Your first scan, step by step

The steps are the same on a Mac and on Windows. If you haven't installed the app yet, see install on a Mac or install on Windows.

Stop using the cardDo not take more photos or save anything to it. See what to do first.
Connect it to your computerUse the SD slot or a USB card reader. If your Mac says the disk is not readable, click Ignore (why). If Windows says you need to format the disk, click Cancel (why). Never initialise or format the card.
Open Data Recovery Pro and choose the cardThe card appears under Choose a source, with its format and a chance rating such as High chance or Low chance. If it is missing, see your card doesn't appear.
Click Start ScanYour computer asks for permission to read the card directly. On a Mac, enter your administrator password (why). On Windows, click Yes when Windows asks whether to allow the app to make changes (why). This lets a small helper read the card. It can only read, and it stops when you quit the app.
Watch files appearThe quick scan reads the card's file table first. The deep scan then reads every block for photos, video, documents and other files it recognises. Files appear as they are found, and you can preview them while the scan runs.
Review what was foundClick Review Found Files. Each file is labelled Intact, Partly damaged or Not checked. What the labels mean.
Choose files and where to save themTick the files you want. They are saved to a folder on your computer, never back to the card. Choosing where to save.
RecoverThe first 10 files or 100 MB are free. You only pay if you choose to recover the rest. What's free.

Most files come back exactly as they were. Any that come back partly damaged are saved in a folder called Needs Checking. What you can do with them.

If you quit or the card is unplugged before the scan finishes, the next scan of the same card picks up where it stopped.

Was this helpful?

If this didn't answer your question, tell us what you need and we'll reply by email.