Introduction
With advent of computing devices, mobiles & digital cameras – one word that resonates with each one of them is the Storage by different avatars like Memory cards, SD Cards, Micro SD card, HDD, Data card, Portal HDDs, flash memories, Pen drives etc. It is important to know and understand the basic tenets of Data Storage.
Getting to know about Data Storage
A data storage device primarily a device meant to record (store) information (data). Recording can be accomplished in several forms like using muscle power in form of handwriting or acoustics for photographic recording and till more recently using electromagnetic energy in form of magnetic tapes and CD (optical discs).
The key function of any storage device is three folds – store information, process information or both. For a laymen electronic data storage requires electrical power to store and retrieve that data. In our blog today we are going to discuss Data recovery and formatting memory card.
Build of Memory Card
A memory card is primary an electronic flash memory data storage device used for storing digital information/ data (data such as text, pictures, audio, and video, including softwares & executable files). The most common use of memory card is in mobile phones, laptop computers, digital cameras, MP3 players and video game consoles, Tablets. Memory cards are pocket-sized, re-recordable, and can retain data without power.
The storage, deletion, processing and recovery of data are the 4 major activities that can be performed on memory cards. Since the time when memory cards were first launched, the accidental deletion of information/data led to eminent need of data recovery process. In current times, there are many software which are available in the market to retrieve any lost data.
Process of Data Recovery
With wide use of Memory card & storage devices, we often mistakenly erase data. At times you hold data for too long on the memory card, the chances of losing the data is very high and can strike anytime. As alluded above there are several software for data recovery. One of the very famous tool that you could use is RECUVA. All you have to do is to download the free version and follow the basic steps outlined – you can visit : http://www.piriform.com/recuva
Alternatively if you are a SanDisk user – you can use their tools RescuePro and RescuePro Deluxe to help you with the data recovery process. The steps are mentioned at http://www.lc-tech.com/pc/sandisk-rescuepro-and-rescuepro-deluxe/
Memory Card Formatting
Ideally when you have tried using the recovery tools and despite of that you are not able to retrieve the data – there is only one option at end – which is to format the memory card so that it can reused.
The process of formatting is relatively simpler if you are using Windows. However one should know the difference between erasing and formatting. While formatting a card erases all the data in the process, it is different than simply selecting all the data and deleting it. Formatting a card sets the file type and optimizes it for use in specific devices. Simply erasing data often leaves fragments behind which can affect the capacity and performance of the card. It is always recommended that one should format new cards and old cards before using it in your devices.
Basic Steps of Formatting Memory Card on a Window’s OS:
Step 1: Back up data/information you want to save. Formatting your memory card will erase all of the data on it.
Step 2: Insert the card into a card reader. Many computers/notebooks, laptops have built-in card readers, while many desktops do not. You also buy USB card readers that can easily be plugged to an available USB port
Step 3: Open up your devices. Press ⊞ Win+E to open Windows Explorer. By default, it should take you to My Computer (Windows XP)/Computer (Windows Vista & 7)/This PC (Windows 8), which displays all of the connected drives. If you don't see this screen, use the navigation frame on the left or the address bar at the top of the window to reach it.
The Windows formatting tool is available on all versions of Windows.
Step 4: Right-click on your card. You should see your memory card listed with the rest of your attached drives. When a memory card is inserted, it acts like any other removable storage device such as a USB drive or portable hard drive.
Word of caution: Make sure you are right-clicking on the correct card, or you may format the wrong drive and lose all the data it contained.
Step 5: Select "Format". This will open the "Format Removable Disk" window. Here you can choose your formatting options before you start the format process.
File system - This is the structure of the memory card's file system. If you are using a 32GB card or smaller, you can use the FAT32 file system to ensure that it works on both Windows and Mac. If the card is 64GB or larger, you will need to format it as exFAT. Windows Vista and XP do not natively support exFAT, but it will work if your system is up to date.
Volume label - This is the name that will appear when the card is inserted. Use this to help you identify what is on the card.
Quick format - Check this box to speed up the formatting process. Almost all users will be able to choose this option without consequences.
Step 6: Start the format. Click the Start button to begin the formatting. Depending on the size of the card, the formatting process may take several moments. Once it is complete, your card is ready to be used to store and transfer files
Conclusion
Data recovery & memory card formatting are very easy techniques in today’s time. In fact modern days smartphones and digi-cameras/SLRs have inbuilt features to format memory cards – all you have to do is to read their user manual carefully.
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