At Personal Computer & Digital Recovery Services, we care for your images as our own and we don't want anything to happen to your image. For this reason, we have compiled a list of tips that we hope will minimize the loss of your images.
1. Always format your blank memory cards prior to taking pictures (make sure that you absolutely have at least one good copy of your images prior to formatting). This will ensure that your cards are still in good condition and you will have better chance to get most of your images back in case you need to recover them.
2. It is safest to format your card in the camera. When formatting on a PC some systems could place an incompatible format on the camera card making it unrecognizable to the camera.
3. Do not put all your eggs in one basket. Only put half of your work on one card and the other half on different card. This way, if something goes wrong with one card, all is not lost.
4. After transferring images to a computer or CD, make sure the transferred images are in good condition. You should be able to view/open them from the computer or CD. Once you are satisfied the transferred images are in good condition, you can delete them from the memory card.
5. Always wait for your images to completely transfer to the computer before removing or ejecting the memory card from a reader.
6. Be extremely careful with format function on some cameras. A lot of these cameras erase data on memory cards completely. Only use it when you are absolutely sure you have at least one good copy of your images on a computer, CD, DVD, Pendrive, etc.
7. When you have lost your images, do not try to do anything to your memory card. If you decide to use image recovery software, make sure it does not rearrange data or issue write commands to your memory card. Some software will rearrange the data on your memory card which will further corrupt the images if it cannot fix it. At Personal Computer & Digital Recovery Services, we only use read-only methods to recover your images.
8. Ensure that your digital camera batteries are of a recommended type and are sufficiently charged. If the batteries run out while writing to your digital camera card, data loss can result.
9. Do not attempt to take pictures in too rapid of a succession — check the camera manufacturers recommendation. On some models it could cause corruption of the camera card.
10. Do not attempt to take too many pictures on a camera card. In some cases, when the card becomes full critical data structures may be overwritten causing the card to no longer be recognized. Whenever possible transfer the contents of your camera card to your PC before the camera card gets too full.
11. Create backups of your pictures at regular intervals.
12. Take care in the handling of your camera cards. Use a storage case for the card when it is out of the camera. Avoid touching the exposed contacts on camera cards.
13. Avoid exposing your camera cards to strong electromagnetic fields, like loudspeakers for example. Take particular care of where you store your cards. It could potentially cause damage.
14. Always wait for your camera to complete writing data to the memory card before you turn off the camera or remove the memory card.
