Hey, I get where you’re coming from - missing videos can be a real stressor. So here’s another angle to consider which builds on what @techchizkid mentioned, but let’s dive into a bit more detail and see if we can unearth a new strategy or two.
If software solutions have been flaky for you, it might be time to blend different approaches. First off, make sure you’re not using that SD card at all, cuz running the risk of overwriting your files is high if you’re still dumping new stuff on it. More importantly, you wanna have a holistic approach.
You might’ve heard about Disk Drill (https://www.cleverfiles.com/) already, which has a sleek reputation for going deep with its scans. But something that often goes overlooked is the environment in which these scans are run. Sometimes, running these recovery tools on different operating systems can yield different results. If you’ve been using a Mac, maybe try running a scan on a Windows machine or vice versa—sounds weird, but it can make a difference.
An alternate option other than what’s mentioned might be PhotoRec. Despite its name, it can recover video files too, and it’s free (but yeah, it’s not the most user-friendly tool out there). It’s robust and comes packaged with TestDisk. The key strength of PhotoRec is that it bypasses the file system and digs directly into the data blocks. This means even if your file system is corrupted or the card isn’t readable by the OS, PhotoRec might still retrieve your lost files.
PhotoRec Quick Guide:
- Download it from its official site and extract it.
- When you run PhotoRec, select media type (your SD card).
- Use the ‘Search’ option to initiate the process.
- You can choose specific file types (choose video formats like MP4, MOV, AVI).
- Specify the location where PhotoRec should save recovered files.
But there’s a twist here: its command-line interface can be intimidating. If you’re not comfortable with that, Google some YouTube tutorials - they’ve got great step-by-step guides.
As @techchizkid said, Recuva and EaseUS are dependable, albeit with their quirks. EaseUS takes a bit of a learning curve, but it’s robust. For Recuva, aim for “Deep Scan” mode.
Now, let’s talk about professional data recovery. Yes, it’s a more expensive route, but if your videos are crucial, it may well be worth every penny. Data recovery services such as those offered by companies like DriveSavers or Ontrack are top-tier. They have advanced tools and techniques beyond what consumer-level software provides, and they operate in environments that are safe for handling sensitive data. You can ship your card to them and they’ll do their magic in clean-room environments.
Lastly, it might sound a bit offbeat, but check if there’s a local electronics repair shop that does SD card recovery. Sometimes, these smaller operations can offer bespoke diagnostic services that bigger chains don’t.
Here’s the rundown:
- Stop using the SD card immediately
- Re-run Disk Drill, but on a different OS if possible
- Try PhotoRec, but be prepared for its more hands-on interface
- Consider professional data recovery services if all else fails
And hey, good luck. Sometimes these situations turn on a dime with just the right tweak. Fingers crossed for you!