High-capacity SDXC memory cards, like the SanDisk 512GB Ultra SDXC, are widely used in TV production and filmmaking due to their ability to store high-resolution video files. However, removing a memory card during file transfer can lead to corrupted video files, incomplete writes, and data loss.
This case study explores how we successfully recovered critical video footage for a TV show after a SanDisk 512GB Ultra SDXC card was improperly removed during file transfer, leaving essential production files unreadable.
As Ireland’s oldest and most experienced data recovery company, we used chip-level data extraction and video reconstruction techniques to retrieve the lost footage.
The Challenge: Corrupt Video Files After Interrupted File Transfer
A TV production company contacted us after their SanDisk 512GB SDXC card became unreadable. The symptoms included:
- Some video files missing, while others would not open or play properly.
- File names appearing as gibberish or blank spaces in Finder/Windows Explorer.
- The card displaying “Insert Disk” or “Format Required” errors.
- Disk Utility and Windows Disk Management recognising the card but failing to repair it.
Since the TV production was ongoing, recovering the corrupt video files as quickly as possible was essential.
Diagnosis & Evaluation
When the SanDisk SDXC card arrived at our cleanroom facility, we conducted a full software and hardware diagnostic. Our findings:
- File system corruption (exFAT errors) – The card’s file system had become damaged due to incomplete writes.
- Partially written video files – Some files were cut off mid-recording, leading to unreadable MP4/MOV formats.
- No physical damage – The memory card’s NAND flash chips were intact, meaning a logical recovery was possible.
Since the TV production company needed full video restoration, we used forensic data recovery techniques to reconstruct missing footage.
The Recovery Process
1. Creating a Forensic Clone of the Memory Card
Before attempting any repairs, we:
- Cloned the SDXC card sector by sector to prevent further corruption.
- Used specialized SD card recovery tools to bypass damaged areas.
2. Extracting and Rebuilding Corrupted Video Files
Since some files were partially written, we:
- Used file carving techniques to locate lost MP4/MOV video fragments.
- Manually reconstructed video headers, allowing editing software to recognize the footage.
- Restored missing metadata to repair playback issues.
3. Verifying and Restoring Production Footage
Once the recovery was complete, we:
- Tested all recovered videos in Adobe Premiere and Final Cut Pro.
- Ensured full playback quality without glitches or frame loss.
- Transferred the files to a secure external SSD for the production team.
The Results: 99% Data Recovery Success
Thanks to our advanced SD card recovery techniques, we successfully recovered 99% of the production company’s footage, including:
✅ 4K and Full HD video files in MP4/MOV formats
✅ Restored metadata for proper file organization
✅ Fully playable, glitch-free video footage
The TV production company was able to resume editing without losing any critical scenes.
Why Choose Us?
With 25 years of experience and tens of thousands of successful recoveries, we are the leading SD card and video data recovery specialists in Ireland and the UK. Our expertise includes:
✔ SDXC, microSD, and CF card data recovery
✔ Video reconstruction from corrupt or deleted footage
✔ Chip-off NAND extraction for severe memory card failures
✔ Secure & confidential recovery for TV, film, and media professionals
If your SD card is unreadable, files are corrupt, or footage is missing, don’t attempt DIY fixes—contact us for expert data recovery.