Recover Photos from SD Card Showing Disk Not Formatted Error Without Formatting

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How can I recover photos from an SD card that shows a “disk is not formatted” error without formatting it?

Yes—do not format the card, stop using it, and try to recover the photos with memory card recovery software from a card reader before anything new is written to it [#21673982] [#21673984] [#21673985] One reply says this error often means the card file system has become RAW, and that formatting would only convert it to FAT32 or NTFS after erasing the chance to recover the photos [#21673986] Another suggests keeping the card out of the camera and using a different card reader to run the recovery tool [#21673990] If the photos are recovered, save them to another drive or location right away as a backup [#21673982] One user also reported that leaving the card in the camera and transferring images over USB worked for them [#21673994]

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Asking how to recover photos without formatting
#1 21673980 12 May 2015 21:32

Igna tivssi0 Igna tivssi0

Anonymous

Asking how to recover photos without formatting
Post #1 21673980 12 May 2015 21:32

Hey, last night, when trying to share some photos inside my camera SD card on my laptop, I just received a message saying: “The disk is not formatted. Do you want to format it now?” and could not access anything there without format. But, that formatting process would also erase everything inside. What am I supposed to do now? Is it possible for me to take photos out without format? Thanks for any suggestion here!

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Avoid formatting and use recovery software
#2 21673981 13 May 2015 18:20

Kevin Angelo Ma Kevin Angelo Ma

Anonymous

Avoid formatting and use recovery software
Post #2 21673981 13 May 2015 18:20

Hi Igna!

Well, first of all, *dont format it yet*. There are various way you can still recover the contents of the SD card. You can actually download softwares that can do the job you need. Here is a sample site that may help you. I'm not promoting in any way though, this is just what i found on the net.

"How to fix it("")":http://www.anysoftwaretools.com/how-to/fix-memory-card-not-formatted-error.html

Hope it helps,
Kevin
Stop using and do not format the SD card
#3 21673982 13 May 2015 20:34

Tina Mony0 Tina Mony0

Anonymous

Stop using and do not format the SD card
Post #3 21673982 13 May 2015 20:34

What have you done to this SD memory card? Have you formatted it yet? Or have you taken your desired photos out now?
If not, I know some detailed steps could help:
*Step1*. Stop using this SD card in case of farther data loss troubles. And also do not format this SD card to increase the data loss risks.
*Step2*. Insert it to your computer with a card Reader and try memory card photo recovery software to see whether your photos could be all recovered.
*Step3*. Save and back up all recovered stuffs on different drives or locations in case of data recovery failures.
Just learn a lesson to always prepare SD card data backups and also update these backups in the future.
Want to read more detailed photo recovery information? Visit these posts:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data_recovery
Or http://www.icare-recovery.com/faq/memory-card-not-formatted-error.html
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Recommend photo recovery before formatting SD card
#4 21673983 14 May 2015 20:39

Corny heo0 Corny heo0

Anonymous

Recommend photo recovery before formatting SD card
Post #4 21673983 14 May 2015 20:39

Hey, friend! After experiencing mobile phone Micro SD card file loss problems, I know the deleted data off from memory card could be restored back with the help of deleted data recovery software before these original SD card photos are overwritten by new photos, files and the likes on the same memory card.

So, before you really decide to format your SD card with not formatted error, you can also keep this SD card away from new stuffs and go try some photo recovery software.

Honestly, last time, I have read many related articles, posts and threads and learned this. Perhaps, you may also visit these posts and learn more detailed information like:
http://not-formatted.blogspot.com/2013/08/sd-card-not-formatted-error.html

Timely back up all restored photos well on another memory card, flash drive or hard drive
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Recover photos without formatting the SD card
#5 21673984 15 May 2015 21:10

Amay aser0 Amay aser0

Anonymous

Recover photos without formatting the SD card
Post #5 21673984 15 May 2015 21:10

Hello, it is possible to restore data from not formatted camera memory card as long as this memory card has not been rewritten by new files, photos, videos and others. Moreover, in your case, to avoid increasing the difficulty of complete SD card photo recovery, you are also supposed not to format this card before you take everything back.
So, in this moment, take this SD card out from your camera and check whether your wanted photos could be recovered back with photo recovery software like:
http://freeware-fix.blogspot.com/2013/03/memory-card-recovery.html
Or http://www.4cardrecovery.com/howto/memory-card-is-asking-to-format.html
Hope you can successfully get your photos back.
Formatting error does not erase photos
#6 21673985 18 May 2015 21:11

