From Lost to Found: Data Recovery from Flash Drives and Memory Cards

Losing data from flash drives and memory cards can be distressing, but there’s hope for recovery! In this article, we serve as digital lifesavers, sharing expert techniques and strategies for successfully recovering data from flash drives and memory cards. Whether you’ve accidentally deleted files, formatted your storage devices, or encountered other data loss scenarios, we’ve got you covered. Learn how to salvage your precious memories with data recovery techniques for flash drives and memory cards!

From Lost to Found: Data Recovery from Flash Drives and Memory Cards

Fortunately, “different” does not mean “more complicated” or “more expensive to handle”. On the contrary; when recovering information from most USB flash drives and memory cards, you have an opportunity to save time and money by using one of the specialized tools offered by our company.

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Memory cards from cameras

If you used a SD, xD-Picture Card, Memory Stick and Compact Flash memory cards in a digital camera and want to recover lost pictures from it, there’s no need whatsoever to buy an all-in-one monster such as Hetman Partition Recovery. Instead, you can opt for a much less expensive specialized image recovery tool: Hetman Photo Recovery. Priced nearly 70% lower than the all-in-one tool, Hetman Photo Recovery will scan the entire memory card the way our more expensive products do, allowing you to recover photos from formatted or corrupted cards in a matter of minutes.

Partition Recovery™ 5.0
The tool recovers data from any devices, regardless of the cause of data loss.
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Content-based recovery also gives you the benefit of being precisely tailored to the type of data being recovered. For example, Hetman Photo Recovery will reliably detect almost a hundred image formats as well as a dozen digital RAW files, even if those are stored on a memory card that’s been formatted. All supported files can be previewed with a single click before the recovery.

Criterion Hetman Partition Recovery Hetman Photo Recovery
Purpose Recovery of files and partitions after formatting, deletion, or file system damage. Recovery of deleted or lost photos from any storage device.
Data Type Supports all file types (documents, images, videos, archives, etc.). Focused exclusively on graphic files (photos, images).
File Systems FAT/exFAT, NTFS/ReFS, APFS/HFS+, Ext2/3/4/ReiserFS, Btrfs/VMFS, Hikvision, and XFS/UFS/ZFS. FAT/exFAT, NTFS/ReFS, APFS/HFS+, Ext2/3/4/ReiserFS, and XFS/UFS.
Supported Devices Hard drives, SSDs, USB drives, memory cards, external drives. Cameras, memory cards, USB drives, hard drives.
Deep Analysis Yes, for complex recovery cases. Yes, for finding deleted images.
Additional Features Folder structure recovery, disk image support, recovery from damaged partitions. Simple interface focused on working with photos.
Target Audience Advanced users, IT professionals, organizations. Photographers, enthusiasts, regular users.
Operating System Windows, Linux, MacOS. Windows, Linux, MacOS.
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The File System

Most USB flash drives are formatted with FAT32 for compatibility reasons. This means you’re very unlikely to encounter a flash drive or memory card formatted with the other file system, NTFS. This also means that you don’t have to purchase an expensive recovery tool that can fix both FAT and NTFS-based drives. FAT is a simpler file system that’s easier to recover. Try a free version of Hetman FAT Recovery, and more often than not it’ll be able to serve you just as well as the more expensive analogue.

Easier to Handle

With USB flash drives and memory cards, you don’t have to observe the same strict precautions as when recovering system drives. Normally you wouldn’t install a data recovery tool onto a memory card you’re about to recover. You would also have enough space on your main hard drive to store the files being recovered, so you likely won’t need the FTP Upload and DVD Burn features of the bigger product.

Oleg Afonin

Author: , Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

Vladimir Artiukh

Editor: , Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

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Questions and answers

  • What are some common reasons for data loss on flash drives and memory cards?
    • Accidental deletion or formatting of the drive.
    • Physical damage to the drive, such as bending, cracking, or water damage.
    • Corrupted file system or partition table.
    • Virus or malware infection.
    • Poor quality or counterfeit media.
    • Power surges or voltage fluctuations.
    • Wear and tear from frequent use.
  • What is the difference between a flash drive and a memory card?

    A flash drive is a type of data storage device that uses flash memory and a USB connection to transfer files between computers. A memory card is a small, portable storage device used to store data such as music, pictures, and videos. Memory cards are typically used in digital cameras, mobile phones, and other portable devices. Flash drives are typically larger than memory cards and are used for transferring larger amounts of data.

