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]