Gabrielle hu0 Gabrielle hu0

Anonymous

Formatting error does not erase photos
Post #6 21673985 18 May 2015 21:11

When memory card requires formatting, the stored information inside, like your photos, goes nowhere. It is still stored there and could be stayed there till you do write something new there.
So, in other words, as long as you do save no new stuff on this not formatted memory card, your pictures may be all restored there and only inaccessible.
To make them all visible and useful again, you can use some data recovery software to have a good try.
So, in your case, read more photo recovery articles here and see whether your pictures are still recoverable:
http://freeware-fix.blogspot.com/2013/03/memory-card-recovery.html
Or http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photo_recovery
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RAW file system requires photo recovery first
#7 21673986 03 Jun 2015 20:59

Vilma Baker Vilma Baker

Anonymous

RAW file system requires photo recovery first
Post #7 21673986 03 Jun 2015 20:59

Your SD card is asking to format is because its file system is turned to RAW. Formatting of your SD card is only a way to convert its file system from RAW to FAT32 or NTFS and probably fix the not formatted error, but before you formatted it, get the important photosfrom your SD card with some recovery tool like "SD card recovery Mac(SD card recovery Mac)":http://www.card-data-recovery.com/mac-data-recovery.htm. After that, format your SD card and everything will back to normal.
Recommend SD card recovery software instead of formatting
#8 21673987 05 Jun 2015 00:55

stephanic taylor stephanic taylor

Anonymous

Recommend SD card recovery software instead of formatting
Post #8 21673987 05 Jun 2015 00:55

Hi,
I would like to tell you that don't format your SD card. There are also several ways to recover those data from Sd card. You can use *SD card recovery* software to get back the deleted data. Using this recovery tool will help you to get back the lost photos from SD card and that too without losing the original data. Just download this software and use it without any hesitation.

http://carddata-recovery.com/memory-card-recovery.php
RAW file system requires recovery before formatting
#9 21673988 15 Jun 2015 21:24

Vilma Baker Vilma Baker

Anonymous

RAW file system requires recovery before formatting
Post #9 21673988 15 Jun 2015 21:24

Your SD card is asking to format is because its file system is turned to RAW. Formatting of your card is only a way to convert its file system from RAW to FAT32 or NTFS and probably fix the not formatted error, but before you formatted it, get the important files from the card by a third-party tool such as "Memory Card Data Recovery(Memory Card Data Recovery)":http://www.card-data-recovery.com/mac-data-recovery.htm . After that, format your SD card and everything will back to normal.
#10 21673989 07 Jul 2015 20:16

chan leen chan leen

Anonymous

Post #10
21673989 07 Jul 2015 20:16

You can try Tenorshare "Card Data Recovery(Card data recovery)":http://www.tenorshare.com/products/card-data-recovery.html which have been helped me a lot.
Photo recovery software recommendation for unformatted SD cards
#11 21673990 29 Jul 2015 01:01

Blair Chen Blair Chen

Anonymous

Photo recovery software recommendation for unformatted SD cards
Post #11 21673990 29 Jul 2015 01:01

Don't panic! I think I can help you!
First, Do not format SD card!
Second, Plug SD card out in case of data loss.
Then, download photo recovery software.
If you you want it for free, I recommend Ease US photo software.
But if you want it to be more efficient, I recommend Jihosoft photo recovery: http://www.jihosoft.com/recovery/photo-recovery.html.
Be sure you download right Win or Mac version.
Connect your SD card to computer via another card reader, and follow procedures!
It helped me anyway!
Good luck.
#12 21673991 04 Aug 2015 22:13

allend uncans allend uncans

Anonymous

Post #12
21673991 04 Aug 2015 22:13

Award-winning Photo Recovery Software is an awesome tool to recover your photos, images or pictures from corrupted, deleted, formatted or inaccessible storage media devices such as digital camera memory card, pen drives, SD Cards, XD Cards, Pen Drives, Flash Cards, MMC Cards.

