Fix Corrupted SanDisk Drive Without Losing Data: A Comprehensive Guide

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SanDisk drives are widely used for data storage and transfer. However, like any storage device, they can become corrupted, making data inaccessible. Corruption can be due to several reasons, including improper ejection, malware, or bad sectors. If you are facing issues with a corrupted SanDisk drive, don't worry - this guide provides a step-by-step approach to diagnosing and fixing the problem.

A corrupted SanDisk drive can cause significant inconvenience, especially if it contains important files. You might encounter issues such as:

• The drive is not recognized by the computer.
• Files are missing or inaccessible.
• The drive asks to be formatted before use.
• Slow performance or frequent disconnections.

This article will help you understand the causes of corruption, various methods to fix the drive, and best practices to prevent future issues.

Common Causes of SanDisk Drive Corruption

Understanding the reasons behind corruption can help prevent similar issues in the future. Here are some of the most common causes:

1. Improper Ejection

Removing a SanDisk drive without safely ejecting it can cause corruption. This interrupts read/write processes, leading to file system errors.

2. Virus or Malware Infection

SanDisk drives are often used across multiple devices, making them susceptible to viruses. Malware can modify or delete files, making the drive unreadable.

3. Bad Sectors or Physical Damage

Bad sectors occur due to prolonged use, sudden power failures, or manufacturing defects. If too many bad sectors develop, the drive may become unusable.

4. File System Errors

A file system is responsible for organizing and managing files on a drive. If it gets corrupted, the drive may show errors like "The file or directory is corrupted and unreadable."

5. Power Failures or Sudden Disconnections

Frequent power interruptions while transferring data can cause corruption. A sudden disconnection during file operations can leave data in an unstable state.

Preliminary Checks Before Fixing The Corrupted SanDisk Drive

Before attempting advanced fixes, try these basic troubleshooting steps:

1. Connect to Another Computer: It is possible that the issue lies with the computer and not with the drive. So, try connecting with it with another PC to check if it works.

2. Use a Different USB Port or Adapter: A faulty USB port or adapter can prevent the drive from functioning properly. Plug the drive into a different port.

3. Check Disk Management (Windows) or Disk Utility (Mac)

• Windows: Go to Disk Management (Win + X → Select Disk Management).
• Mac: Open Disk Utility (Cmd + Space → Search for Disk Utility).
• If the drive appears but has no assigned letter or shows as RAW, it may need repairs.

Methods to Fix a Corrupted SanDisk Drive

If the above steps don't resolve the issue, follow these detailed methods to fix your corrupted drive.

Method 1. Use Built-in Tools to Fix Corrupted SanDisk Drive

Use Windows Tools:

Check and Repair via File Explorer:

1. Find the SanDisk drive in File Explorer.
2. Choose Properties with a right-click on the drive.
3. Select Check under Error Checking on the Tools tab.

4. To resolve difficulties found, adhere to the on-screen directions.

Use CHKDSK Command:

CHKDSK is a built-in Windows tool that scans and repairs drive errors.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator (Win + X → Command Prompt (Admin)).
2. Type the following command and press Enter:

   chkdsk X: /f /r /x
   (Replace X: with the actual drive letter.)

3. Wait for the process to complete, then restart your PC and check the drive.

Assign a New Drive Letter:

If the drive appears in Disk Management but isn't accessible, changing the drive letter may help.

1. Open Disk Management (Win + X → Disk Management).
2. Choose Change Drive Letter and Paths when you right-click the SanDisk drive.

3. Select a new letter, click Change, and then select OK.

Use Mac Tools:

Disk Utility - First Aid:

Mac users can repair a corrupted SanDisk drive using Disk Utility.

1. Open Disk Utility (Cmd + Space → Search for Disk Utility).
2. Select the SanDisk drive from the list.
3. Click First Aid and then Run.

4. If errors are found, Disk Utility will attempt to repair them.

Format the Drive (Last Resort):

If none of the above methods work, formatting the drive can restore functionality. However, this will erase all data.

Format SanDisk Drive on Windows:

1. Open Disk Management (Win + X → Disk Management).
2. Right-click the SanDisk drive and select Format.

3. Choose FAT32, exFAT, or NTFS as the file system.
4. Click Start to begin formatting.

Format SanDisk Drive on Mac:

1. Open Disk Utility.
2. Select the SanDisk drive and click Erase.
3. Choose exFAT (for cross-compatibility) or Mac OS Extended (Journaled).

4. Click Erase to complete the process.

Method 2. Recover Lost Data from Corrupted SanDisk Drive

When a SanDisk drive becomes corrupted, there is a risk of losing important files. Before resorting to formatting, which erases all data, it is crucial to attempt data recovery. Depending on the severity of corruption, you may be able to retrieve files using specialized recovery tools. This section explores different methods to recover lost data from a corrupted SanDisk drive.

Use SanDisk RescuePRO:

SanDisk provides an official data recovery tool called RescuePRO. This software is designed to recover lost files from SanDisk storage devices, including USB drives and SD cards.

How to Use SanDisk RescuePRO:

Step 1. Download and Install:

• Visit the official SanDisk website and download SanDisk RescuePRO Deluxe.
• Install the software on your PC or Mac.

Step 2. Connect the Corrupted SanDisk Drive:

• Insert the SanDisk USB drive or SD card into your computer.
• Ensure the device is detected before proceeding.

Step 3. Run the Recovery Scan:

• Open RescuePRO and select the type of file you want to recover (photos, documents, videos, etc.).
• Click Start Scan to begin the recovery process.

Step 4. Preview and Recover Files:

• The program will show a list of recoverable files after the scan is finished.
• Opt for the files you want to restore and store them on a separate drive (not the damaged one).

💡 Note: The free version of RescuePRO allows scanning and previewing files, but to recover them, you'll need to purchase the full version.

Use Donemax Data Recovery:

Donemax Data Recovery is a powerful data recovery program. It can help you completely recover deleted, formatted and lost data from any SanDisk drive.

Step 1. Download and install Donemax Data Recovery on your computer and connect the SanDisk drive to your computer.

Step 2. Open Donemax Data Recovery, select the SanDisk drive to start data recovery.

Step 3. Click on Scan button to deeply scan the SanDisk drive and find all recoverable files including existing files, inaccessible files, deleted/formatted/lost files, etc.

Step 4. Once the scan is completed, you can preview all recoverable files. Then select the wanted files, click on Recover button to save them.

After recovering data from your SanDisk drive, you can use Donemax Data Recovery to repair the damaged SanDisk drive or reformat the corrupted SanDisk drive.

Prevent Future SanDisk Drive Corruption

Taking preventive measures ensures the longevity of your SanDisk drive.

1. Always Eject Properly: Use the "Safely Remove Hardware" option before unplugging the drive.
2. Keep the Drive Virus-Free: Scan the drive regularly with antivirus software. Avoid using the drive on untrusted computers.
3. Avoid Sudden Power Failures: If transferring large files, ensure your device has a stable power supply.
4. Regularly Back Up Data: Store important files in multiple locations (e.g., cloud storage, external HDD).

Conclusion

A corrupted SanDisk drive can be frustrating, but with the right steps, you can restore functionality and recover lost data. If your drive is inaccessible, start with basic troubleshooting, then use built-in tools like CHKDSK (Windows) or First Aid (Mac). If necessary, try data recovery software before formatting as a last resort.

To prevent future corruption, always eject your drive properly, keep it virus-free, and maintain regular backups. By following these steps, you can ensure the reliability of your SanDisk storage device for years to come.