Data recovery from flash memory
Memory cards
SD, CF and XQD
We recover data from all types of memory cards — from simple logical errors and file system failures, to the most complex cases requiring direct NAND reading that bypasses the controller (Chip-Off procedure).
What we fix
What is happening
to your memory card?
Identify your device's behaviour. Each scenario below requires a different service approach.
Card asks to be formatted or appears empty
System shows "Card needs to be formatted", "Insert card", or the card is visible with used space but no files? This is a sign of a corrupted logical structure — data is most likely still there.
Logical damageVery slow reads, write errors, disappearing files
Copying takes unusually long, files or folders disappear after removing the card, and some photos or videos open with artefacts? These are typical signs of progressive NAND cell degradation.
NAND degradationNo response, overheating or "Card error"
Card is not detected by the camera or reader, gets hot, or shows "Card error"? These are characteristic signs of electronics failure — after a power surge, water damage, bending, or cracking.
Electronics failureShows 0 B capacity or incorrect capacity
Card appears in the system but shows 0 B, refuses to format, or reports an incorrect capacity? Corrupted controller firmware or service area errors — direct NAND reading is required.
Controller failurePricing
How much does memory card data recovery cost?
The cost depends on the type of damage and the card's construction. Monolithic cards and cases requiring a Chip-Off procedure are priced higher due to technical complexity. We provide an exact quote after the analysis.
Logical
Logical problems
from 400 PLN
- Accidentally deleted files
- Formatted partitions
- File system error
- Card in RAW format
Chip-Off
Controller failure / physical damage
from 700 PLN
- 0 B capacity or incorrect capacity
- Card not detected by any device
- Cracked PCB, water damage, damaged contacts
- Locked or corrupted firmware
Process
How does data recovery work?
Ship your card
Drop it off in person or send it by courier to our facility.
Analysis & quote
We examine the card's condition, identify the failure type, and assess recovery chances along with a quote.
File verification
You decide whether to proceed based on the technical report and the list of recoverable files.
Data delivery
Recovered data is copied to a new drive or made available for download from our server.
Video from the lab
SD card connector corrosion
See what the process looks like in practice
We record our work to show the real service process. This video shows the repair of a corroded connection — after regenerating the missing trace the card was fully read and 100% of the data recovered.
Technical capabilities
Equipment
built for the toughest jobs
Memory card data recovery — especially after controller failure and in the Chip-Off procedure — requires equipment far beyond standard software tools.
Hardware & software tools
- AceLab PC-3000 Flash
- Soft-Center Flash Extractor
- Rusolut VNR
Diagnostic tools
- JBC and Quick soldering stations
- Fluke measuring equipment
- QIANLI SUPERCAM X 3D thermal camera
- DSLogic U3Pro32 logic analyser
Supported card types
- SD, microSD, SDHC, SDXC
- CFexpress, XQD, CompactFlash, CFast
- Memory Stick, xD and other formats
Logical damage on memory cards
Data can disappear not only because of physical failure — a corrupted logical layer is often the problem.
This occurs, for example, after an interrupted write, a camera error, or sudden card removal when the file system was not properly closed. A typical symptom is a "Card needs to be formatted" message, or empty contents despite used storage space.
Do not format the card and do not run CHKDSK — these actions can overwrite the file structure and make recovery much harder or impossible.
Electronics and connection failure
Electronic failures in memory cards are a common cause of cards not being detected by devices.
Damage typically occurs after a power surge, water damage, bending, or contact wear. The card may get hot, disappear from the system, or trigger a "Card error" in the camera.
In many cases it is possible to restore communication with the controller and safely read the data. In more serious situations, direct reading of the memory chip (Chip-Off procedure) bypassing the damaged electronics may be necessary.
NAND memory cell degradation
The flash memory used in cards has a limited number of write cycles — it degrades naturally over time.
In cards used under harsh conditions — high temperatures, frequent erase-write cycles (cards in action cameras, drones, cameras) — this can lead to read errors, data loss, or unstable operation.
Signs of degradation include long read times, write error messages, and disappearing or corrupted JPG, RAW, or MP4 files. As long as the card can be mounted, recovery is possible.
Controller
or firmware problems
Corruption of the internal firmware or controller is one of the most serious memory card failures.
The card may appear as 0 B, refuse to format, or stop responding entirely. In some cases it changes the manufacturer ID or reports an incorrect capacity.
Do not initialise the controller or flash new firmware — these operations permanently erase all content. Recovery then requires direct access to the memory chip, bypassing the damaged controller.
What not to do
with a memory card
A few seemingly harmless actions can permanently destroy any chance of data recovery.
- Formatting again, even if the system suggests it — a quick format can trigger TRIM and overwrite the file structure, making recovery impossible
- Using CHKDSK or repair/recovery software without a binary copy — most tools write data directly to the card, destroying the original sectors
- Running the camera, camcorder, or phone with a damaged card — the device may try to format the card or overwrite faulty areas
- Bending, cleaning with alcohol, or drying the card — physical deformation and contact with substances can damage the contacts and PCB
- Inserting the card repeatedly into different readers — every test increases the risk of service area errors or accelerated memory degradation
- Restoring capacity or flashing new firmware — these operations permanently erase all content and make recovery impossible
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can I try to recover data from a memory card myself?
If the card is recognised correctly by the computer or card reader, the first step should be to create a binary image and work from the image, not the original. This minimises the risk of further damage during analysis. We always recover data exclusively from a binary copy — never from the original device.
The card shows a smaller capacity than before — can I recover the data?
Yes, but restoring the capacity involves complete data loss — the process re-initialises the memory. To recover data from such a card, direct reading of the memory chip via an external programmer (Chip-Off procedure) is required. Only after data recovery should you consider restoring capacity.
Is the analysis included in the recovery price and what does it cover?
No. Analysis is a separate service paid upfront (250 PLN standard or 1,000 PLN express), which keeps the recovery itself cheaper than at labs offering "free diagnostics". It includes a thorough examination of the card, identification of the failure type, and an assessment of recovery chances. Based on the results we prepare a report and quote.
How long does memory card data recovery take?
Simple logical cases typically take 3–5 business days. Controller failure recovery or a Chip-Off procedure can take from a few days to several weeks — the time depends on the extent of damage and the card's construction.
Do you recover data from every type of memory card?
Yes. We support all popular card types: SD, microSD, SDHC, SDXC, CFexpress, XQD, CompactFlash, CFast, Memory Stick, and others. We work with most manufacturers — Samsung, Kingston, Lexar, SanDisk, KIOXIA, Toshiba. For unusual or rare models we inform you of any limitations after the diagnostic.
Can I format the card again since the system is asking me to?
No. Even a quick format can overwrite the file structure or trigger TRIM, which frequently makes subsequent data recovery impossible. Click "Cancel" and send the card in for analysis.
Is it worth using free repair or data recovery software?
Do not use them on the original card. Most tools write data directly to the card, overwriting the original content. If you must test software, do it only on a binary copy — never on the original.
Is recovered data safe and confidential?
Yes. All work is carried out in a controlled laboratory environment. Data is processed exclusively on dedicated, encrypted workstations and accessed only by authorised engineers. We can sign an NDA upon request.
Get in touch
Problem with a memory card?
You don't need to know the technical details. Just describe the symptoms or the situation in which the damage occurred — our engineer will assess the options and outline a plan of action.
During business hours we reply within 20 minutes. Outside business hours we respond as quickly as possible.