The phone's memory is damaged, what should I do? How to quickly and easily recover files from a damaged memory card? Formatting via the command line

Despite your best efforts, are you unable to format your memory card? Don't rush to throw it in the trash bin.

Our advice is guaranteed to help you accomplish your plans with minimal time and effort. Go.

Important!

Formatting external media is intended to change the existing format, or to quickly remove all information from it. Before you start formatting, make sure that there is no important data left on the micro-SD, and only then proceed with cleaning.

Formatting using Windows tools

Formatting external media is intended to change the existing format, or to quickly remove all information from it.

Before you start formatting, make sure that there is no important data left on the micro SD, and only then proceed with cleaning.

First, let's look at the methods that .

You don’t need to download or install anything for them; in a couple of clicks you will achieve the desired result.

So, we follow the following algorithm of actions:

Go to the Start menu and select the item "Control Panel".

While in the control panel, select the viewing mode "Small Icons", as shown in the screenshot:

In the list that appears, select

A list of connected drives will open in front of you.

In it, find the memory card and right-click on it:

Important! In the “Status” line opposite the name of your card, there must be a status "Good" .

In the window that appears, click on the item "Format", as shown in the screenshot above.

If everything goes well, then the formatting of the card is complete.

If the card status displays the message "Not distributed", choose an action "Create new volume".

You have completed all the steps without errors, but Windows stubbornly refuses to format the card, which means that your OS is using this drive and blocking access to the file system.

In this case, you will need to use additional utilities, which we will describe below.

Formatting using the command line

Before you start, you need to restart your computer in safe mode.

To do this, call the command line by simultaneously pressing the Win + R keys.

We write the command in it

Msconfig and then click OK.

The system configuration menu will open in front of us.

and put a tick opposite "Safe mode".

After this, you can safely restart your computer.

After that, call again and enter the command into it

Format n Where « n » the letter responsible for the name of the memory card.

If everything is done correctly, formatting will be successful.

If not, move on to the next points.

Formatting using the D-Soft Flash Doctor utility

Microsd cannot be formatted using system tools? This means you need to use additional utilities.

Using the search engine, download and install the program D-Soft Flash Doctor.

With its help, you can mount a disk image, check the status of the disk, and restore the functions of the media.

Open the program and select the desired disk (which is responsible for our media) and select the function "Recover media":

Depending on the size of the memory card, the recovery operation may take up to 15 minutes.

Patiently wait for completion and click Finish

This completes the formatting process.

Download

Formatting using the HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool

This utility is capable of forcibly formatting the media, creating a new one (with bootable functionality) and checking the status of the disk.

Download and install HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool.

After the installation process, open the program.

In the top line, select the disk we need:

In line « File System» select the type of file system we need from the valid ones: "FAT", "FAT32", "exFAT" or "NTFS".

Note: Quick cleaning will save you time, but does not guarantee full results.

Line « Volume Label» allows you to change the media name to any other.

After filling in all fields, click the button « Format Disk», to start the cleaning process.

Download

EzRecover program

The peculiarity of this utility is that there is absolutely no need to specify the path and name of the drive, because it recognizes it itself.

The scheme is still the same - download and install the program. You launch it.

The first thing we will see is an error message, but there is nothing wrong with that, just reconnect the MicroSD, leaving the program enabled.

Utilities + techniques that will repair a damaged SD memory card, cure formatting errors and make SD work on your computer and phone.

Types of damage to SDHC memory cards

The most common scenarios that lead to problems reading SD cards on mobile devices and PCs are the following:

• Physical damage to the memory card
• Presence of bad sectors in the file table of the SD card:
  • After unsuccessful file transfer (copy-paste or Ctrl + X)
  • In case of a system failure of the OS (sudden shutdown of the PC) or phone
• Other unknown reasons why the SD card is damaged

How to recover a damaged memory card through the console

To fix reading errors on a memory card, you can use the command line and chkdsk. The utility is included in any version of Windows.

