The thought of it makes us shutter…we accidentally erase the digital images stored on our memory card.
Or maybe the card was incorrectly formatted or the losses were caused by battery or system failure. Files can be inadvertently erased if a memory card is removed while an image is in the process of being written to it.
Whatever the cause, we just want our photos back.
Can lost images be recovered? The answer, in all likelihood, is YES!
There are a variety of digital photo recovery and rescue programs available. Many are capable of recovering lost images, video and animation files. Some free recovery programs only recover jpeg files. We have a listing of free photo recovery and other image editing programs listed here.
Digital image recovery process
The photo recovery process is generally easy and straightforward.
It’s important to follow the specific instructions as the software wizard prompts you through the recovery process, usually only a few steps. Some software programs have different levels of recovery so, if one doesn’t work, the process starts again at the next level.
Photo recovery not guaranteed
Good image recovery programs have a large degree of success. However recovery is not guaranteed and not always 100% effective. Sometimes only a few files are recovered, or no files can be recovered at all.
Whichever program you decide to use, visit the developer’s website and read the information, disclaimers and help files. Paid software usually has a 30-day trial period, though it may have some limitations such as only allowing a limited number of files to be recovered.
Some photo recovery programs, such as Sandisk RescuePro, recover files other than just photo and video. Check the manufacture’s website for information about which types are supported.
Professional data recovery labs
If you can not recover deleted images, consider using a professional data recovery lab such as LC Technology. Professional photo recovery is expensive but at times may be worth the cost.
When the memory card is in the camera then all photos are able to be viewed however when viewed from computer (SD card inserted into card drive) then half of the photos have ‘invalid image’ and cannot be viewed. Are these photos corryupt/lost?
[...] the card is still readable, try retrieving the files using an image recovery program. If the card is unreadable in the camera, try retrieving images by using a memory card [...]
I bought a USB card reader and inserted my memory card from my camera..But when I tried to import the pictures..I received the error message’THe filname, directory name, or volume syntax is incorrect’ I need these pictures. Can anyone tell me the best way to restore this pictures?
User, make sure your card reader and memory card are compatible. That aside, use the USB cable that came with your camera to transfer images directly from camera to computer. Make sure you have the software installed that came with the camera. Also make sure your camera batteries are fully charged so they don’t run out of power while photos are being transferred.
I just moved to Spain and left the usb cable in the States. I tried buying one but the store did not have a cable that fit my camera and offered me the card reader. In the DCIM file, there are some pictures that are visible because they are in the standard Jpeg format but the other pictures files are composed of characters and symbols.I was able to see the pictures earlier but after I removed and inserted the USB card reader several times( I was trying to find the easiest way to import the photos to my computer)..the file format changed and now I cant see any of the photos on my computer nor on my camera. Any suggestions to solving this?
I took photos and when I went home, while viewing those photos in my computer, it suddenly.stopped responding and forced shut down.
When I turned the computer on again, the photos are gone and in turn there are some weird files with weirs names and formats I have never seen. The files also take up a larger space than the capacity of 4gb, but when I checked the properties, it says that only 3gb is used, the amount of storage I used with the photos.
What do I so now?
Please help!
jolyn, if the images are still on your memory card, transfer them again to the computer (after removing the corrupted files on your computer. If the files are also corrupted on the card, try a photo recovery program. If that doesn’t work, format the card in the camera and try the recovery program again.
I have a Finepix Camera & have “Finepix Viewer”loaded on the computer to load/transfer photos from camera to computer,I have just tried viewing some recent photos from a holiday & some have loaded but others are coming up with a question mark,when I try to view these it reads cannot preview. What do I do to restore these photos Question marked please?
Christine, Unfortunately it sounds like your files are corrupted, and the problem may be with your card. Try recovering them with a popular photo recovery program like Recuva. It’s free.
I’m curious, do the photos show when you view them on the camera LCD?
Good luck!
Yes they show up when viewing them on the camera. What would the best recovery program before windows XP?
Christine, if the image show up on the camera, they a possibly recoverable recoverable? We list several free photo recovery programs on this page. Check the operating requirements at the developers website before downloading to make sure the program is compatible with your OS.
Thanks for that,I’ll let you know how i get on.I hope I can get all the images back.You’ve been so helpful,thanks again.
would Zero Assumption Digital Image Recovery be compatible for my camera & XD card?
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