What Happens If an SD Card Gets Corrupted [Complete Guide with 10 Solutions]

SD card corruption is a common issue that people have been encountering for quite a while. When an SD card becomes corrupted, what actually occurs? Many individuals face this problem without understanding the root cause or how to resolve it.

In reality, SD card corruption can typically be prevented if you're aware of its causes, and you can also learn how to recover a corrupted SD card. Hence, we've prepared this article to delve into the topic of SD Card corruption in depth, and we'll discuss the root causes as well as the solutions to assist you in resolving this issue.

What Happens If an SD Card Gets Corrupted

How can you determine if your SD card is corrupted?实际上是的，你的SD卡可能以多种方式变得损坏，及早发现这种损坏可以使得解决问题变得更加简单。以下是一些可能表明SD卡损坏的迹象：

SD card not detected: The message "No SD card detected" or your device failing to read the SD card are two common signs of SD card corruption.

Read/Write Issues: When your device fails to read your SD card or you are unable to transfer data from an SD card, it is most likely caused by SD card corruption.

Connection Issues: You might occasionally encounter difficulties connecting your SD card to other devices. In such situations, it is most probable that the SD card has become corrupted. However, this could also be a problem with the SD card's pin.

Windows format error: Encountering a Windows format error is another indication that an SD card might be corrupted. In this case, you will need to format the card before you can use it.

Slow performance: If your SD card is performing very slowly when transferring files or executing any other tasks, it could be an indication that the card is likely corrupted.

Why Is My SD Card So Slow [All Reasons Explained]

This article delves into the reasons behind a slow SD card, providing insights on how to resolve and prevent this issue.

SD card shows as RAW: When you encounter a RAW SD card, it essentially means that the files on it are inaccessible to an operating system. This indicates that the SD card is corrupted.

SD card suddenly appears empty: Your SD card might unexpectedly show up as empty on your smartphone, and this is typically an indication that it has become corrupted.

SD card freezes or gets stuck: A common sign of a corrupted SD card is that it might frequently freeze or become stuck while in use.

SD card won't load pictures: Images are more susceptible to file corruption. Hence, if numerous images display file errors on an SD card, it's a sign that the card might have become corrupted.

What Causes SD Card Corruption? SD card corruption can result from various factors, including: 1. **Hardware Issues**: Damage to the physical card, such as exposure to water, extreme temperatures, or physical impact, can lead to corruption. 2. **Power Failures**: Sudden power cuts during file transfers or while the SD card is in use can cause corruption. 3. **Improper Ejection**: Removing the SD card while data is being written or without properly ejecting it can result in corruption. 4. **Malware or Viruses**: Infected files or malware can corrupt the SD card's file system. 5. **Firmware or Driver Issues**: Outdated or incompatible firmware on the SD card or driver issues with the device it's used in can contribute to corruption. 6. **Overuse or Overwriting**: Frequent usage and overwriting of data on the card can eventually lead to corruption. 7. **File System Errors**: Incomplete writes, bad sectors, or other file system inconsistencies can cause corruption. 8. **Factory Defects**: Some SD cards might have manufacturing defects that can cause corruption even when they're new. 9. **OS Compatibility Problems**: Compatibility issues between the SD card and the operating system can sometimes lead to corruption. 10. **Formatting Errors**: Accidentally formatting the SD card or formatting it with an incorrect file system can cause corruption. To prevent corruption, always handle SD cards carefully, keep them away from damage, and ensure proper ejection before removing them. Regularly scanning for malware and keeping firmware and drivers updated can also help maintain card health.

