"Memory Card Error" Data Recovery [100% Work]

User Case

Why Get "Memory Card Error" in Canon Camera?

A "Memory Card Error" in a Canon camera usually means the camera cannot properly read or write to the memory card. This can prevent you from taking pictures, saving videos, or accessing existing files.What triggers this error? Common causes include:

• Incompatible memory card
• File system errors on the card
• Physical damage to the memory card
• Camera firmware or software issues
• Improper insertion or ejection

By identifying the cause, you can choose the right solution, whether it’s repairing the card, recovering files, or replacing the memory card altogether.

Section 1: Recovery Data from "Memory Card Error"

When your Canon camera or other devices show a memory card error, the first priority is to recover your data before attempting any fixes. Ignoring this step may lead to permanent data loss.

If you prefer to recover SD card data without third-party software, you can employ Windows File Recovery, a free command line tool provided by Microsoft. However, it requires some basic command-line knowledge and is only available for Windows 10 and Windows 11 users.

[👉Learn more about Windows File Recovery commands]

So, to make the "memory card error"data recovery much easier and more straightfoward without worrying about OS compatibility, we highly recommend using third-party data recovery software: MyRecover. It can recover over 1,000 different file types from more than 500 storage devices across 500+ data loss scenarios (covers deletion, formatting, system crashes, virus attacks, RAW partitions, power outages, and other ).

Step 1: Take the memory card out of your camera carefully. Connect itto a computer using a card reader.

Step 2: OpenMyRecover, select the memory card and click "Scan" to scanthe memory card anddetect all recoverable files, including photos, videos, and documents.

Step 3: After scanning, browse the results by file type or use the search function to locate specific files.

Step 4: Select the files you want to recover and click "Recover". Then choose a safe destination drive (not the original memory card).

The recovery time depends on the number and size of the files being recovered. Larger files or a higher quantity of data will naturally take longer to scan and restore. When the process completes, you can see a mini window and it will tell how many files have been restored successfully, along with their new save locations.

Section 2: Repair "Memory Card Error"

If you have finished the "memory card error" data recovery, the next step is to repair the memory card so it can be used normally again. Here are several methods to fix a memory card error in Canon cameras or other devices based on the common causes mentioned earlier:

1. Check Physical Damage

Physical damage to a memory card can lead to a memory card error, preventing your camera from reading or writing data.

• Inspect the Card: Look for visible damage such as bent pins, cracks, or other deformities.
• Minor Contact Issues: If the damage is minor, gently clean the card contacts with a soft, dry cloth to improve connectivity.
• Severe Damage: For serious physical damage, the card may be unrecoverable, and professional data recovery services could be required.

By carefully inspecting and addressing physical issues, you can often resolve minor errors and understand when professional recovery is necessary for severe damage.

2. Check Firmware Updates

Outdated or buggy camera firmware can cause a "memory card error", preventing proper communication between the camera and the memory card.

• Visit the Official Website: Go to the Canon official website and check for the latest firmware available for your camera model.
• Update Firmware: Follow Canon’s instructions to safely update your camera’s firmware.
• Reset Camera Settings: If needed, reset the camera to factory defaults after the update and test the memory card again.

Keeping your camera firmware up to date ensures compatibility with memory cards, fixes known bugs, and helps prevent memory card errors in the future.

3. Check Card Compatibility

Using a memory card that is not compatible with your Canon camera can also cause a "memory card error".So, it is necessary to make sure the memory card type (SD, SDHC, SDXC) and capacity are supported by your camera model. For more details, refer to the Cannon knowledge base home.

4. Repair File System Errors

File system errors on a memory card can trigger a "memory card error", making the card unreadable or preventing data from being saved.

• Connect to a Computer: Insert the memory card into a computer using a card reader.
• Run CHKDSK (Windows): Open Command Prompt as administrator and enter the command: chkdsk X: /f /r /x (Replace X with the memory card drive letter.)

• Repair Errors: The system will scan for logical errors, bad sectors, and other file system issues, repairing them without erasing data if done correctly.

Use this tool with caution to prevent accidental deletion of files during the CHKDSK process.

5. Reformat the SD Card

If the CHKDSK tool fails to repair damaged file system and you have completed "memory card error" data recovery using MyRecover or other software, you can directly reformat it.

Right-click the card in File Explorer → Format → select the desired file system (FAT32, exFAT, or NTFS) → Start.

After formatting, insert the card into your camera and test for normal functionality.

To Conclude

When you meet a"memory card error" in a Canon camera or other device and lose all access to precious videos or photos, first try Myrecover to recover data from the "memory card error". Then repair the memory card to restore normal functionality by following the methods outlined in this article.

Apart from recovering files from damaged SD card, MyRecover can also recover data from corrupted USB flash drive, HDD, and SSD. To use such amazing software on unlimited computers, you can upgrade to Technician edition, especially designed for businesses and MSPs.