How to Fix Corrupted XQD Card Without Losing Data?

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XQD cards are widely used in high-end cameras and professional photography due to their high-speed performance and reliability. However, like any other storage device, they can become corrupted due to various reasons, making the stored data inaccessible.

In this article, we will get to know primary causes of XQD card corruption, troubleshooting steps, various repair methods, and preventive measures to avoid future issues.

XQD memory cards are high-speed flash storage devices developed by Sony, Nikon, and other companies, mainly used in professional cameras such as Nikon Z series and Sony FX series. These cards offer fast read/write speeds, making them ideal for high-resolution images and 4K video recording.

However, corruption can occur due to improper handling, file system errors, or physical damage. A corrupted XQD card may display errors like:

• "Card cannot be read"
• "Card is not formatted"
• "Card is write-protected"
• "Card error. Please format the card."

Before formatting and losing important data, it's essential to try various repair methods.

Common Causes of XQD Card Corruption

Understanding why an XQD card gets corrupted can help prevent future issues. Here are some common causes:

1. Improper Ejection or Sudden Power Loss

If the card is removed while files are being transferred, it can cause corruption. Sudden power failures during data transfer can also lead to incomplete file writes, damaging the file system.

2. File System Errors or Bad Sectors

Over time, storage devices develop bad sectors due to prolonged usage. If the XQD card develops bad sectors, it may result in unreadable files or total corruption.

3. Virus or Malware Infection

Using an XQD card on an infected computer can introduce malware, leading to file corruption or deletion.

4. Physical Damage to the Card

Dropping the card, exposure to water, or extreme temperatures can physically damage internal components, making data retrieval difficult.

5. Incompatible or Outdated Firmware

Sometimes, a camera's firmware may not fully support the XQD card or may have bugs that cause corruption. Keeping firmware updated is crucial for card compatibility.

Preliminary Checks Before Fixing Corrupted XQD Card

Before attempting any major fixes, perform these initial checks:

1. Try a Different Card Reader or Device

Sometimes, the issue is with the card reader or camera slot. Try inserting the XQD card into a different reader or another camera.

2. Check for Physical Damage

Check the card for scratches, bent pins, or cracks. If the card is physically damaged, data recovery may require professional services.

3. Test on Another Computer or Camera

Try reading the card on another computer or camera. If it works there, the problem might be with the original device.

4. Update Drivers and Firmware

Ensure that your camera's firmware and your computer's XQD card reader drivers are updated. You can check the manufacturer's website for the latest versions.

Recover Inaccessible or Lost Data from Corrupted XQD Card

If your XQD card is corrupted but still recognized by the computer, you may be able to recover your lost files before attempting to format the XQD card. Various data recovery tools are available that can scan the card for lost or deleted files and restore them.

Understand How Data Recovery Works

When a file is deleted or lost due to corruption, it isn't immediately erased from the card. Instead, the system marks that space as "available" for new data. Until new data overwrites the old data, recovery software can scan and restore it. However, if you continue using the XQD card after corruption, the chances of successful recovery decrease.

Best Data Recovery Software for XQD Card

Donemax Data Recovery is one of the best XQD card data recovery programs. It supports to recover all file formats from the corrupted XQD card. It can help you export inaccessible images/videos from the corrupted XQD card to your computer and recover deleted/formatted/lost files from the XQD card.

Steps to Recover Data from a Corrupted XQD Card

Step 1: Stop Using the XQD Card

• Remove the card from the camera immediately after corruption is detected.
• Do not format or overwrite new files on the card before recovery.

Step 2: Connect the XQD Card to Your Computer

• Use a compatible XQD card reader.
• Ensure the computer detects the card (even if it's unreadable).

Step 3: Install and Open a Recovery Software

• Download the best XQD card data recovery program - Donemax Data Recovery.
• Install the software on your PC or Mac (avoid installing it on the XQD card itself).
• Open Donemax Data Recovery, select the XQD card to start data recovery.

Step 4: Start a Deep Scan of the XQD Card

• Select the XQD card as the target drive.
• Click on Scan button.
• Await the scan's completion, which could take a few minutes to many hours, depending on the card's size.