There are several factors that can lead to SD card corruption, and understanding these factors can help you avoid such issues. Here are some possible reasons that might cause SD card corruption: 1. Improper Ejection: Failing to safely remove the SD card from a device before disconnecting it can result in corruption, as ongoing read or write processes might get interrupted. 2. Virus or Malware Infection: Infected files or malicious software can damage the file system on your SD card, leading to corruption. 3. Power Failure: Sudden power outages or battery drains while using the SD card can disrupt the writing process, causing corruption. 4. Hardware Issues: Faulty or damaged card readers, ports, or the SD card itself can contribute to corruption. 5. Overwriting or Overloading: Filling up an SD card beyond its capacity or continuously overwriting data can lead to logical corruption. 6. File System Errors: Issues with the file system, like FAT (File Allocation Table) corruption, can result in inaccessible or lost files. 7. Formatting Errors: Accidentally formatting the SD card or formatting it with an incompatible file system can lead to corruption. 8. Exposure to Extreme Conditions: Exposing your SD card to extreme temperatures, humidity, or physical damage can affect its integrity and cause corruption. 9. Incomplete Transfer: Interrupted data transfers, either due to network issues or sudden device shutdowns, can corrupt the SD card. 10. Using the Card While Writing: Accessing or removing the SD card while data is being written to it can lead to inconsistency and corruption. Being cautious about these factors and taking preventive measures, such as regularly backing up your data, using reliable antivirus software, and handling the SD card gently, can significantly reduce the chances of corruption.

1. Accumulated bad sectors: When a small cluster of data on your SD card cannot be accessed, it is labeled as a bad sector. The SD card will become corrupted if there is a buildup of these bad sectors.
2. File system error: Corruption can occur on an SD card for various reasons, such as improper shutdown, incorrect ejection, or general misuse of the SD card during write operations.
3. Malware: File corruption can also result from malware infections, as an attack on your SD card might render the affected data unreadable by your operating system.
4. Manufacturing defects: Sometimes, SD card corruption is due to issues during the manufacturing process. In such cases, you might notice corruption signs from the first use of the SanDisk card.
5. Physical damage: Damage to the physical card is a frequent cause of SD card corruption. If you don't maintain your SD card well, it's more likely to become corrupted.

How to Repair Corrupted SD Card Without Formatting - Top 10 Methods

SD card corruption is a troublesome issue for many users, and they are eager to resolve it for a smoother experience. But how can we address this problem without formatting the card? Employ the following TEN effective methods to thoroughly fix it:

1. Solution 1: Check Bad Sectors 2. Solution 2: Check File System Error 3. Solution 3: Change the Card Reader 4. Solution 4: Try CHKDSK Command 5. Solution 5: Use the SD Card on Another Computer 6. Solution 6: Assign a New Drive Letter 7. Solution 7: Reinstall SD Card Drivers 8. Solution 8: Utilize Windows Repair Tool 9. Solution 9: Use the Diskpart Command 10. Solution 10: Seek Assistance from SD Card Manufacturer

Alright, let's begin with the first solution and scan the SD card for bad sectors.

Fix 1: Check for Bad Sectors

A bad sector refers to an area on your SD card that cannot be read or written, and the buildup of these bad sectors significantly contributes to SD card corruption. Therefore, it's essential to inspect the bad sectors on your SD card. This task can be effortlessly accomplished using Partition Master Professional, a tool trusted by millions of users.

To promptly address the SD card corruption, the Partition Master tool will conduct a thorough surface scan and identify any bad sectors on your SD card. It assists in performing bad sector repair.

These steps will guide you through:

Step 1. Launch AOMEI Partition Assistant. Right-click the disk that you wish to check and select "Surface Test".

Step 2. The operation will be performed immediately, and all bad sectors will be marked in red.

Fix 2: Check for File System Errors

Another thing you can do to fix SD card corruption is to check for file system errors or partition errors. The easiest way to accomplish this is by using tools like Partition Master.

Generally, Partition Master offers a reliable method for managing storage devices such as SD cards. If you aim to fix SD card corruption, you can utilize this tool to scan for system errors on the card. Upon detecting the errors, it will assist in automatically conducting repairs.

Step 1. Right-click the problematic partition.

Step 2. Choose "Tools" > "Check File System".

Step 3. Confirm whether you want to hide the partition or not.

Step 4. In the Check File System window, select the "Try to fix errors if found" option.

