Before diving into the recovery process, it is important to understand how data is stored on an SD card. When files are deleted from an SD card, the data is not immediately removed. Instead, the space occupied by the deleted files is marked as available for new data. This means that until new data is written over the deleted files, there is a chance to recover them.
Precautions to Take Immediately
Stop Using the SD Card: As soon as you realize that files have been deleted, stop using the SD card to prevent new data from overwriting the deleted files.
Do Not Format the SD Card: Formatting the card will significantly reduce the chances of successful data recovery.
Handle with Care: Ensure that the SD card is handled carefully to avoid physical damage that could complicate recovery efforts.
Step-by-Step Recovery Process
Step 1: Check the Recycle Bin or Trash
If the SD card was connected to a computer when the files were deleted, the first place to check is the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac). Sometimes, files deleted from external storage devices are temporarily moved to these locations.
Windows:
Open the Recycle Bin by double-clicking its icon on the desktop.
Look for the deleted files. If found, right-click on them and select “Restore.”
Mac:
Open the Trash by clicking its icon in the Dock.
Look for the deleted files. If found, right-click on them and select “Put Back.”
Step 2: Use Built-In Command-Line Tools
Windows - Command Prompt
Windows provides a command-line utility called chkdsk that can help recover lost files from an SD card.
Connect the SD Card: Insert the SD card into the computer's card reader.
Open Command Prompt:
Press Windows Key + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
Run chkdsk:
In the Command Prompt window, type chkdsk X: /f (replace X with the drive letter of your SD card) and press Enter.
This command checks for file system errors and attempts to fix them. If it finds lost files, it will save them in a newly created directory.
Mac - Terminal
Mac provides a command-line tool called fsck_msdos that can be used to check and repair file systems.
Connect the SD Card: Insert the SD card into the computer's card reader.
Open Terminal:
Go to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
Run fsck_msdos:
In the Terminal window, type sudo fsck_msdos -fy /dev/disk2s1 (replace /dev/disk2s1 with the correct disk identifier for your SD card) and press Enter.
This command checks and repairs the file system on the SD card.
Step 3: Use File History or Backup Solutions
If you have enabled File History (Windows) or Time Machine (Mac) on your computer, you might be able to recover deleted files from a backup.
Windows - File History
Open File History:
Go to Control Panel > System and Security > File History.
Restore Files:
Navigate to the folder where the deleted files were stored and use the arrow keys to navigate through different versions of the folder. Select the version that contains the deleted files and click “Restore.”
Mac - Time Machine
Open Time Machine:
Click the Time Machine icon in the menu bar and select “Enter Time Machine.”
Restore Files:
Navigate to the folder where the deleted files were stored and use the timeline on the right side of the screen to go back to a time when the files existed. Select the files and click “Restore.”
Step 4: Check for Hidden Files
Sometimes, files might not be deleted but hidden due to malware or user error. You can check for hidden files using the built-in options in your operating system.
Windows
Show Hidden Files:
Open File Explorer and go to the View tab.
Check the box next to “Hidden items” to show hidden files and folders.
Mac
Show Hidden Files:
Open Finder and press Command + Shift + . (period) to toggle the visibility of hidden files.
Step 5: Utilize Data Recovery Features on the Device
Some devices, like cameras and smartphones, have built-in data recovery features that can help recover deleted files from an SD card.
Cameras
Open the Camera Menu:
Navigate to the playback menu and look for options like “Recover Deleted Files” or “Undelete.”
Follow On-Screen Instructions:
Use the camera's interface to follow the on-screen instructions for recovering deleted files.
Smartphones
Check the File Manager:
Open the file manager app on your smartphone and look for a “Recently Deleted” folder or similar.
Restore Files:
Select the deleted files and restore them to their original location.
