How to Repair "SDC Error Please Format" Without Losing Files

My Dashcam Saying "SDC Error Please Format"

It’s a very common occurrence for cameras or dashcams to display the "SDC Error Please Format" prompt. The message usually signals that your device can’t read the SD card properly due to corruption or compatibility problems.

But in most cases, the files are still physically present on the card and can be recovered. Formatting the SD card at this point will instantly erase all data on it. Therefore, it’s best to get your videos or pictures off the SD card as soon as possible.

What Causes the "SDC Error Please Format" Alert

When your camera, phone, or computer displays the "SDC Error Please Format" message, it usually means your device can’t properly read the SD card’s file system. This doesn’t always mean your data is gone. Below are the most common reasons behind this error:

• File system corruption: Removing the card while in use or sudden power loss can damage its structure.
• Incompatible formatting: The SD card might be formatted in a file system (e.g., exFAT, NTFS) that your camera doesn’t support.
• Bad sectors: Physical damage or wear can cause unreadable areas on the card.
• Driver or firmware issues: Outdated drivers or camera firmware can fail to recognize the SD card.
• Improper ejection: Pulling out the card while data is being written may lead to errors.

Understanding these causes makes it easier to take the right recovery and repair steps and to avoid the same problem in the future.

How to Recover Data from the SD Card Asking for Format

If you see "SDC Error Please Format" error on your camera or dashcam, do not format the SD card immediately. Doing so will erase existing data, making recovery harder. Instead, try recovering your data first. As a professional data recovery tool, MyRecover can recover data from inaccessible drives. It supports various complex data loss scenarios like data recovery from deleted partition, formatted hard drives, unrecognized USB drive and more.

Step 1. Connect the SD Card to Computer

Use a card reader or connect your SD card directly to your PC. If Windows prompts you to format the drive, cancel the operation immediately.

Step 2. Download and Install MyRecover

Download and install MyRecover on your computer from Microsoft Store.

Step 3. Select the SD Card to Scan

Once installed, run the program, select the SD card to scan for recovering lost data, then click "Scan". After the quick scan is complete, you can choose "Deep Scan" if necessary to find more lost file fragments.

Step 4. Choose Files to Recover

After the scan is complete, you can select the files you attempt to recover and click "Recover". Under the "Path" and "Type" tab, you can quickly access the files you need based on their original paths and file types.

Step 5. Save the Recovered Files

Choose a location different from the original one to save the recovered files, then click "Select Folder".

Once the process is completed, the message "Files have been recovered successfully" will pop up. Then you can check the recovered files by clicking on "Browse" button.

How to Fix the "SDC Error Please Format" Issue

After data recovery, it’s time to repair the SD card so it works properly again. Below are several reliable fixes you can try to fix the "SDC Error Please Format" issue.

Fix 1. Check the Connection

When an SD card encounters some errors, checking the connection first is the most obvious step to take. Sometimes, the issue isn’t with the card itself but with how it’s connected. Here's how:

• Remove and reinsert the SD card.
• Try a different card reader or USB port.
• Test the card on another computer or camera.

If the card works elsewhere, the issue might be with your device’s reader or firmware.

Fix 2. Run CHKDSK Command

The CHKDSK command is a built-in Windows utility which can fix file system errors and bad sectors on your SD card. This method can fix the "SDC Error Please Format" issue caused by file system errors on the SD card.

Step 1. Remove the SD card and connect it to your computer.

Step 2. Open Command Prompt and run it as administrator.

Step 3. Type the following command "chkdsk G: /f /r" and hit "Enter" key. Replace the drive letter "G" with your actual SD card drive letter.

It will automatically scan and repair logical errors on your SD card. Afterward, safely eject the card and reinsert it into your camera to check if it's working.

Fix 3. Reinstall the Driver

As mentioned earlier, outdated or corrupted drivers can cause reading errors. You can try reinstalling the SD card driver to repair the issue.

Step 1. Press "Win" + "X" and choose "Device Manager" to open it.

Step 2. Expand "Disk drives" and right click on your SD card, then choose "Uninstall".

Step 3. Restart your computer and Windows will reinstall the driver automatically. Then check if your SD card now reads correctly.

Fix 4. Format the SD Card

If none of the above methods work to fix this error, formatting the SD card may be the last resort. However, it’s important to note that this method will erase all files on the SD card, so you should first use professional data recovery software to ensure your files are safe.

Step 1. Press "Win" + "X" and choose "Disk Management" to open it.

Step 2. Locate the SD card and right click on it, then choose "Format".

Step 3. Set a file system based on your needs and check the "Perform a quick format" option, then click "Start" to begin the process.

Summary

The "SDC Error Please Format" message can appear scary, but it doesn’t always mean your data is lost forever. The key is to recover your files first before doing any formatting. With a trusted tool like MyRecover, you can easily restore lost photos, videos, or dashcam recordings from an unreadable SD card and then safely repair it.

For users with advanced requirements, MyRecover Professional Edition offers unlimited data recovery capacity and previewing file content before restoration. So next time when you encounter this error, you’ll know exactly what to do and how to get your files back without panic.