Memory Card Corruption

Causes of memory card corruption

Unfortunately, memory cards can and do become corrupt. The causes of memory card corruption are often due to human error & poor quality cards, however they can happen for any number of reasons. As a preventative, familiarise yourself with some of the main reasons memory cards become corrupted.

• Turning off a camera before an image is completely written to the memory card.
• Removing the memory card from a camera while an image is being written to the card.
• Removing the card from a memory card reader while files are still being transferred to a computer.
• Batteries are running out as files are being transferred directly from the camera to a computer. Note: always make sure you have fully charged batteries before transferring images.
• Removing the card from a card reader while folders and files from the card are open on a computer.
• Opening, deleting, renaming or moving files on the card while its contents are open on a computer.
• Using a memory card which has not been formatted in the camera. Use the delete / erase function when needed, however a card should regularly be formatted.
• Formatting a card in a computer instead of the camera.
• Inserting a second memory card into a card reader before closing and removing the first when viewing images on the card from a computer.
• Taking photos too rapidly so the camera can not complete writing one image before starting the next.
• Continually shooting and deleting, shooting and deleting images when the card is full.
• Letting a memory card get too full before downloading the images to a computer or storage device. Cards that are too full may overwrite the card headers.
• Using a memory card from one camear in a different camera without formatting it in the new camera first.

Tip to stop reoccuring: Always buy high quality memory cards & batteries.