How to Recover Accidentally Formatted SD Cards?

Imagine capturing priceless photos on your camera during a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, only to discover later that you formatted your SD card by accident. Panic creeps in as you fear losing those treasured images and movies for good. But don’t worry, there is still hope for SD card data recovery even after such a tragic incident.

So, keep reading as we explore the many approaches and procedures that may be able to recover your lost files. 

What’s the Formatting Process

Before we begin the recovery process, it is important to understand what formatting does to your SD card. Formatting your card basically prepares it for usage by generating a file system that your device recognises. When you format your SD card, all of the existing data is erased. It’s similar to pressing the reset button, and it may be a great pain!

Understanding Precautions Before Recovery

First things first, as soon as you realize you’ve accidentally formatted your SD card, stop using it. Using the card further might overwrite the data you want to recover, making it harder to get it back. So resist the urge to take more photos or save new files on the card.

Safely remove the SD card from your device to avoid any additional damage. Every second counts, so act quickly.

Recovering data from a formatted SD card on a PC using CMD command 

Data can be recovered from a formatted SD card using the CMD command on a PC by using the Command Prompt (CMD) utility to execute specific commands. The procedure is as follows:

• Use a card reader or another compatible means to connect the formatted SD card to your PC.
• click the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Command Prompt, then type “cmd” in the Run dialogue box and click Enter.
• Navigate to the drive that contains your SD card in the Command Prompt window. If your SD card is recognised as drive E:, for example, type “E:” and hit Enter.
• Once inside the SD card drive, use the CMD command “chkdsk” to scan and repair any disc issues. Enter “chkdsk E: /f” on the command line. If necessary, replace “E:” with the appropriate drive letter.
• Following the completion of the chkdsk operation, use the CMD command “attrib” to remove the “Read-only” attribute from the files on the SD card. Enter the command “attrib -r -s -h /s /d.”

You can also use third-party data recovery tools. CMD commands alone may not always be enough to restore all data.

Software-Based Solutions

Free Data Recovery Software

Now, let’s turn to the digital world for some help. There are free data recovery software options available that can assist you. The key is to find a reliable one that suits your needs.

Once you’ve found a suitable software, install it on your computer and connect the formatted SD card. The software will scan your card to find any recoverable files. Sit tight while it does its thing. After the scan, you can preview the recovered files and choose the ones you want to save. Click that recovery button and let the software do its magic. Just remember to save the recovered files to a different location to be safe.

Commercial Data Recovery Software

If the free options didn’t do the trick, you might want to consider investing in commercial data recovery software. These paid tools usually offer more advanced features and a higher chance of successful recovery.

After purchasing and downloading the software, follow the installation instructions. Connect your formatted SD card and run the scanning process. Once again, you’ll see a list of recoverable files. Take your time to preview and select the files you want to recover. When you’re ready, start the recovery process and wait for your files to be restored.

Seeking Professional Assistance 

If you’ve tried software-based methods and are still unable to retrieve your data, don’t give up! Sometimes a scenario necessitates the assistance of a specialist. Find and contact trusted data recovery service companies in your area. These professionals have the skills and tools to tackle even the most difficult data recovery situations.

Preventive Measures

Now that we’ve rescued your data, let’s talk about preventing future mishaps. Regularly backing up your data is the ultimate way to keep it safe. Consider using cloud storage or external hard drives to create backups of your important files.

Also, be cautious when formatting your SD card. Take a moment to double-check what you’re formatting before you hit that button. One small moment of attention can save you from a lot of frustration.

If you’re really worried about accidental formatting, some SD cards have write-protect switches. These nifty little switches prevent any accidental overwriting or formatting.

Also Read: SD Cards: Advantages and Disadvantages

Let’s end it now

Accidentally formatting an SD card can be a traumatic experience, but you can overcome it with the appropriate information and technique. You can protect your valuable data and keep peace of mind by following the actions suggested in this tutorial and taking proactive measures to prevent repeat catastrophes.

Our trustworthy SD card data recovery can assess the problem, create a solution, and provide the highest possibility of successfully returning your vital files. They have access to advanced techniques that the common user may not have, improving the likelihood of a full recovery.