Step 5. Click "Start" to scan for errors on your partition.

All you need to do is download the tool, run it, select your SD card, and initiate the file system check.

Fix 3: Change the Card Reader If the card reader is not functioning properly, it might be causing the issue with reading the SD card. Try connecting your SD card to a different card reader to see if the problem persists. This will help determine if the original card reader is faulty or if the issue lies with the SD card itself.

Your card reader could be the source of the SD card issue you're encountering. To eliminate this as a possibility, try using different card readers or even a USB card reader, especially if you've previously utilized an SD card reader with your computer.

By attempting these various options, you'll be able to determine whether the problem lies with the SD card, the computer's card slot, or the card reader.

Fix 4: Attempt the CHKDSK Command

Utilizing the CHKDSK command is another approach to repair SD card corruption without formatting. This command-line utility is integrated into the Windows operating system to aid in inspecting disk space, analyzing disk usage, and generating a status report that outlines any file system errors found and rectifies them.

Here's how to use the CHKDSK command:

Step 1. Connect the SD card to your computer.

Step 2. Press Windows + A to open the Windows Search bar, type cmd in the box, and then click on Run as administrator under the Command Prompt result.

Step 3. Type the command below into the command prompt and hit Enter, but make sure to replace the "f" with the exact drive letter of your SD card.

The command in English would be: chkdsk F: /r /f

Step 4. Wait patiently for the utility to run, and the SD card issue should be resolved afterward.

Fix 5: Attempt to Use the SD Card on Another PC

In some cases, the SD card itself might not be the cause of the corruption issues you're encountering; instead, it could be due to your computer. To eliminate this possibility, it's advised to test the SD card on another PC and see if the problem persists.

To verify this, you can use a friend's computer. If you're confident that the SD card is in perfect condition, you'll need to troubleshoot your Windows computer instead.

Fix 6: Assign a New Drive Letter If the issue persists, you can try assigning a new drive letter to the problematic drive. Here's how to do it: 1. Press `Windows + X` on your keyboard and click on "Disk Management" from the menu. 2. In the Disk Management window, locate the drive that you want to assign a new letter to. It might be marked as "Unknown" or have a yellow exclamation mark. 3. Right-click on the drive and select "Change Drive Letter and Paths." 4. In the pop-up window, click on "Add." 5. From the available options, select a new drive letter that is not currently in use and click "OK." 6. A warning message may appear asking if you're sure you want to make the change. Click "Yes." 7. The system will apply the new drive letter, and the drive should now be accessible. After completing these steps, check if the drive is now recognized by your system.

On your computer, any connected SD card is automatically assigned a drive letter. However, if there's a conflict with the drive letter assigned to your SD card, it can lead to corruption indicators, potentially causing the issue you're encountering.

However, assigning a new drive letter to the SD card can help resolve the issue, and here's how to do it:

Step 1. Press Windows + R to open the Run Command box.

Step 2. In the text box, type diskmgmt.msc and press Enter to open the Disk Management window.

Step 3. Right-click on your SD card and select Change Drive Letter and Paths.

Click on your SD card, as shown in the image below:

Step 4. On the resulting dialog box, tap on Change.

Step 5. Next, choose a new drive letter and click OK to save the changes.

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Solution 7: Reinstall SD Card Drivers If the issue persists, you can try reinstalling the SD card drivers to ensure that your computer has the correct and up-to-date software to communicate with the SD card. Follow these steps: 1. **Remove the SD Card**: Safely eject the SD card from your computer. 2. **Enter Device Manager**: Press `Windows + X` on your keyboard and choose "Device Manager" from the menu. 3. **Expand "Imaging Devices" or "Memory Devices"**: In the Device Manager window, find and expand either "Imaging Devices" or "Memory Devices," depending on where your SD card reader is listed. 4. **Locate the SD Card Reader**: Identify the entry for your SD card reader, which might be named "SD Card" or something similar. 5. **Uninstall the Driver**: Right-click on the SD card reader entry and select "Uninstall device." Confirm the uninstallation when prompted. 6. **Restart Your Computer**: Close Device Manager and restart your computer. This will prompt Windows to automatically reinstall the driver. 7. **Insert the SD Card**: After the restart, insert the SD card back into the reader. 8. **Check if the Issue is Resolved**: See if Windows detects and properly functions with the SD card. If Windows doesn't automatically reinstall the driver, you can visit the manufacturer's website to download and install the latest drivers manually.

