Need to replace path/directory of files for imported files from SD card

How to Recover and Relocate Imported Files from a Formatted SD Card

Recovering and managing media files after accidental data loss or formatting can be a challenging task for videographers and content creators. If you’ve recently imported footage from an SD card into Adobe Premiere Pro or similar editing software, and the original files are now inaccessible or corrupted, this guide aims to help you navigate the process of recovering your content and adjusting your project to locate the files correctly.

Understanding the Scenario

Suppose your team recently shot footage on an SD card, which was then imported into your editing workflow. Unfortunately, the SD card was formatted, and now the files are no longer available in their original location. Despite attempts with data recovery software, the footage remains corrupted within your editing application. The question then becomes: How can you restore access to these files and update your project to reference their new location?

Steps to Recover and Relocate Media Files

1. Evaluate the Current Situation

• Confirm whether the recovered files are intact or corrupted. Sometimes, data recovery tools can restore files with minor issues, but the footage may still be compromised.
• Check the recovered files’ location—are they stored locally on your computer, external drive, or still on the SD card? If they are on your computer, proceed to the next step.

2. Identify the Files’ Current Location in Your Project

• Open your Adobe or editing software and locate the ‘Missing Media’ or corrupted clips warning.
• If the software recognizes the file paths, it may prompt you to locate the files manually. Use the prompt to point the software to the new location where your recovered files are stored.

3. Relocate Files Within Your Project

• If the files are now saved in a different directory than initially imported from, you’ll need to update your project to reference the correct paths.
• In Adobe Premiere Pro, you can right-click on the missing clip in the Project panel and select “Replace Footage” or “Link Media”.
• Navigate to the new directory, select the appropriate files, and confirm. The software will now reference the re-located files, restoring your footage to a usable state.

4. Batch Relinking of Multiple Files

• If many files need updating, use the “Project Manager” or “Link Media” feature to batch relink multiple files efficiently.
• Ensure that the file names and directory structure are