What to Do When Your 128GB SD Card Only Shows 2GB: A Case Study
Many of us rely on SD cards to store important files, games, and memories, so it can be disheartening when they suddenly malfunction. Recently, I encountered an issue with my Kodak 128GB SD card, which is crucial for housing my games on a Linux handheld. Just yesterday, everything was functioning perfectly. However, upon booting it up today, to my dismay, none of my stored games were visible.
To investigate further, I connected the card to my PC, hoping for some clarity. Instead, I found that the card only recognized approximately 2GB of space with a mysterious file named uupd.bin occupying around 32MB. Upon researching, I stumbled across a comment explaining that a MicroSD card displaying a 2GB partition along with the uupd.bin file indicates it has entered a failsafe factory mode due to the inability to initialize the NAND flash inside.
Can Data Recovery Be Achieved?
This leads me to wonder about the prospects of recovering my valuable games and saved data. Is there hope, or is it time to accept defeat and invest in a new card?
What Are Your Options?
If you find yourself in a similar predicament, here are a few steps to consider before making a decision:
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Use Data Recovery Software: There are numerous Data Recovery programs available that might be able to retrieve files even from damaged SD cards. Examples include Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, and Stellar Data Recovery.
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Try Formatting the Card: Sometimes, reformatting the card can help reinstate its original functionality. However, be cautious—this may result in permanent data loss.
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Consult a Professional: If the data is highly valuable, professional Data Recovery services may be worth considering. While they can be costly, they often have the tools and expertise to recover information that typical Software cannot.
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Evaluate Replacement Options: If recovery efforts are unsuccessful and the card is irreparable, it may be time to look for a new storage solution. Research brands and read reviews to find a model known for reliability.
Moving Forward
Encountering a problem like this can be frustrating, but it’s essential to know your options before giving up. While I’m still hopeful for a resolution regarding my 128GB SD card, I recognize the importance of backing up data in the future
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