How to use chkdsk when fixing a memory card:

1. Open the Run menu via the Start menu or the Win + R hotkeys.
2. Type cmd, Enter
3. At the command prompt, type chkdsk [drive letter]: /f /r, Enter
4. Press Y to confirm the scan will start

The meaning of the keys in chkdsk:

• Flag /f – correct errors on the memory card
• The /r flag – fixing bad sectors on the disk

The functionality of the chkdsk utility also contains other scan parameters, which can be viewed using the /? command. .

Format the memory card using the SDformatter program

Often problems with a memory card arise due to incorrect formatting. As a result,

• sd card is not readable
• does not appear when connected on certain PC configurations
• A memory card with the NTFS file system is not available for writing files on Mac OS.

The free SDformatter program is ideal for these purposes. It formats SD cards. Nothing more is required from her. SDformatter copes with the task better than standard Windows formatting programs - in fact, they are not entirely suitable for formatting SD/SDHC memory cards.

Card reader(external or internal) - a special device connected to a computer. It is inexpensive and sold in most computer stores. If you have a laptop, it is likely that the card reader is already built-in.

SDformatter is far from the only utility for working with flash drives; USB Disk Storage Format Tool is an excellent alternative. This free program has the same capabilities - formatting in (ex)FAT/NTFS and checking the file structure/clusters for errors.

The disadvantage of formatting as a method of correcting errors is obvious: all files previously stored on the memory card will be irretrievably lost. But if it’s more important to you to fix errors on the memory card and quickly return it to working condition, it’s harder to come up with a better way to solve the problem than formatting.

Is it possible to save files if the memory card asks for formatting?

We repeat, we will not rule out that a damaged SD card may contain very important files. Sometimes they can be saved, but in some situations you will have to say goodbye to them.

One of the most famous cases is when, as a result of reading errors, the operating system offers, to put it mildly, not the best option - to format the memory card, consequently deleting it completely.

How to act in a situation if a flash drive (or rather Windows) requires you to format it? Try to restore the functioning of a damaged SD card by bypassing formatting - so that the files remain on it.

1. Ignore the formatting prompt.
2. Using a recovery program (for example, PhotoRec or TestDisk), scan the memory card.
3. Save the recovered files on your computer.

Read how to do this via PhotoRec.

Is there a possibility of permanent damage to the memory card?

Yes, sure. Reading errors on the memory card cannot be restored programmatically if they are of a mechanical nature:

• you damaged the memory card by dropping or stepping on it,
• Water has entered the memory card,
• When the phone caught fire, the memory card was exposed to heat.

If the problem is a hardware problem, in the case of a hard drive or USB flash drive, it is possible to replace the microcircuits in the laboratory. However, an SD memory card, which is microscopic in size, cannot be restored; the only option is to replace the damaged memory card with a new one. Moreover, the presence of visible damage excludes free replacement under warranty.

Additional Information. What happens when the memory card is damaged

Let us list the characteristic symptoms: what is happening, the SD memory card is damaged.

• Photos and videos open with errors or are not displayed completely
• SD card is unreadable or not recognized by phone/PC
• The phone displays a message saying that recording to the SD card is not possible
• Damaged SD card asking to format it
• The OS reports reading errors and freezes when connecting an SD card to the computer

Question answer

My sd memory card was damaged, can I recover lost photos on it? What should I do?

Answer. Yes, in most cases, CardRecovery 6.10 (flash drive recovery program) is capable of reliably recovering photos from damaged memory cards (but not in all cases. Basically, it depends on the current state of the memory card and the number of overwrite cycles of free space).

CardReader is the optimal application for recovery, since this program is “tailored” for media formats and memory cards. In addition, we can recommend an alternative - RhotoRec. It searches file signatures and in some cases finds what CardReader misses.

Most of the photos on the SD card are damaged. Folders allegedly damaged. After reading your article, I realized that the problem may have arisen due to “overwriting”. Is it possible to recover photos from a damaged microsd?

