Memory card corrupted - Computers & Internet

Try reformatting it by inserting into a card reader connected to PC. If it is indeed only a bad sector in the card then you will lose data but still salvage your card. Otherwise you will lose both card and data. Also, if you are using a linux OS then there are data retrieval methods available from corrupt cards as well. Kindly clarify OS.

You will most likely need to re-format the memory card. Unfortunately, you will lose all the data on the memory card during this procedure.

To resolve the issue of a corrupted memory card, follow this procedure:

Since memory cards can be used in many devices, a concrete procedure can't be given. The exact reformat procedure differs by device. But in general you can reformat a memory card at any time.

To format the memory card with a device that can read/write to a memory card (digital camera or handheld video game system):

1. Insert the memory card into the proper slot.
2. Turn on the device.
3. Find the Device Settings or Options menu.
4. From within this menu, look for Memory Card, Memory, etc.
5. From within the Memory Card, Memory, etc menu, look for options to Reformat the memory card.
6. Select "Yes" to confirm your decision to format the memory card. You WILL lose all the data on the memory card.

To format the memory card using a computer. This procedure assumes your computer is running Windows XP or later:

1. Insert the memory card into the card reader slot.
2. Windows will detect the memory card as a separate Removable drive or a USB Storage Device. It will appear as an additional drive letter in your Windows Explorer.
3. Right click the proper drive letter that represents the memory card.
4. Click "Format".
5. Leave the default options as they are.
6. Click "OK"
7. You may be asked to confirm your decision to format the memory card. You WILL lose all the data on the memory card.
8. Click "Yes" to format the memory card.
Important note: Even after formatting the memory card with Windows, you may find that the device you use the memory card with may require you to format the memory card again. This is expected in some cases. Devices may not recognize the windows formatting, and thus need to format the memory card to that particular devices liking. In this case, follow the procedure "To format the memory card with a device" outlined above.

To protect your data and your memory card in the future, avoid the following:

-Inserting or removing a memory card while a device is reading or writing to the memory card. This is the most likely cause of corrupted memory cards.
-Immersing the memory card in any kind of liquid. (If you do this, allow the memory card to air dry for at least 24 hours before trying to use it).
-Do not turn off the device's power while the device is reading or writing to the memory card.
-If the card reader is connected to the device by a cable, do not remove the cable during a read or write operation.
-Do not drop, strike, or impact the device while it is reading or writing to the memory card. This may cause damage to the device, or dislodge the memory card from the slot.
-Do not use a damaged memory card. Check the memory card itself for any physical damage, including cracks, scratches on the contacts, damaged contacts or damaged memory cards.
-While directly exposing a memory card to X-ray or magnetic energy may not affect it's contents, it is advisable that you DO NOT do so unless absolutely needed. (Exceptions include airport security screenings, etc).