressed volumes. The program is distributed free of charge, which allows each user to keep it with them in case of unpleasant situations.

Magic Uneraser

Also a little known but this time powerful data recovery program. Its key abilities are simplicity and efficiency. Externally it resembles the Explorer interface. Working with Magic Uneraser is step-by-step: the user independently selects the search location and file type, which significantly speeds up the procedure.

The utility supports almost all types of media with the FAT or NTFS file system.

Magic Uneraser has a number of advantages that set it apart from other analogues:

• correct search and recovery with saving names;
• restoring file metadata;
• retrieving lost data from floppy disks;
• packaging the saved data into an ISO image;
• an advanced algorithm that allows you to find even those files that other programs do not detect.

Magic Uneraser, although paid, is worth the money.

RS File Recovery

A simple and reliable tool for do-it-yourself data recovery. It will be useful for both beginners and experienced users. Easily copes with tasks of almost any complexity. It has an intuitive interface and preview function.

The developers have introduced a very useful function that allows you to assess the possibility of file recovery at an early stage. The features of the program are practically no different from similar ones, but at the same time it copes with its functions perfectly.

If you often encounter the problem of data loss, then it is always useful to have one of these programs on hand. Which one is up to you to decide. Also, do not forget about creating backup copies of important files - this significantly reduces the risk of irretrievable data loss. To minimize the risk, regularly monitor the condition of your memory card and gadget.

It is no secret that quite often many users of mobile devices encounter the problem of failures when the memory card in the device is not detected or the data on it is either damaged or destroyed for some reason. This is where the search for a solution to how to restore the memory of a memory card begins. At the same time, naturally, everyone wants not only the card to work, but also the files to remain on it. Doing this is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance.

Why does the memory card malfunction?

Alas, there can be many reasons for failures in the operation of removable memory cards of any type. Not to mention some incorrect actions of the user himself, such as accidentally deleting data, there may also be physical damage to the card, normal wear and tear after the end of its service life, and even problems in the operation of the control microcontroller.

And how to restore the memory of a memory card? For any version of the problem, you can find universal solutions using either a hardware or software method.

Is it possible to recover a memory card?

In general, you should clearly distinguish between situations when you need to restore only files or when you need to restore the functionality of the card. These are two different things. Accordingly, the solution to the question of how to restore a memory card on a phone will be different in each case.

The software method, which involves the use of special programs, is simpler than the hardware method when malfunctions occur in the microcontroller. Nevertheless, we will begin to consider the problem with the second method, since without identifying the card on a computer or laptop, there is no need to talk about any data recovery.

The memory card is damaged: how to restore its functionality?

So, we assume that the microcontroller has “flyed”. In this case, you can forget about data recovery, since the card will have to be formatted.

Please note that special firmware from the card manufacturer must be used for this. There is no other way to do this. When a card is connected to a computer or laptop via an adapter (card reader), in the best case, the system writes that there is no space on the removable disk, or the disk space is defined as zero. In the worst case, the memory card is not recognized at all.

The easiest option when solving the question “how to restore” is to use regedit called by the command through the “Run” menu, where in the HKLM section go to the SYSTEM subsection, and then through the key tree find the StorageDevicePolicies directory. On the right in the window you need to set the zero parameter (usually 0x00000000( 0)). But this does not provide a 100% guarantee that the card will work.

How can I restore the memory of a memory card? You need to use the Hardware Identifier (PID) value and the Vendor Identifier (VID) value, and also take into account the Chip Vendor value (although in most cases you can do without it).

These values ​​can be found on the chip itself, but the card will have to be opened. In principle, if the card is detected by the system, you can use utilities like CheckUDisk or USBIDCheck.

Now, using this information, you should find the controller’s personal firmware on the Internet and download it. If the search is difficult, you can use online services like iFlash, where you can use the data you enter to find the program you are interested in. Next, using the downloaded software, we simply format the card. Please note that each such memory card recovery program is universal and is intended exclusively for one model or one device manufacturer.

The simplest data recovery program Recuva

Now let’s assume that the card is detected by the computer and works without problems, but the required data on it is damaged or missing. You can recover data from a memory card in the easiest way using the well-known Recuva utility.

After launching the application, select recovery either by file type, or check the “Other” option (to search for all content), and then specify the source (memory card). Next, enable the in-depth analysis option and begin the scanning process.

At the end of the process, the result will be displayed. Red indicates data that cannot be restored, yellow indicates data that you can try to recover, and green indicates data that can be restored without problems. It’s probably already clear that you can only restore files on a memory card that are marked in yellow and green. However, for questionable data, a positive result is not guaranteed.

R-Studio package

The R-Studio package is a more powerful utility. It allows you to recover data from a memory card even if the files themselves, the file system, or even the device’s memory sectors are quite damaged.

After starting the program, select the media you are looking for and press the start scanning button. In the pop-up window that appears, you can set the data type, the size of the scanning area, etc. The results will show all the physical and virtual partitions of this device with the files and boot records present on it. If the partition has been formatted, it will be highlighted in yellow. Now all that remains is to select the desired directories or files, and then save them in any other location on the computer. As is already clear, in the future the information can be transferred to removable media without problems.

Auslogic File Recovery Application

Another quite interesting program for recovering a memory card (meaning the information part) is the Auslogic File Recovery utility.

Its main difference from R-Studio is that it has, so to speak, a simpler and friendlier interface, although it is paid. However, the application has a convenient search system and preview of scan results. And this, in turn, helps to restore only what is really necessary.

Hetman Uneraser program

A fairly simple, but no less interesting utility can be called the Hetman UnEraser package, which few people know about.

The application interface is very similar to the appearance of standard Windows Explorer. Deep scanning even with damaged file systems or partitions is carried out automatically. At the same time, removable cards of any type are supported, including those used in photo or video cameras.

SoftPerfect File Recovery utility

The small SoftPerfect File Recovery program is most suitable for inexperienced users in cases of minor non-critical failures. If formatting has been done, unfortunately, the utility turns out to be useless.

On the other hand, it is not without a number of advantages. First of all, this is the ability to work with compressed volumes and partitions. In addition, it is distributed completely free of charge and has no restrictions on the period of use. But this, as they say, is a last resort - to quickly eliminate minor troubles.

Magic Uneraser program

But the Magic Uneraser application, unfortunately also little known to users, has quite interesting capabilities. The search and recovery algorithms are almost the same as those of the programs described above, but the advantages are obvious.

First of all, it is worth noting that the program is able to find even those files that other utilities miss, it allows you to restore files and folders while preserving names and metadata, but most importantly, the application can immediately package the recovered information into ISO images, which can then be used when recording to any removable media.

Conclusion

Here we briefly looked at the problem of how to restore the memory of a memory card. Naturally, it is simply impossible to describe all programs designed for these purposes, so the main attention was paid to the most powerful and popular utilities.

But here it is worth paying attention to the fact that they should be used only if the cards themselves are working. If the problem with removable media is that it is not detected or has zero capacity, you will have to first restore its memory. But then you can use some of the utilities described above (in particular, R-Studio), which allow you to restore any type of data even after formatting, because the information you are looking for does not go anywhere, it is simply overwritten in memory sectors, and the name of the initial file with the assignment changes to him at the beginning of the name of specific unreadable characters.