Answer. Yes, of course, recovery of a microSD memory card after overwriting is less likely. Therefore, it is best to take it out of the phone and restore it only through a card reader by connecting the SD card to a computer or laptop.

The phone showed a message saying that the memory card is not supported by the phone. I checked. The card is indeed damaged. Is it possible to restore or extract photos and videos from there and how to do it. Thank you.

Answer. If the memory card is damaged, you need to remove it from the phone (or other device where it was used), connect it to the computer via a card reader and scan the SD card using recovery programs. This is the only way to recover data from a damaged card.

If there is physical damage (and, consequently, the computer does not see the SD card), unfortunately, recovery is not possible.

SD card is damaged. I can’t open and view files either through my phone (Android) or my computer (Windows 7). downloaded CardRecovery 6.10. build 1210 (evalutiation version), the program found the files, BUT at the last stage, i.e. saving, a line appears in which you need to enter the key. If you don't have a key, you need to buy one. So, is there any way to restore files without cost? because There is a lot of valuable information on the SD card, I would not like to format it. I hope very much for your help.

Answer. Yes, you can restore a damaged phone SD card at no cost. Since you're talking about CardRecovery, you'll either have to buy the full version on the developer's website ($40) or download it to rutracker in the pro version. Among the free and high-quality programs for complete recovery, we can recommend the Recuva program (we have already done a detailed review of its functions). In order for the memory card to be identified in the list, you need to connect it via a card reader to the PC.

Recently I decided to take a photo, but when I take a photo, it is saved, but there is a black screen in the gallery. Also, VK does not listen to music and does not save pictures and screenshots to the memory card. What to do? I am hope for your help!

Answer. Your phone's memory card may be damaged. You can fix file system damage by formatting the SD card on a computer or directly on your phone (read how to do this above). If this method does not work, try replacing the SD card or, as a last resort, resetting the phone to factory settings.

About five days ago, the phone began to show an icon that the memory card (flash drive) was damaged and suggested erasing everything from it. I didn't do this. Two days later, all audio recordings disappeared. And today I discovered that most of the photos were also missing. What to do? Is it possible to restore them?

Answer . As a rule, ifSDthe card is damaged,Windowssuggests formatting it (= erasing it). Before doing this, it is best to copy all remaining data to your PC.

The next step is to perform a quick format (Quick, but notFull!) and scan the memory card with recovery programs.Among the free ones we recommend Recuva, PhotoRec, DiskDigger for PC.

I ordered it for myselfSD cardon aliexpress. I inserted it into the phone and everything worked. An hour passed, I rebooted the phone - it stopped seeing the flash drive, the same situation on the computer. ButSDthe card is connected to the computer and is present in the list of media. I go into my computer - it’s not there, I go to Disk Management - it shows that the disk is working fine. At the same time, I can’t format or copy files to a flash drive. I inserted it into a tablet with Android 5.0: it shows that the flash drive is damaged and asks to format it. I started formatting, OSWindowformats and successfully completes formatting, but after this procedure nothing happened.

What should I do in this situation? How to restore micro sd? I accept any options except contacting the service.

Answer . Replacing the flash drive under warranty would be the fastest solution to the problem. ButSDIt is problematic to return a card from Aliexpress to the seller: sending it by mail will take months.

If formatting doesn't help, try creatingDisk VolumeonSDmap using a standard componentWindows: Control Panel - Disk Management. Then assign any free letter to Disk Volume.

Before our vacation we bought a new digital camera. Of course, we also bought a new memory card for him. Well, we walk around, take photos, there are already 900 photos, a 32 GB flash drive, it should have been enough for many photos, but suddenly the camera gives an error that we have damaged the flash card. And the photos don't open. We arrived home, started looking, but the flash drive would not open anywhere.

Question: is the problem with the camera or the flash drive? How can I restore the photo now?

Answer . Theoretically, the error could be caused by the camera, but this happens very rarely. For example, if the camera software contains errors, this can be resolved by flashing the device.

