La microSD card It is one of the most popular accessories for getting additional storage space. Whether it is in tablets, mobile phones or even to back up a computer. Therefore, when a microSD card does not work, it can be very annoying. The amount of files that can be lost and the information that ends up being inaccessible forces us to look for alternatives for its repair.
Although it is not possible in all cases, sometimes it is possible to fix a microSD that does not work. In this article we explore the main techniques to try to regain access to the information and thus be able to protect the files in the event of a permanent breakage.
How to check for errors on a microSD card that doesn't work
From the Windows 10 console, accessing through the CMD command, track logical and physical errors on the microSD card. In addition, this same tool simultaneously tries to repair errors and takes care of file recovery. If it does not work, there are formatting alternatives to recover the card, but this is the last option as it ends up deleting all the content within the card.
At Recover a damaged microSD The first thing we need to do is insert it into the computer, either with an adapter or in the corresponding slot. Then, press the Windows and R keys and activate the CMD command. The command console will open, and from here we can give direct commands to the system to try to solve problems with the SD card.
From the console, run the chkdsk command X: /F. Replace the letter X with the letter of the drive where the memory card is connected. You can also try combining the command and selecting chkdsk X: /F/R. These two commands will make the drive analysis even more thorough.
The F command is used to resolve errors by looking for damaged sectors found by the system, and the R command searches for damaged sectors on the disk itself. Both procedures also seek to recover stored information. These are not miracle commands, but rather one of the many tools that the system puts at your disposal to try to resolve common data storage and saving problems using software.
If after activating these commands, the microSD card still does not work, then you will have to proceed with formattingThere are no other alternatives when it comes to recovering information from microSD cards, as they are very sensitive devices with few configuration and customization options.
Format a microSD card that doesn't work
If you get an error or it doesn't work when you perform the steps to recover the device, you should format the card. In this case, with the card inserted in the computer, go to File Explorer. The microSD card must be recognized by the system in order to work on it. Identify the drive and right-click to choose the Format option from the drop-down menu.
In the formatting window, choose the file system you want. You can choose FAT32 or NTFS, the most common ones. Then, you can choose a deep format or a quick format. Wait for the system to finish completely deleting the information it detects, and then you should be able to use the available space for your files again.
It is important to note that if formatting works, and the read error was due to physical problems, it may fail again. It is advisable not to trust the microSD card as if it were a new one, since the content you save could be lost again.
Are there any other alternatives or procedures to save a microSD that doesn't work?
If the microSD card is not detected by your device, then the problem becomes even bigger. Since there are not even options to try to rescue the stored content. Luckily, there are alternatives to try to solve this erroneous reading. Some of these solutions serve to be able to continue with the steps previously explained.
Change the drive letter
You can try changing the drive letter to see if the system forces the microSD card to be read. This procedure is quite simple.
- Enter Windows Disk Management from the search bar.
- The microSD card should appear as Removable Disk D or E. If the letter is different, turn on Change drive letter and path.
- Choose the new option.
With these four steps you can force the operating system to read the card and try to access the stored content. If you want to do it from the console, you can type the command diskmgmt.smc. You will directly access the window to change disk paths and identification letters.
Disable and re-enable the SD card
Sometimes, due to an error in the operating system, the microSD card cannot be read correctly. Try disabling the reading of microSD devices and enabling it again. It is the equivalent of turning off and on the computer when a blue screen of death mysteriously appears without too many previous clues.
- Press Windows + R and type the command writedevmgmt.smc.
- Expand the Universal Serial Bus controllers section in Device Manager and right-click on the SD card to disable.
- Press again, in this case Enable.
This procedure Forces the system to re-read the device. In some cases, you can get your computer to recognize the connected device. Once this is done, you should try to fix the microSD card errors. Otherwise, if the microSD card is not working and you cannot recover the data, you will have to proceed with formatting.
Formatting is always the last option, because it means losing all the content on the card. However, in some cases the errors are caused by an infected file and therefore the information cannot be saved. In any case, microSD cards deteriorate over time, so beyond saving the device, it is important to consider replacing it if it starts to present these reading problems.