Get more info: http://www.pcrecoverytools.com/photo-recovery-software.html
Recommend using Card Data Recovery software
#13 21673992 02 Sep 2015 04:22

Lorein Watson Lorein Watson

Anonymous

Recommend using Card Data Recovery software
Post #13 21673992 02 Sep 2015 04:22

Well you can possible recover the entire data of the SD card. It is a very common problem faced. For this you just have to make use of the *Card Data Recovery software*. It is very effective and provides all the features which are necessary for recovering data. It can recover deleted, damaged as well as formatted SD card data.
So if you haven’t formatted the SD card there is no need to format it. Only you require taking the necessary step for recovering the data.

For more information visit this post: http://www.carddata-recovery.com/blog/recover...-from-a-dead-sd-card-that-has-stopped-working

This will help you to successfully recover all the data
Recommend using third-party recovery software
#14 21673993 03 Sep 2015 02:59

Blair Chen Blair Chen

Anonymous

Recommend using third-party recovery software
Post #14 21673993 03 Sep 2015 02:59

I've been in this situation before. First, several reasons may cause this situation, for example, the system is attacked by the virus or partition is damaged by faulty operation, do not click format, or you will lose all of your photos. Second, you need a third-party software to do the trick because it requires high technique. You can view this article, it shows you how to recover your photos step by step, very helpful.
http://www.jihosoft.com/recover-data/usb-drive-not-formatted.html
#15 21673994 09 Sep 2015 14:11

Ruben Proost Ruben Proost

Anonymous

Post #15
21673994 09 Sep 2015 14:11

I think the easiest would be to leave the card in the camera and use the cord to transfer the images thru usb. That worked for me anyway.
#16 21673995 16 Sep 2015 06:28

Anny Granger Anny Granger

Anonymous

Post #16
21673995 16 Sep 2015 06:28

No need to worry, you can easily recover your data from memory card using Data Recovery Software Wizard. Just connect your memory card with the card reader and your data can be recovered. It is a Window based software and provides 30 day free trial version.

For further information, visit: http://www.bitrecover.com/data-recovery-software/
Recommends Rescue Digital Media for SD photo recovery
#17 21673996 26 Sep 2015 00:15

Silvesta Disuza Silvesta Disuza

Anonymous

Recommends Rescue Digital Media for SD photo recovery
Post #17 21673996 26 Sep 2015 00:15

Hi!!! Sometime it happens that you unintentionally delete photos from your memory card and then you try to recover it in every manner you can. But unfortunately, you find yourself unsuccessful. But do not worry at all, because here you will get the complete solution to recover photos from memory card even if the memory card shows an error. You can now recover deleted photos from memory card with *Rescue Digital Media* software. When it comes to photo recovery, i would always suggest you to try this software because when i faced the same issue i tried this software and was successful. Follow the link below to know more about this software and the steps involved for the photo recovery:

http://www.rescuedigitalmedia.com/recover-deleted-photo-pictures-memory-card
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Topic summary

When an SD card shows a "disk not formatted" error, it typically indicates the file system has become RAW or corrupted, making the data inaccessible without formatting. Formatting the card will erase all stored photos and files, so it is crucial to avoid formatting before attempting recovery. The recommended approach is to immediately stop using the SD card to prevent data overwriting. Users should connect the card to a computer via a card reader and employ specialized photo or memory card recovery software to retrieve lost or inaccessible images. Various third-party recovery tools are suggested, including EaseUS Photo Recovery, Jihosoft Photo Recovery, Tenorshare Card Data Recovery, Rescue Digital Media, and other freeware or commercial utilities. These tools scan the RAW or corrupted file system to recover photos without formatting. After successful recovery and backup of data to a separate storage device, the SD card can be safely formatted to restore normal operation. Additional precautions include maintaining regular backups and avoiding virus infections or faulty operations that may damage the card's partition or file system.
AI summary based on the discussion. May contain errors.

FAQ

TL;DR: Use a 3‑step process: stop using the card, scan it with photo‑recovery software, and save results elsewhere. "Don't format it yet." [Elektroda, Kevin Angelo Ma, post #21673981]

Why it matters: This FAQ helps photographers fix the "SD card not formatted" error and recover images without risky formatting.