But most often the problem is associated with improper use of the memory card: for example, if you took it out of the camera without turning it off or connected it to another device / took it out of the card reader without removing it (unmounted).

What to do if the memory card is damaged? The best thing:

1. Check the memory card for errors by connecting it to the PC
2. Format media - if there are particularly important photos onSDthe map is no longer there.

Also check if the contacts on thestorage device. If filming was carried out in difficult weather conditions, this could cause contamination and, consequently, deterioration of the electrical conductivity of the memory card.

[Phone cannot recognizeSD-card after 3 days of use]

My phonevivo y53 reads my old oneSD-card, but my new one is 32 GB. My phone reads it, but only when transferring files from phone toSD-map. Some files are corrupted and when sharing files on another deviceSD the card is automatically disabled. What can be done to recover the sd card and files on it?

Answer . It is necessary to check the memory card for reading errors: perhaps you removed it incorrectly or, over time, erroneous sectors appeared that prevented writing/reading). Suitable for scanningchkdskor command line (seemanagement for error correction).

If no errors are found, copy the contents of the memory card to your computer (make a backup) and formatSDmap using the utilitySD Formatter . Programs available on the manufacturer’s website are also suitable for these purposes.SDcards (if available).

[Memory card is damaged... I've been trying to fix it for 3 days and nothing works]

About 3 days ago my micro SD card suddenly went bad. Photos do not open, nor do videos. Here's what I tried:

• Checked if the memory card works on another device
• Tried to fix errors via: "chkdsk:D/F" on my PC
• I tried restarting and turning off the phone several times.
• Tried to see if it works on my PC.

Does anyone know anything I can do how to recover a microsd memory card? Would appreciate any help.

Answer .

1. Look for proprietary software on the memory card manufacturer's website. In some cases, utilities for formatting a flash drive can be useful..
2. You can check the disk for errors not only through the command line, try other utilities for diagnosing the hard drivelikeHDDScan.
3. If the contentSDthe card is not available, but the disk is detected in Explorer (Windowsrequires you to format it), quick formatting of the flash drive and subsequent recovery saves via Recuva or similarrecovery-software

my 32gb sd card got damaged when i tried to download a file from a torrent. I can read data from the SD card, but I can't delete it or write new files. I tried cmd to solve the problem, but couldn't partition the memory card.

Please help me fix the SD card.

Answer . If you downloaded virus software from torrents, the virus may have blocked access to removable media. Therefore, it would not hurt to check your PC andSDerror card.

Second point. If you are writing files to free space, where there isbadsectors,Windowswill give an error. To resolve the error, check the memory card for errors or movebad-sectors to the end of the file table using diagnostic software.

Out of nowhere, the SD card turned out to be damaged. The phone suggested formatting it, and before that copying the files to the PC. But the computer doesn't see it. What is on the internal memory of the phone is seen. But there is no memory card. How then can I copy files from it before formatting? It is very important to save these files.

Answer. Do not agree to formatting if it is important to preserve the files stored on the media. You need to check the SD card for reading errors and fix them. How to do this - see above in the text (use chkdsk or similar utilities).

Please tell me what to do in such a situation? The Samsung j5 16 phone was full to capacity, and after a while it and the flash drive stopped seeing the memory card or saw it, but a window popped up: the memory card is damaged, replace it with a new one. When I deleted files or rebooted the phone, I saw the memory card without problems. I thought it was due to lack of space and so I decided, out of harm’s way, to take the card out of the phone and put it in a special box. About 3 weeks later I decided to clean it through the computer, but it didn’t open on it either. Is it possible to do anything with it, there is a lot of important information there.

Answer. Check for bad sectors using chkdsk, then format and continue using (if there are no errors, of course).

Micro SD 32 GB was installed in Android 7 Nugat. At first the memory card disappeared several times, as if it had been removed and inserted. The phone offered to set it as default. I thought the contact between the card and the phone was bad. Then it turns off and that’s it, neither the phone nor the card readers on the computer see it, they don’t react, as if it doesn’t exist. There was no damage or inaccuracy, it just turned off and that’s it. Is it really possible to do something? Thank you.

