I accidentally deleted some important files from my SanDisk SD card. It’s crucial that I get them back. Does anyone know a reliable method or tool for recovering data from a SanDisk SD card? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Oh great, another “I deleted my files, please help” thread. Okay, here’s the deal – data recovery can be a real pain. You might get lucky with software like Disk Drill. It’s decent because it’s user-friendly and works on both Mac and Windows. But don’t get your hopes too high; nothing’s guaranteed.
Pros? Disk Drill’s interface is easy to use and it supports a wide range of file types. Cons? It’s not cheap, and the free version only lets you recover 500MB. Also, Disk Drill sometimes doesn’t find everything you lost. If you’re desperate, you might have to compare it with other programs like Recuva or EaseUS, though they’ve got their own set of issues.
In future, maybe try not deleting important files? Just a thought.
Honestly, you shouldn’t just rely on software like Disk Drill. I’ve had some luck with it, but I’ve found that it can be a bit hit or miss. Instead, consider PhotoRec (Digital Picture and File Recovery), which is free and open-source. It’s not as pretty or easy to use as Disk Drill, but it can often dig deeper into your SD card’s data. The downside is, you’ve got to be somewhat tech-savvy to navigate through it.
Alternatively, you might want to look into using a hardware-based solution if software doesn’t cut it. Sometimes, SD cards have physical issues that software alone can’t fix. In such cases, services like DriveSavers (https://www.drivesavers.com) offer professional recovery, but they are quite pricey.
Another idea, if you’re dealing with logical damage (like file system corruption), is to use tools like TestDisk (also from CGSecurity). It’s more of a command-line tool, so again, not super user-friendly, but it’s quite powerful.
Don’t forget to immediately stop using the SD card to avoid overwriting any recoverable data. And, yes, backup religiously in the future—perhaps using cloud storage for important files.
Download Disk Drill:
Download Disk Drill – In case you still want to try a decent software solution.
Good luck.
First off, props to @codecrafter and @techchizkid for covering some solid ground. Let’s peel another layer of this data recovery onion. But heads up, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Let’s dig into some extra methods and tools beyond Disk Drill and open-source options.
Right off the bat, stop using the SD card immediately. Any new data written to it could overwrite your lost files, making recovery impossible. Now, onto the recovery tools:
1. R-Studio:
For those who need a bit more robustness and are ready to spend a few extra bucks, R-Studio offers a potent mix of features.
- Pros:
- Handles multiple file systems (FAT, NTFS, HFS+, Ext, etc.)
- Can recover RAID arrays
- Deep scanning capabilities
- Cons:
- Steeper learning curve
- Not exactly cheap
2. Wondershare Recoverit:
This software is ideal for users looking for a straightforward, GUI-driven experience.
- Pros:
- Clean, user-friendly interface
- Supports a wealth of file types
- Available for both macOS and Windows
- Cons:
- Costs can rack up
- Sometimes less effective with severely corrupted files
3. Pro Soft Data Rescue 5:
An excellent all-around tool with some unique options.
- Pros:
- Finds partition data lost due to corruption
- Detailed file previews
- Creates a clone of your SD card before performing recovery, ensuring no damage to the original
- Cons:
- Slower scans
- High price tag
Photorec & TestDisk might not have all the bells and whistles, but they work wonders in their niche. However, if you’re uncomfortable fiddling about with command lines, you might want to pass.
Another angle is to try a Linux Live CD for data recovery. Booting from a Live CD allows you to work on the SD card without risking data written onto the card. Utilizing tools like ddrescue can be lifesavers, especially for advanced users.
Steps to use a Linux Live CD with ddrescue:
- Boot from a Linux Live CD (Ubuntu or any other distro).
- Attach your SD card.
- Open a terminal and type
sudo apt-get install gddrescueto installddrescue. - Run
sudo fdisk -lto identify your SD card (e.g.,/dev/sdb). - Create an image of the SD card:
sudo ddrescue /dev/sdb /path/to/store/image logfile.
Pro tips:
- Don’t work directly on your SD card, always create an image first.
- Be cautious; any wrong command can mess things up.
If we’re talking hardware failure (e.g., the card isn’t being recognized at all or there’s physical damage), DIY solutions will probably hit a wall. Services like DriveSavers or Ontrack are your friends albeit pricey ones.
Finally, just a word of caution: if the SD card contains highly sensitive or vital data, engaging with a professional recovery service straight away might save a lot of headache.
Concluding, while Disk Drill is solid – highly recommend checking out their versatile data recovery solutions at Disk Drill – exploring all avenues ensures you’re giving it your best shot. Remember, it’s case-specific, so weighing your options before committing to one tool can save you both time and money.
Safeguard your important data, peeps. An ounce of backup is worth a pound of recovery effort!