Step 5: Preview and Recover Files

• The recovery tool will list found files.
• Preview images, videos, and documents to ensure they are intact.
• Never save recovered files to the same XQD card; instead, choose the files you wish to recover and save them to an alternate storage device.

Step 6: Verify the Recovered Data

• Open recovered files to ensure they are not corrupted.
• If some files are still missing, try another scan or a different recovery tool.

What to Do If Recovery Software Fails

If the software cannot detect or recover files, consider the following options:

• Try a different recovery tool – Some tools specialize in different file types.
• Use a professional data recovery service – If the data is highly valuable, experts can recover it using advanced methods.
• Check if the card is physically damaged – If the card is unreadable on multiple devices, physical damage may be the cause.

How to Avoid Data Loss in the Future

• Always backup important files after each shoot.
• Avoid deleting or formatting the card directly from the computer (use the camera instead).
• Use reliable and high-quality XQD card readers to prevent connection issues.
• Stop using the card immediately after corruption to maximize recovery chances.

Using data recovery software is a powerful way to retrieve lost files, but the success rate depends on how quickly you act after corruption occurs. The key takeaway is to never overwrite the card before attempting recovery!

3 Methods to Fix a Corrupted XQD Card

If the preliminary checks don't solve the issue, try the following methods to repair the card.

Method 1. Use Built-in Error Checking Tools to Fix Corrupted XQD Card

Both Windows and macOS have built-in tools to fix minor file system errors.

Fix Using Windows CHKDSK Command

1. Insert the XQD card into the card reader.
2. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
3. Type the below command:

   chkdsk X: /f

   (Replace X with the correct drive letter assigned to the XQD card.)

4. Hit Enter and watch for the procedure to finish.
5. Check to see if the card is functioning after restarting your computer.

Fix Using macOS Disk Utility

1. Open Disk Utility from Utilities via Applications
2. Select the XQD card from the left panel.
3. Click First Aid and then Run to repair disk errors.

4. Once completed, eject and reinsert the card to check if it works.

Method 2. Format the XQD Card

If the above methods fail, formatting may be required. This will erase all data, so consider data recovery first.

Format Using a Camera

1. Insert the XQD card into your camera.
2. Go to the camera settings and find the Format Card option.

3. Confirm and proceed with formatting.

Format Using Windows

1. Insert the XQD card into your computer.
2. Right-click the XQD card in File Explorer, then choose Format.

3. Choose FAT32 or exFAT as the file system.

4. Click Start and wait for the process to complete.

Format Using macOS

1. Open Disk Utility and select the XQD card.
2. Click Erase, choose exFAT as the format, and click Erase to proceed.

Method 3. Reinstall or Update XQD Card Drivers

Update Drivers on Windows

1. Open Device Manager (Press Win + X, then select Device Manager).

2. Expand Disk drives, right-click the XQD card, and choose Update driver.

3. Follow the on-screen instructions to update.

Update Drivers on Mac

Mac updates drivers automatically with system updates. Make sure your macOS is up to date.

Check for Firmware Updates on Camera:

1. Visit the camera manufacturer's website.
2. Download the latest firmware update.
3. Follow the instructions to update your camera's firmware.

Preventive Measures to Avoid Future XQD Card Corruption

Taking preventive steps can extend the lifespan of your XQD card and prevent corruption.

1. Properly Eject the Card

Always use the Eject option before removing the XQD card from your computer.

2. Regular Backups of Important Data

Back up important files to a hard drive or cloud storage regularly.

3. Avoid Sudden Power Loss During Transfers

Ensure your camera or computer has sufficient battery before transferring files.

4. Keep Firmware and Drivers Updated

Regularly check for firmware updates for both your camera and card reader.

Conclusion

A corrupted XQD card can be frustrating, but it is often fixable with the right troubleshooting steps. Start with basic checks like using a different reader or updating drivers. If necessary, use repair tools like CHKDSK or Disk Utility. For severe corruption, data recovery software may help retrieve lost files before formatting.

If none of these methods work and the card is physically damaged, consider seeking professional data recovery services. Taking preventive measures, such as proper ejection and regular backups, can help you avoid future XQD card issues.

By complying this article, you should be able to fix your corrupted XQD card and get back to capturing high-quality images and videos without worries.