Answer. Most likely there are read errors or a damaged file table. These errors are easy to fix; You can restore the SD card using the chkdsk utility for Windows or its graphical analogue.

My SD card was stolen and then returned. A few weeks after returning, the phone suddenly stopped reading and recognizing the card. Neither the phone nor the SD card appears to be damaged, and this literally happened out of nowhere. The phone says there is no SD card inserted, but it is not. What to do?

Answer . If onSDThere is no physical damage to the card; it may contain software errors. Actually we are discussing this topic, so re-readFAQand answers to questions - most likely, your case has already been considered.

I have an 8 gig flash drive, but half of the selectors are damaged along the way, since I can only write 3 gigs on it, if I start filling it up more, the computer freezes, how can I cure it so that the remaining 3 gigs can also be filled, although the computer is in The properties of the flash drive shows that there are still 3 gigs available.

My card is in the RAW system - when checked by programs it simply turns off - apparently there are damaged sectors - nothing helps from what is described on the Internet - help!

What should I do if I received a notification on my phone that the SD card is damaged, although everything looks fine? I tried removing it and rebooting the phone - all to no avail. I don’t have a computer, tell me how to solve the problem, thanks in advance

There was a 32 GB SD card in the phone, and one day after rebooting the device, a message came out that the SD card was damaged and needed to be replaced. I connected the SD to the computer. The computer identified it, showed all the files, but nothing could be done with them. Then I inserted the SD back into the phone and it said that the SD needed to be formatted, but when I press format, after 20% a message pops up that formatting has been interrupted. Please tell me is it possible to restore an SD card or is it dead?

I'm already tormented by these micro sd cards!!! The problem is this: there are two phones, Samsung and Xiaomi, and there is an MP3 mini player, there is a card where a lot of music is downloaded and at one time this card worked on all devices, but sometimes due to the phones being turned off or rebooted, a message popped up about the memory card being damaged and of course all the music disappeared, they don’t see it on the device, but if you insert it through the card reader into the computer, the card shows normally, all the files are in place and work, I insert it back into the phone or mp3 and again all over again, there is nothing, the card is damaged! Is it possible to restore it?

Why does my phone show that the memory card is damaged? I formatted it, but the card is still damaged. Lenovo phone.

The phone says that the microsd is damaged and cannot be formatted, although everything works fine on the computer, but there are files that can only be opened through the phone, and I need them, because this is the miui folder (I have xiaomi) what should I do?

Phone Samsung Galaxy A3 2016 Writes that the memory card is damaged. I did the formatting several times. I took it out of the phone, installed it in another, everything works there. I moved it to mine again, same thing - the memory card is damaged. Tell me, can I fix the problem myself? Or can only a restoration specialist help?

HTC. 530..does not accept sd.. It says the card is damaged.. It works fine on the other one.. Although the same flash drive worked on it.. I changed the phone.. I just transferred the flash drive to a new phone.. Sony. It works fine.. I haven’t used HTC for some time.. I left it as a reserve.. It happened that way.. I sent it to Sony for repair.. Htc. Does not want to accept any sd.. When formatting it says that the sd card is out of date. It works slowly and needs a sd3 generation.. The sd with which he was working also does not want to open.. Although Sony can see the same sd.. Can you tell me what the problem is.

The most common reasons for losing the contents of an SD card are: accidental formatting, software failure and mechanical damage to the media. Knowing the root cause of the problem, you can choose the most appropriate recovery method that would allow you to recover lost data with maximum efficiency.

Procedure for recovering data from an SD card

If you find any problems with the functioning of the flash drive (it is not recognized by the gadget or PC, its volume is displayed incorrectly, etc.), you need to copy the files as quickly as possible, format the device, scan it with an anti-virus program and diagnose it for errors.

If you cannot access the contents of the memory card, you should try to recover the lost files yourself. To do this you can:

• use special software;
• perform hardware intervention.

