How to Recover and Access Photos and Videos from a Corrupted Micro SD Card

Micro SD cards are small but mighty storage devices widely used in smartphones, cameras, and other portable gadgets due to their convenience and storage capacity. However, encountering issues such as inability to access files or error codes can be frustrating. This blog post delves into methods and tools to help you recover and safely access your data, with an emphasis on addressing common problems like error codes 0xC00D36C4 and 0x80070570.

Understanding Micro SD Card Corruption

Causes of Corruption

Micro SD card corruption can occur for several reasons, including:

1. Physical Damage: Dropping or improperly handling the card can cause physical damage, leading to corruption.
2. Virus Infection: Connecting your device to a virus-infected computer or downloading malicious files can compromise SD card data.
3. Improper Ejection: Removing the card while data is being read or written can corrupt data.
4. File System Errors: Errors in the card’s file system can make it unreadable by devices or computers.
5. Manufacturer Defects: Occasionally, inherent flaws in the card’s design can lead to malfunctioning.

Signs of Micro SD Card Corruption

Before diving into recovery methods, it’s crucial to identify symptoms of a corrupt card:

• Files or folders become invisible or inaccessible.
• Error messages appear when attempting to open, delete, or move files.
• The card is not recognized by the device.
• Unreadable or unplayable multimedia files.

Diagnosing the Error Codes

When attempting to open or move files, you might encounter specific error codes:

• Error Code 0xC00D36C4: This typically indicates that the media player cannot play the video file, possibly due to unsupported codecs or file corruption.
• Error Code 0x80070570: This error suggests that the file is corrupted or the directory could not be created, often observed while transferring files.

Methods to Recover Data from a Corrupted Micro SD Card

Step 1: Initial Troubleshooting

Before proceeding to advanced recovery steps:

1. Use Another Device: Insert the card into a different computer or device to rule out device-specific issues.
2. Check Lock Switch: For adapters with a lock switch, ensure it is unlocked.
3. Update Drivers: Sometimes, updating your device drivers can resolve the issue.

Step 2: Use Built-in Windows Tools

Chkdsk Utility

Windows offers a built-in tool, chkdsk, that can fix file system errors. Here’s how to use it:

1. Insert your Micro SD card into your computer.
2. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
3. Type the command: chkdsk X: /f (replace “X” with the drive letter of your SD card).
4. Press Enter and allow the utility to scan and repair errors.

While chkdsk can resolve minor issues, it might not fix media-specific errors like 0xC00D36C4.

Step 3: Use Data Recovery Software

If initial troubleshooting and built-in utilities don’t solve the problem, consider using specialized data recovery Software. Some reliable Software options include:

Recuva

Developed by Piriform, Recuva is a popular choice for recovering lost or deleted files:

1. Download and install Recuva on your computer.
2. Launch the program and select the file types you wish to recover, such as photos and videos.
3. Choose your Micro SD card as the recovery location and initiate the scan.
4. Preview and recover the files you need.

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard

EaseUS provides a robust recovery tool with a user-friendly interface:

1. Install EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard.
2. Open the application and choose your SD card from the list of drives.
3. Initiate the scan, which can take some time depending on the card’s capacity.
4. After scanning, review the recoverable files and recover them to a new location.

Step 4: Fix Incompatible Formats and Codecs

After recovering files, you may need to address format or codec-related issues:

Update or Change Media Players

Ensure your media player supports the file format. VLC Media Player, for example, supports various codecs and formats:

1. Download and install VLC Media Player if you haven’t already.
2. Open the recovered video files with VLC to check if they play correctly.

Convert File Formats

Use conversion Software if the files are incompatible:

1. Wondershare UniConverter: A versatile tool that enables file conversion into various formats.
2. HandBrake: An open-source tool suited for video conversion.

Convert your files into widely-accepted formats such as MP4 for videos or JPEG for images.

Step 5: Moving Files to a New Location

After successfully recovering and viewing your files, you may want to move them:

• Use Windows Explorer to navigate to your SD card.
• Select the files, right-click, and choose “Copy.”
• Navigate to the destination folder on your computer.
• Right-click and choose “Paste.”

If errors persist, check permissions or use third-party file transfer tools to aid the process.

Preventing Future Data Loss

To avoid repeating the hassle of data recovery in the future, consider these practices:

• Regular Backups: Routinely back up important files to multiple locations or cloud storage.
• Safely Eject Cards: Always safely eject your Micro SD card to prevent data corruption.
• Use Antivirus Software: Regularly scan your devices and SD card to shield against viruses.
• Monitor Storage Health: Keep an eye on your storage devices’ health using diagnostic software.
• Handle with Care: Avoid physical damage and exposure to extreme temperatures.

Conclusion

Encountering issues with a Micro SD card can be stressful, especially when treasured photos and videos are at risk. However, with the right tools and methodologies, you can retrieve and secure your data. The combination of basic troubleshooting, recovery software, and understanding error codes empowers you to not only recover files but also to maintain the longevity of your storage devices. Whether using Recuva or EaseUS, taking preventive measures will safeguard your digital memories for years to come.