How to Fix a Damaged SD Card

As technology has moved forward, SD cards have become the norm. They are most commonly used in digital cameras to store pictures. They're also commonly used for portable data storage. However you use them, they are valuable because they're small, convenient and easily transferred to a computer or printer. However, when data stored on the card becomes inaccessible, it is usually due to a card error.

1.  Insert your SD card directly into your computer or into a card reading device. Many newer computer models have SD card slots specifically designed for direct access. Other options include leaving the SD card in your camera or other device and using the proper cable to connect that device to your computer.

2. Access the drive that your computer has assigned to the SD card by clicking "Start" and then "My Computer." Select the drive that's been assigned to that card.

3. Copy and back up any important information from the SD card. This is only possible some of the time. An error might restrict you from being able to access the information. There's also a chance that everything on the card was erased because of an error.

• 4. Reformat the SD card. Right click on the drive letter and select "Format." All information on the card, whether accessible or not, will be deleted permanently. Once formatted, the directory structure is recreated and the card should be fully accessible. If not, dispose of and replace the card.

Mac OS X

• Insert your SD card directly into your computer or into a card reading device. Many newer computer models have SD card slots specifically designed for direct access. Other options include leaving the SD card in your camera or other device and using the proper cable to connect that device to your computer.
• 6Access the drive that your computer has assigned to the SD card by clicking on the icon that's been created on your desktop.
  
  
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  7. Copy and back up any important information from the SD card. This will only be possible some of the time because an error might restrict you from accessing the information. There's also a chance that everything on the card was erased already due to an error.
• 8
  Access your SD card through "Disk Utility." Click "Go" on the desktop toolbar, then "Utilities," and then "Disk Utility."
• 9
  Select your SD card drive on the left-side panel.
• 10
  Format your SD card by clicking "Erase." Choose the format for your SD card. MS-DOS (FAT) is the standard. This is optional, but if you'd like, give your disk a name. At this point, all information on the card, whether you were able to access it or not, will be deleted permanently. Once completed, your SD card should be fully accessible. If not, it's time to dispose of and replace the card.