The first method of recovering files and folders is simpler, so anyone can do it. With its help, you can with a high probability return data deleted after formatting or software failure.

To perform resuscitation at home you need to have on hand:

• PC with at least Windows XP operating system installed;
• a device for reading an SD card (card reader) or a corresponding connector on a computer;
• connected internet;
• special program.

The procedure for restoring the contents of a flash drive after an unplanned formatting or failure will be as follows:

1. A resuscitation program is installed. You can download it on the Internet from free resources or purchase a licensed version. For private use, free software is sufficient.
2. The device in which the SD card is installed is turned off, then the media is removed and connected to the computer.
3. The installed program is launched, which searches for files deleted after formatting or failure and saves them on the PC.

Hardware intervention is performed when the SD card is mechanically damaged. In this case, the final result depends on the degree and nature of the damage. Repairing a storage device or restoring information from it is a complex procedure, so it is better to entrust it to a specialist.

Programs for resuscitation after data deletion

The success of restoring access to lost information directly depends on the software used. There are a huge number of resuscitation programs on the Internet that allow you to complete the task. The most effective ones are:

• Recovery-studio;
• R. Saver;
• PhotoRec.

Recovering files after formatting an SD card using R-studio

Recovering a damaged SD card

Recovering deleted files from a damaged flash drive is much more difficult, but with the right approach it is still possible. Each SD card is equipped with a microcontroller, the operation of which is controlled by a special program. If the media is removed from the slot incorrectly, it may fly off, causing the flash drive to stop working.

For the average smartphone user, the data stored on the phone and memory card is more important than the device itself. Therefore, if a microSD drive is damaged, people are more afraid for the safety of their data than for the performance of the flash drive. So, let's look at how to fix SD card corruption on Android and recover data.

Causes of damage

Nothing is eternal. This statement is also true for removable media. Perhaps your card has exhausted its resource and has passed into another world. But there are still a number of reasons why this problem arises:

1. Error in smartphone OS. Invisible processes of Android or any other mobile operating system more or less often lead to errors that leave a certain imprint on the performance of flash memory.
2. Outdated file system. If your SD card uses FAT, this may cause errors because... Some modern applications no longer work with this standard and interact incorrectly with the device.
3. Emergency shutdown of data transmission. If you disconnect the USB cable while copying files from your PC to your phone’s flash memory, there is a more than 50% chance that the damage to the SD card will be irreversible.
   

   Attention! Never turn off the device before the data transfer process is complete. Cancel the operation if necessary!

4. Incorrect removal of the drive. If you remove a flash drive without first disconnecting it, there is a risk of data damage and loss of functionality of the SD card.

How to recover an SD card

To recover data and disinfect a flash drive, follow these steps:

But there are situations when the memory card does not open on the computer. This is a bad sign and in this case you should turn to third-party data recovery utilities.

To do this you need:

1. Repeat steps 1-3 from the previous instructions.
2. Download the Recuva app.
3. After starting the program, a wizard will appear to help you. Click "Next".
   
   
4. Select the type of files you want to recover (images, documents) and click Next.
   
   
5. In the new window, click on the “In a specified location” option and select the SD card. Click Next.
   
   
6. Wait until the operation is completed.
   
   
7. After the “return” of the long-awaited content, repeat steps 5-8 of the previous instructions.

The above steps will help you recover some of the valuable information.

Advice! To prevent such situations, it is recommended to regularly back up important files!

If the removable media is not detected by the computer, you will not be able to access the data yourself without certain skills and resources. Therefore, if necessary, contact a removable media repair service center. Now you know how to fix SD card corruption on Android.

12.11.2017

How to fix a damaged memory card | Introduction

One of the key advantages of Android over iOS is that smartphones running Google's mobile operating system are usually equipped with a microSD memory card slot, which allows you to expand the built-in storage capacity. However, some users have already encountered the fact that this is a double-edged sword, and something can go wrong.

