How to Restore Deleted Files on a SD Card

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SD, or Secure Digital, cards are used to store and transfer information between digital cameras, mobile phones, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), and even small computers. Occasionally the cards crash or the user mistakenly deletes data. If this happens to you, you can use a free file recovery program to restore the deleted files.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Using PhotoRec for Mac and Windows

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  1. Navigate to the PhotoRec Wiki or click | here .
  2. This box is located in the upper right-hand corner of the page. [1]
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  3. [2]
  5. [3]
  8. A terminal window will open up with the PhotoRec 7.0 program.
    • If prompted, grant permission to run the program. [4]
  9. Since your mouse will not work in terminal, you must use your keyboard’s up and down arrow keys.
    • You may be presented with multiple options on this screen. Note the size of each drive listed and choose the drive that is the same size as your SD card. [5]
  10. Mac users choose “P Fat16 >32”. Windows users pick “P Fat32”. This will allow the program to scan the camera’s established directory system. [6]
    • Only choose “Whole” if you believe your SD card is corrupted.
    • You may create a folder at this time for the recovered files.
    • Do not save the files to the SD card.
  14. The recovery process will start automatically.
  16. [7]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using Recuva for Windows

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  1. Navigate to Recuva’s homepage or click | here .
  2. [8]
  3. You will be taken to either website and the download will start automatically. [9]
  4. [10]
  6. To install this software on your computer, follow these steps:
    • Click “Ok”.
    • Click “Next”.
    • Read through the License Agreement and select “I Agree”.
    • Click “Install”.
    • Uncheck the box next to “View Release notes” and then click “Finish. The program will launch automatically.
  7. If prompted to format the SD card, check the box next to “Quick Format” and then click “Start”. This will erase the SD card’s table of contents and leave the data untouched. [11]
  8. [12]
  10. Choose “In a specific location” and then click “Browse”. Scroll through the list and select “Removable Disk”. Select the “DCIM” folder if needed. Click “Ok” followed by “Next”.
  11. As the program recovers files, they will appear on the screen.
  14. The files will be restored to the location you selected.
  16. [13]
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How much does recovering files cost?
    Community Answer
    There are multiple levels that you can purchase, but all allow you unlimited recovering. Some programs are free, while some can cost you up to $60, if not more. Be very careful when choosing free programs; many of them often contain viruses that can infect your device!
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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  • Question
    Can deleted pictures from a specific date be recovered?
    Community Answer
    Yes, if they aren't overwritten. If it happened on your phone or anything else not running Windows, than turn off your device immediately, since Android and Apple's iPhones, iPads, etc. tend to delete the stuff completely in a matter of hours, while Windows only tends to mark the data as non-existing, essentially as empty storage space. There are recovery tools of all sorts, ranging from expert machines, to free programs, but it is best to use the advice from your "mechanic," since they have the equipment, or know someone trustworthy who does.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 2
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      References

      1. ↑ http://www.cgsecurity.org/wiki/PhotoRec_Step_By_Step
      2. ↑ http://www.cgsecurity.org/wiki/TestDisk_Download
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5LU_hSL3C4
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5LU_hSL3C4
      5. ↑ http://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-recover-deleted-photos-from-a-memory-card/
      6. ↑ http://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-recover-deleted-photos-from-a-memory-card/
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzmEY9opx9o
      8. ↑ http://www.piriform.com/recuva/download
      9. ↑ http://www.piriform.com/recuva/download
      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPuy6SnXZq4
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPuy6SnXZq4
      3. ↑ http://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-recover-deleted-photos-from-a-memory-card/
      4. ↑ http://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-recover-deleted-photos-from-a-memory-card/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Install TestDisk & PhotoRec.
      2. Insert the SD card.
      3. Run Photorec.
      4. Select the SD card.
      5. Select the partition.
      6. Select Other as the file system.
      7. Select Free to search for all files.
      8. Select a restore location.
      9. Press C .
      10. Browse to the directory to view files.

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      Reader Success Stories

      • Niall Ellis

        Dec 8, 2017

        "I lost some photos of sentimental value, so I was incredibly relieved to find this article. I am quite technical, ..." more
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