RAW files corrupted by USB card reader?

[Orionpkmyz]

My old USB card reader broke so I was using a new one (bought for 99 cents on meritline, my first mistake) to transfer pictures from my card. The RAW files (I didn't have a second card to do backup JPEG, 2nd mistake) were "copied" to my computer and I promptly deleted the files on the card without checking the other copy (3rd mistake). Now on my computer, those files show up but they have 0 MB file size and I can't open/preview any of them. Lightroom couldn't import them either.

I will definitely learn from this and always have a second backup copy before deleting any files. In the mean time does anyone know if these can be recovered somehow or are they gone for good?

Thank you!

[sk66]

Zero file size? I think it's hopeless.

[gturner]

have you formated the card or written anything too it? DON NOT do anything else to that card.

sandisk has an excellent recovery tool.
If you by a pro card from them, it usually comes with a free licence.
Data recovery for memory cards and flash drives

[jdepould]

Have you tried using the camera to re-transfer?

[Orionpkmyz]

Unfortunately I have since then used the card (not formatted). I was just hoping that the 0 MB files that show up on my computer are recoverable somehow.

Lesson definitely learned. Thank you all for your responses.

[Jim Poor]

Recovery software may work even if you've used the card (and even if you've formatted it).

I accidentally formatted a card and when I recovered it, I got photos from months worth of shoots. Of course, it was a large card, 32GB, so the old photos were never written over, but some of them had gone through 10 or so format and use cycles.

[Orionpkmyz]

Originally Posted by Jim Poor

Recovery software may work even if you've used the card (and even if you've formatted it).

I accidentally formatted a card and when I recovered it, I got photos from months worth of shoots. Of course, it was a large card, 32GB, so the old photos were never written over, but some of them had gone through 10 or so format and use cycles.

I used the card and took maybe 20 pictures total on it. What is the software that you used? Thanks Jim!

[UlpilotSC]

Originally Posted by sk66

Zero file size? I think it's hopeless.

Okay second try. I love dissappearing posts.

Not so sure...i pulled my card from the reader once. I forgot i was viewing the pictures through my cameras raw file editor (it was in the background). I later tried to download the pictures and it showed the folder was there but there were no photos...
Stellar phoenix photo recovery would show me the thumbnails, but it wanted me to pay 40$ for the software before it would restore them (how crappy is that? they should tell you up front those are the rules). i tried a few freebies and none of the other software could find images.
I gave up and did a reshoot. The next time i plugged in the card, the missing pictures were back, along with the new ones. I learned to plug the card in and transfer the images, before working with them. And to make sure photo pro is closed before pulling the card out.
So... Depending on how important the files are, and if you dont intend to buy recovery software, try taking a picture and trying again.

[Jim Bryant]

Originally Posted by UlpilotSC

Okay second try. I love dissappearing posts.

Not so sure...i pulled my card from the reader once. I forgot i was viewing the pictures through my cameras raw file editor (it was in the background). I later tried to download the pictures and it showed the folder was there but there were no photos...
Stellar phoenix photo recovery would show me the thumbnails, but it wanted me to pay 40$ for the software before it would restore them (how crappy is that? they should tell you up front those are the rules). i tried a few freebies and none of the other software could find images.
I gave up and did a reshoot. The next time i plugged in the card, the missing pictures were back, along with the new ones. I learned to plug the card in and transfer the images, before working with them. And to make sure photo pro is closed before pulling the card out.
So... Depending on how important the files are, and if you dont intend to buy recovery software, try taking a picture and trying again.

You also need to eject your card before pulling it out of the reader. $40.00 for an image recovery program? How much are the photos worth to you?

[UlpilotSC]

The ones i lost... About 2$. They were for work and easy to retake. I would have spent the 40$ if it was something special. My complaint was that the software never mentioned a cost until the end. Thats kind of lame.