As a user under the nickname faaizkhan1 writes on our forum, his memory card was damaged when used in the HTC M8 smartphone. When connected to a PC, all folders are visible on the card, all photos are listed in the DCIM folder, but it is impossible to open them. Attempts were made to recover data using Wondershare and other utilities, but the “recovered” images also did not open. Is there a way to restore the card's functionality without completely formatting it?

Such problems arise quite often in cases where you have been using the same card in different devices for several years. And they can manifest themselves in different ways. The smartphone may not be able to read all or some individual files stored on the card. In some cases, the data can be recovered, but in others there is no choice but to format the card: it will be usable again, but you will have to erase all its contents.

If such problems sound familiar, then we want to offer you several ways that can solve them. Let's start with simple options with a minimum of risk and end with extreme means.

How to fix a damaged memory card | Renaming a map

If a card works fine in your smartphone, but is not recognized on a PC, one possible solution looks simple: just rename the card. Windows sometimes assigns incorrect drive letters to removable drives, making them impossible to access. Here's how it's done:

2. Right-click the microSD card in the bottom pane and select Change Drive Letter and Path.

3. Click on the “Change” button and select one of the proposed options in the drop-down menu.

How to fix a damaged memory card | Correcting the map in Windows and Mac OS

If the problems with the card are more serious, then simply renaming them in the Windows directory will not solve them. To understand whether these problems are related specifically to the card or to the device to which it is connected, we recommend that you first test it with other devices - computers, tablets, phones, cameras, game consoles, etc.

The next step might be to try to fix the errors on the microSD card, and there are two different ways to do this. The first is to bring up Windows Explorer again, right-click on the drive and select Properties. In the window that appears, there is a “Tools” tab, where you will find the option to check the card for errors. If any errors are found, Windows will prompt you to try to fix them.

The second method involves using the command line: you need to type chkdsk and the drive letter that you want to check. Here Windows gives you two options: fix the problem or repair the disk.

Even though they sound almost the same, the two options are slightly different. Troubleshooting means scanning the drive for any file reading errors and attempting to fix them on the fly. The fix achieves the same end result, but results in a deeper scan of each sector of the map for errors and glitches. This takes longer and may simply be unnecessary, so we recommend trying the first method first.

To fix problems, type /f after chkdsk x:, where x: is the letter that Windows assigned to your microSD card. To start the patching process, enter /r instead of /f.

To fix the map in Mac OS, you need to use the built-in “Disk Utility” - it can be found in the “Utilities” menu in the “Applications” folder. Select the microSD card - it may be named "No Name" or "Untitled" - and click the "First Aid" button. To start the process, click the "Repair Disk" button.

How to fix a damaged memory card | Correcting the map using manufacturer's or third-party software

If you have gone this far, it means that none of the simpler methods worked, and you will have to resort to specialized programs. There are many third-party programs like Recuva or RescuePro designed to fix drives and recover lost files. Some of them are completely free, some offer only free diagnostics, and some are completely paid.

Fortunately, many memory card manufacturers have their own programs of this kind, so if they exist, it is better to try using them first. For example, PNY has a free utility for recovering lost or deleted files.

How to fix a damaged memory card | Formatting as a last resort

If none of the methods work, you have no choice but to format the memory card. By doing this, you will make it operational, but this is an extreme measure - you will lose all the data stored on it, and restoring it after formatting is much more difficult, if not impossible.

If you are aware of these risks, then formatting a microSD card is very simple. In Windows, simply right-click on the card icon and select “Format”. You will be prompted to select a file system, but for Android compatibility you only need to select exFAT.

On Mac OS, the formatting process is almost the same as patching a card. Open Disk Utility, click the Erase button, select the exFAT file system from the Format drop-down menu and click the Erase button. Formatting may take some time, so be patient.

Hopefully, after this you will get a working microSD card again. If none of the suggested methods work, the problem may be due to physical damage to the card, in which case you will have to purchase a new one. Of course, it's hard to accept the loss of data, but fortunately, in recent years, flash cards have become extremely cheap.