When you connect an SD card to your computer, Windows typically installs an updated driver automatically. However, issues with driver installation can occur, which might lead to the SD card malfunctioning.

Therefore, you should manually reinstall the SD card driver by following these steps:

Step 1. Right-click the Start menu and choose Device Manager.

Step 2. In the Device Manager window, locate and expand the Portable Devices category, then double-click on it.

Step 3. Right-click on the SD card option and select Update driver software.

Step 4. Choose Browse my computer for driver software and select an updated driver for the SD card.

Step 5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Fix 8: Utilize the Windows Repair Tool

The Windows Repair Tool is an integrated feature in Windows PCs designed to scan drives for issues and can be utilized to resolve SD card corruption without the need for formatting the card.

Here's how you can manually use the Windows Repair Tool to fix SD card corruption:

Step 1. Press Windows + S, type This PC in the search bar, and then click on This PC.

Step 2. Right-click on your SD card and choose Properties.

Step 3. In the resulting dialog box, switch to the Tools tab and select Check.

Step 4. Click on Scan and repair drive.

Then, wait for the process to finish, and your SD card should be fixed.

Fix 9: Use the Diskpart Command

The Diskpart command can also be utilized to fix a corrupted SD card, as it will update the status of your SD card and rectify any errors present on it.

To repair a corrupted SD card using the Diskpart Command: 1. Connect the corrupted SD card to your computer via an SD card reader. 2. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator. To do this, right-click the Start button, and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "Windows PowerShell (Admin)". 3. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter: ``` diskpart ``` 4. Now, you'll enter the Diskpart utility. Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each: ``` list disk ``` This will display a list of all the disks connected to your system, including the SD card. Identify the SD card from the list, usually by its smaller size compared to other drives. ``` select disk X ``` Replace 'X' with the number that corresponds to your SD card (e.g., if it's listed as Disk 1, use `select disk 1`). ``` clean ``` This command will erase all data on the SD card, so make sure to back up any important files beforehand. ``` create partition primary ``` This command creates a new primary partition on the SD card. ``` format fs=fat32 quick ``` Format the SD card with the FAT32 file system. If you need exFAT or NTFS, replace 'fat32' with 'exfat' or 'ntfs'. The 'quick' option speeds up the formatting process. ``` assign ``` This assigns a drive letter to the SD card, allowing you to access it in File Explorer. 5. After completing these steps, type `exit` to leave the Diskpart utility and close the Command Prompt. Your SD card should now be repaired and formatted. Remember to restore any important files you backed up earlier.

Step 1. Insert the damaged SD card into your computer.

Step 2. Press Windows + S, type cmd, and then click on Run as administrator.

Step 3. Type diskpart in the Command Prompt and press Enter.

Step 4. Next, type list disk and press Enter.

Step 5. Type select disk the number assigned to your SD card and press Enter.

Step 6. Type recover and press Enter.

This will refresh your SD card and fix any errors on it.

Fix 10: Seek Assistance from the SD Card Manufacturer

If none of the solutions mentioned above work, your last resort can be seeking assistance from your SD card manufacturer. This is because the problem might be a result of a manufacturing defect, and they will be best equipped to guide you on how to resolve it.

You can visit the manufacturer's website and utilize their 'Contact Us' section to get in touch with them.

Conclusion

The most prevalent solution for SD card corruption, impacting the majority of individuals, is to format the SD card. However, this doesn't have to be your sole option, as there are alternative methods to repair SD card corruption without resorting to formatting. In this article, we have delved into the details of fixing SD card corruption without formatting, so you can easily employ these methods if your SD card becomes corrupted.