Quick Facts

Do not write new data to the SD card; avoid formatting until after recovery. [Elektroda, Tina Mony0, post #21673982]
Connect via a card reader and run photo-recovery software to extract images. [Elektroda, Tina Mony0, post #21673982]
The error often appears when the file system turns RAW; formatting only rebuilds FAT32/NTFS. [Elektroda, Vilma Baker, post #21673986]
Always save recovered files to a different drive or device to prevent loss. [Elektroda, Tina Mony0, post #21673982]
If the camera still reads the card, try transferring over USB as a quick workaround. [Elektroda, Ruben Proost, post #21673994]

How do I fix “The disk is not formatted” on my SD card without formatting?

Stop using the card. Connect it via a card reader. Run photo‑recovery software to copy photos to another drive. Only format after recovery to restore normal use. As one user put it: "don’t format it yet." This preserves data that’s still present but inaccessible. [Elektroda, Kevin Angelo Ma, post #21673981]

Why did my SD card suddenly show RAW and ask to format?

The card’s file system became RAW, so your OS can’t read it. Cameras and PCs then prompt to format to rebuild a readable file system like FAT32 or NTFS. Recover photos first, then format to fix structure. [Elektroda, Vilma Baker, post #21673986]

What’s the safest first step to avoid losing photos?

Power down the device and remove the SD card. Do not save new files or take more photos. New writes can overwrite the old photo data and reduce recovery chances. [Elektroda, Tina Mony0, post #21673982]

Can I still recover photos if I haven’t formatted the card?

Yes. The photos usually remain on the card until overwritten. Use photo‑recovery software to scan and copy them out. Avoid any new writes to keep recovery success high. [Elektroda, Gabrielle hu0, post #21673985]

What’s a quick 3‑step method to recover photos?

Stop using the SD card immediately.
Connect it via a card reader and run a photo‑recovery tool.
Save recovered photos to a different drive, not the SD card. This minimizes overwrite risk and keeps results intact. [Elektroda, Tina Mony0, post #21673982]

Which recovery tools did users in the thread recommend?

Users mentioned EaseUS Photo Recovery (free option) and Jihosoft Photo Recovery for deeper scans. Download the correct Windows or Mac version and scan the card through a reader. "Be sure you download right Win or Mac version." [Elektroda, Blair Chen, post #21673990]

Will formatting fix the error after I rescue my pictures?

Yes. After you copy out important photos, format the card to rebuild FAT32/NTFS and clear the RAW condition. This restores normal access in the camera and computer. [Elektroda, Vilma Baker, post #21673986]

Can I recover photos if I already clicked the format button?

Focus on cases before formatting for the best outcome. The thread guidance is to recover first, then format. If you haven’t formatted yet, your chances are stronger. [Elektroda, Kevin Angelo Ma, post #21673981]

Where should I save recovered files?

Always save recovered photos to a different physical drive or storage device. Do not write the recovered data back to the problem SD card. This prevents data overwrite and preserves results. [Elektroda, Tina Mony0, post #21673982]

What reduces my chances of successful recovery?

Taking new photos, copying files to the card, or running repairs that write to the card can overwrite the old photo data. Once overwritten, those images are unrecoverable. [Elektroda, Corny heo0, post #21673983]

Could a camera-to-computer USB cable help if the reader fails?

Yes. Leave the card in the camera and try transferring over the camera’s USB connection. Some cameras can still read files even when a computer can’t mount the card. [Elektroda, Ruben Proost, post #21673994]

What causes the error—virus or user mistakes?

Possible causes include malware, unsafe removal, or partition damage. Regardless, avoid formatting, then use a recovery tool to extract your photos step by step. [Elektroda, Blair Chen, post #21673993]

I’m on a Mac. Any difference in steps?

Steps are the same. Use a Mac‑compatible recovery tool, scan the SD card via a reader, and save results to your Mac’s drive. Then format the card. [Elektroda, Vilma Baker, post #21673986]

What is photo‑recovery software?

It scans storage for lost file entries and reconstructs photos without using the damaged file system. You select found images and save them to another drive. ["Photo recovery" – Wikipedia]