Files on SD card do not show up in Windows Explorer Directory

theFactor1442 · 14 Jul 2013

Hello, I have a SDHC 8GB memory card with multiple video files on it. These files all can be played easily on the device in which they were written, which was a small camcorder. The problem now is however that I cannot access these video files when I place the SD card in my computer and browse the directory with Windows Explorer anymore.

At one point, I was able to access them normally and without issue, however in a stint of forgetful frustration, I removed the SD card without "ejecting" it safely, and I assume the information on it has become corrupted.

The videos, however, are still there on the card and I can tell they are because they all can still be played on the camcorder device they were created. On the camcorder, I can browse and play these videos, so they still exists on the card. It seems that it is just that now I cannot view them on Windows Explorer.

My question is: Since the video files still exist on the card, is their any way I can make it so Windows Explorer can re-recognize them so that I can view them on my laptop?

Just as a little side not, when the card directory containing the video files was corrupted, all that remained when I tried to go back in and view the videos was a single .FILE, whose name of which is a bunch o square boxes, and of which the computer identifies as having an invalid directory parameter or something when I try to open it.
Thanks

ICIT2LOL · 14 Jul 2013

Hello and welcome Factor mat have you tried plugging the camera into the computer? and access the files like that?

I use SD cards all the time and I always forget to safely remove them but none are ever corrupted maybe the port needs a gentle clean? Thin piece of credit card with some LINT FREE cloth over the the end and a dab of alcohol NOT grog and gently insert the piece of card a few times.

theFactor1442 · 15 Jul 2013

I should note specifically that the video files are the only files that do not show up. The computer immediately recognizes the SD card when it is inserted, and I am able to browse directories on it. It is just that the folder on the card that specifically once had the video files no longer shows them there though they are on the card.

Also, I took some other SD cards I had and the information on them is showing up fine so the port is working correctly, for some good news.

And also, I'v never in my life used the safe eject feature on anything myself, but I assume that the data corruption and the fact that I did not use the safe feature are related because the files stopped showing up immediately after I removed the card un-safely and then put it back in.

ICIT2LOL · 15 Jul 2013

Hum Factor I am at a loss as to why the videos are affected and not the rest?

Try inserting it go to Computer right click on that card / drive and doa scan with your security if you have Malwarebytes try scanning it that too.

If you haven't got Malwarebytes - Malwarebytes : Malwarebytes Anti-Malware removes malware including viruses, spyware, worms and trojans, plus it protects your computer

NB when you are installing that app make sure you UNTICK the trial box or you will be pestered with options to buy.

Depending on what you have these might be worth a try too.

http://www.superantispyware.com/

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/adwcleaner/download frombleeping computer

theFactor1442 · 17 Jul 2013

I'm at a loss. I scanned it but says there are no threats detected. The scan does not even detect that those video files are there, actually. Though I can still play them when I insert the SD card into the camcorder. For whatever reason, the camcorder can still play these files on the SD card but my laptop can't.

But I will keep looking. There must be a way.

jumanji · 17 Jul 2013

I would think the video format is not compatible to Windows 7.

Just to confirm whether it is so, I would put another working SD card into the camcorder, record a short video and then try to access it in Windows 7.

Second, did your camcorder come with any software with which you can download the video directly connecting the camcorder to the computer or from the SD card?

Your camcorder details ( make/model etc.,) may perhaps be helpful for a google search specific to the camcorder

Faladu · 17 Jul 2013

OP, how are you looking at the SD on your PC?

I don't bother connecting the device to the PC, I just:

I use a SD USB adapter by Targus ($12 at most) to read my SD from my camera, works perfectly, I think I bought it at Target, very easy to come by:

This one looks to be reasonable:

Transcend TS-RDP5K Card Reader - Newegg.com

Have you tried another file manager like Total Commander to see if the files show up?
[I hate Windows Explorer]

As long as you get a drive letter for the SD, I would try copying at the root, all directories to your system's HD (make a directory SD_TEST or something for the copy), and see if you get any errors.

Try at a command prompt even:
[example, put in your drive instead for E]

xcopy E:\*.* C:\SB_Test /H /E

xcopy /? will show parameter info, H is hidden, E is all directories even empty

I would also try there at the command prompt chkdsk while on the root of the SD drive, with no parameters (read only mode) and see if it finds any errors. Switch to root by just trying E: and hit enter within the command prompt. [again E being the drive later of the SD :)]

ICIT2LOL · 17 Jul 2013

jumanji said:

I would think the video format is not compatible to Windows 7.

Just to confirm whether it is so, I would put another working SD card into the camcorder, record a short video and then try to access it in Windows 7.

Second, did your camcorder come with any software with which you can download the video directly connecting the camcorder to the computer or from the SD card?

Your camcorder details ( make/model etc.,) may perhaps be helpful for a google search specific to the camcorder

Sorry late reply mate I think jumanji has asked what I was going to in that what are the formats of the videos.?

If desperate try a Ubuntu bootable disk use the TRY version and see what the files come up in the SD when opened in that OS.
You will need to make a bootable disk for Ubuntu set the BIOS to optical and let it boot and use TRY not the install!! in that screen you will e able to open he files and may even play them. Or you may be able to change the format somehow I don't know if the others think this is a possibility. Download Ubuntu | Ubuntu