Troubleshooting Lost Files from a SanDisk External SSD: A Cautionary Tale for Video Creators

As a creator, few feelings are more disheartening than losing valuable footage. In this post, I’ll share my recent experience with file loss on my SanDisk External SSD while recording content for YouTube and propose some potential solutions for recovery and prevention.

My Workflow for Video Footage

I often film video clips using my DJI Pocket 2 for my YouTube channel. My standard procedure involves recording daily footage and subsequently transferring these files from the SD card to my SanDisk SSD via my MacBook Air. After exporting, I diligently check to ensure that the number of files on the SSD matches those on the SD card. Once confirmed, I delete the SD card content to make room for my next filming session.

The Unfortunate Disappearance

Following a recent filming trip, I performed my typical checks and confirmed that all footage had successfully transferred. After returning home, I began watching the videos, but I left them untouched until I was ready to edit. To my shock, when I opened my editing software, I discovered that several files had inexplicably vanished.

The loss includes both individual files and entire sequences. For instance, I noticed that while file DJI_0198 was absent, others such as DJI_2018 through DJI_2225 were missing as well. This is particularly frustrating as I am confident that I did not delete these files myself; I had plans to utilize them for editing.

Seeking Solutions

Currently, I’m left with the concern over what steps I can take to reclaim these lost files. Has anyone else faced a similar predicament? I would greatly appreciate any advice on potential recovery methods. Specifically, I’m curious about options available for recovering lost files from the SD card, the SanDisk SSD, or my MacBook.

A Learning Experience

The loss of these files has been particularly gut-wrenching, especially since many moments captured are irreplaceable. In retrospect, I’m contemplating whether my current method of transferring and deleting files is the best approach. Looking ahead, I plan to implement a more robust backup strategy, utilizing two separate external hard drives to ensure my footage remains secure.

This incident is not an isolated event for me; I’ve faced similar issues in the past, but this particular instance has been especially challenging. If anyone has suggestions to prevent future file loss or methods for recovering what’s been lost, your insights would be invaluable