Exeter Data Recovery is Devon’s leading SD card data recovery specialist with over 25 years of experience. We provide professional, forensic-level data recovery services for all types of memory cards, recovering data from even the most complex faults and physical failures. Our engineers specialise in retrieving data from SD cards used in mobile phones, digital cameras, dashcams, drones, and professional recording equipment.
Supported Memory Card Types and Brands
We recover data from the full range of memory card formats, including:
- Standard SD (Secure Digital)
- microSD / microSDHC / microSDXC
- miniSD
- SDHC / SDXC / SDUC
- CompactFlash (CF)
- CFast and XQD
- Memory Stick Pro Duo / M2
- MultiMediaCard (MMC)
- UFS Cards
We support all major brands available in the UK, including:
SanDisk, Samsung, Kingston, Transcend, PNY, Toshiba, ADATA, Integral, Verbatim, Lexar, Sony, Patriot, Angelbird, Greenliant, Panasonic, Apacer, Delkin, TeamGroup, Mushkin, Emtec, Polaroid, Hama, Verico, Nextbase, Duracell, Maxell, Philips, Intenso, Kodak, Netac, and Corsair.
Common SD Card Faults We Recover
We handle all major SD card failures, both physical and logical. Below are some of the most common issues we recover from — along with an overview of our professional recovery methods:
1. Accidental Deletion
Files deleted using the camera or computer interface can often be recovered unless they are overwritten. We perform a raw scan of the card’s unallocated space using forensic tools that reconstruct lost file headers and directory structures.
2. Accidental Formatting
When a card is reformatted in-camera or via computer, its file allocation tables are reset. We use file system reconstruction and deep sector scanning to recover data, even from cards formatted with different FAT or exFAT schemes.
3. File System Corruption
Corruption often occurs due to improper ejection or interrupted file transfers. We examine and rebuild corrupted FAT/exFAT/ext file structures at the hex level to restore folder hierarchies and file references.
4. Read/Write Errors
Often a result of failing NAND cells or degraded controller firmware. Our lab uses write-blockers and voltage-controlled readers to bypass unstable interfaces and image the card sector by sector.
5. Memory Card Not Recognised
This can be caused by controller failure or partition loss. We use proprietary chip readers to extract raw NAND data and reassemble the data structure manually if necessary.
6. Physical Damage (Bent/Cracked Cards)
Cards with cracked housings, damaged pads, or broken traces are disassembled in our clean lab. Micro-soldering and pinout mapping are performed to access the NAND flash directly.
7. Bad Sectors / Wear-Leveling Issues
Frequent use can wear out the NAND cells. We perform multiple-pass imaging with ECC reconstruction to maximise the number of readable sectors.
8. Electrical Damage
Voltage spikes or improper insertion can cause power surge damage. We test and replace passive electrical components where possible and extract data via direct chip-off recovery.
9. Water or Liquid Damage
Moisture exposure leads to corrosion and short circuits. We first stabilise the card, then assess controller and memory condition, proceeding with cleanroom disassembly and chip access where needed.
10. Controller Failure
When the controller chip is unresponsive, we use a chip-off recovery method: the NAND chip is desoldered and read externally with mapping to reconstruct logical data.
Why Choose Exeter Data Recovery?
- 25 Years of Experience with SD and NAND flash technologies
- In-house Cleanroom Facilities for complex physical repairs
- Advanced Forensic Tools used to recover from formatted and overwritten cards
- No Data – No Fee Guarantee for applicable service levels
- Support for all File Systems including FAT16, FAT32, exFAT, HFS+, and ext4
- Non-destructive Diagnostics performed within 48 hours
Contact Us
If your SD card has failed, don’t attempt further use — this can reduce the chance of recovery. Contact our engineers today for a free diagnostic and professional guidance.
Exeter Data Recovery – SD Card Recovery Experts
Exeter’s trusted name in SD card and memory card data recovery.