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Frequently Asked Questions About What Happens If an SD Card Gets Corrupted

You'll find answers to your queries here if you're also dealing with any of these common questions regarding SD card corruption.

1. How do I fix a corrupted SD card on Android?

If your SD card becomes corrupted on an Android device, here are the recommended steps to fix it: 1. **Restart your device**: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve minor issues with the SD card. 2. **Unmount and re-mount the SD card**: - Go to your Android's Settings. - Tap on 'Storage' or 'About phone' > 'Storage'. - Find your SD card and tap on it. - Select 'Unmount' or 'Eject'. - Once unmounted, remove and re-insert the SD card. - Then, go back to Storage and tap on the SD card to remount it. 3. **Check the SD card for errors**: - Connect your Android to a computer using a USB cable. - Open File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac). - Locate the SD card and right-click on it. - Choose 'Properties' (Windows) or 'Get Info' (Mac). - Click on 'Tools' in Windows or navigate to the 'First Aid' tab in Mac's Disk Utility. - Run the 'Check' or 'Repair' function to fix any detected errors. 4. **Format the SD card**: - Be aware that formatting will erase all data on the card. - On your Android device, go to Settings > Storage. - Select the SD card and tap on 'Format' or 'Erase & Format'. - Confirm the action when prompted. 5. **Use a recovery tool** (if necessary): - If you have important files on the SD card, try using a data recovery software (e.g., Recuva, tools Data Recovery Wizard) before formatting. - Connect the SD card to your computer and follow the software's instructions to scan and recover your files. 6. **Contact manufacturer support**: - If the above steps don't help, the issue might be with the SD card itself. Reach out to the card's manufacturer for further assistance or warranty replacement. Remember to always keep backups of your important data to prevent loss in case of corruption or other issues.

Backup your data on another storage device:

To ensure that you retain the data on the SD card while addressing this issue, it's advisable to back up the file to another storage location.

Format the SD card on your Android phone:

Here are the steps to format an SD card on an Android device: 1. **Insert the SD Card**: Ensure that the SD card is properly inserted into your Android device's dedicated slot. 2. **Access Settings**: Open your Android device's settings app. You can usually find it by tapping the gear icon in your app drawer or on your home screen. 3. **Storage Options**: In the settings, scroll down and tap on "Storage" or "About phone" > "Storage." 4. **SD Card Management**: Within the storage settings, locate and tap on "SD card" or "External storage." 5. **Format Option**: On the SD card's settings page, look for an option named "Format," "Erase & Format," or "Format as internal." Tap on it. 6. **Warning Prompt**: A warning message will appear, informing you about the data loss. Make sure you have backed up any important files before proceeding. Tap "Erase now" or "Format" to continue. 7. **Wait for Formatting**: The device will now begin formatting the SD card, which may take a few moments. Do not remove the SD card during this process. 8. **Completion**: Once the formatting is complete, your Android device will notify you. You can then safely use the formatted SD card. Remember that formatting will erase all data on the SD card, so always back up your files beforehand.

Step 1. On your Android phone, open the Settings app and then

Step 2. On the Settings page, locate the Storage option and click on it.

Step 3. On the subsequent page, locate the Format SD card option and click on it.

Step 4. Follow the on-screen instructions to start the formatting process and wait for the SD card to be formatted.

If this method doesn't resolve the issue, you can utilize the alternative methods discussed in this article.

2. Why are my files on the SD card getting corrupted?

Several factors can lead to SD card corruption. The most common ones are physical damage, viruses, accumulation of bad sectors, and file system errors.

3. How can I tell if my SD card is corrupted?

There are several signs that suggest your SD card might be faulty, including the "SD card not detected" error, issues with reading/writing, sluggish performance, frozen SD cards, sudden emptiness of the SD card, and numerous others. When you encounter these issues, it's advisable to try resolving them using the instructions outlined in this article.