  • Can data recovery software be used to recover data from a physically damaged flash drive or memory card?

    Yes, in some cases data recovery software can be used to recover data from a physically damaged flash drive or memory card. However, it is not always successful and may require the assistance of a professional data recovery service.

  • What are some signs that indicate a flash drive or memory card may have suffered physical damage?
    • Cracks or breaks in the plastic casing
    • Corrosion or rust on the metal contacts
    • Bent or broken metal contacts
    • Missing or broken plastic pieces
    • Visible signs of water damage
  • Is it possible to recover data from a flash drive or memory card that has been formatted or erased?

    Yes, it is possible to recover data from a flash drive or memory card that has been formatted or erased. There are various data recovery software programs available that can help you recover data from a formatted or erased flash drive or memory card. It is important to note, however, that the success of the data recovery process depends on the type of formatting or erasing that was done and the amount of data that was stored on the device.

Comments (12)

  • Gina
    Gina 21.06.2016 15:37 #
    Very useful programm. One day my old camera just doesn't turn on. I gave it to a service center, but they said that it can't be repaired. So the flash card was broken too. It happened about five years ago. And before this we took photos of my little son. And that were a very bad news. All this time camera and flash card stored in the cabinet. And now I have the opportunity to recover all old photos of my Johnny. Thank you for this!
    Reply
  • Bubba Findley
    Bubba Findley 11.09.2012 23:50 #
    How long does the data recovery process typically take for a flash drive or memory card?
    Reply
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 12.09.2012 00:07 #
      The data recovery process for a flash drive or memory card can take anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the size of the drive and the complexity of the data recovery needed.
      Reply
  • Jonathan Lethbridge
    Jonathan Lethbridge 11.09.2012 22:02 #
    What should you do if you suspect that your flash drive or memory card has been infected with malware?
    Reply
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 11.09.2012 22:18 #
      If you suspect that your flash drive or memory card has been infected with malware, the best thing to do is to immediately disconnect it from your computer and scan it with an anti-malware program. If the scan detects any malicious software, you should delete the files and reformat the drive to remove the infection. Additionally, you should change any passwords that may have been compromised and update your computer's security software.
      Reply
  • Otto Pengelley
    Otto Pengelley 11.09.2012 19:57 #
    What are some tips for preventing data loss on a flash drive or memory card?
    Reply
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 11.09.2012 20:25 #
      • Use the latest version of antivirus software to scan the drive or card regularly.
      • Make sure to safely eject the drive or card from your computer before unplugging it.
      • Always back up your data to a secure cloud storage or another external drive.
      • Avoid using the drive or card on multiple computers, as this can increase the risk of malware infection.
      • Don’t store important data on the drive or card for long periods of time without backing it up.
      • Use a reliable USB port and cable when connecting the drive or card to your computer.
      • Avoid using the drive or card in dusty or humid environments.
      • Never remove the drive or card while it is in use.
      Reply
  • Tom Aubert
    Tom Aubert 11.09.2012 16:57 #
    Are there any DIY methods for recovering data from a damaged flash drive or memory card?
    Reply
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 11.09.2012 17:15 #
      Yes, there are some DIY methods for recovering data from a damaged flash drive or memory card. These include using data recovery software such as Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, or Disk Drill; manually copying data off the drive or card using a USB cable; and using a data recovery service. However, it is important to note that these methods may not always be successful and can be time-consuming. It is recommended to seek professional help if the DIY methods are unsuccessful.
      Reply
  • Cardew Rathbone
    Cardew Rathbone 11.09.2012 13:49 #
    How does the process of data recovery from a flash drive or memory card work?
    Reply
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 11.09.2012 14:16 #
      Data recovery from a flash drive or memory card typically involves scanning the device for recoverable files and then copying them to a secure location. The process begins with a physical inspection of the device to determine the cause of the data loss. This may include checking for physical damage or examining the device for signs of water or fire damage. Once the cause of the data loss has been determined, the next step is to scan the device for recoverable files. This is done using specialized software designed to search for and extract lost data. Depending on the severity of the data loss, this process may take several hours or even days. Once the scan is complete, the recovered files can then be copied to a secure location.
      Reply
  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 27.04.2018 09:59 #
    Read about recovering data from flash drives and memory cards. If you do have any questions, don't hesitate to contact our technical support service - we will be happy to help you.
    Reply
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