Memory Card Error

[Griffin72]

My S-III decided two days ago that my memory card is "Blank or has unsupported files".  Clicking on this prompts me to Format said memory card which actually has lots of pictures and music on it that I don't want to lose.  My wife's S-III did the same thing and finally was convinced that there actually was compatible data on its card.  I don't remember how long she waited, but we are talking weeks rather than hours.  I have tried restarting, off/on, remove memory card and reinsert, connect to PC (although mainly to sync music to phone rather than card).

Does anyone know WHY this happens or HOW to fix it?

I have had the phone for, I think, 8 months.  Same memory card that whole time.

[Griffin72]

Additional Information:  16 GB on board, 8GB card.

[#3 · Accepted solution]

First off make folder on your computer desktop call it something like saved from phone.

Now either take the sd card out and place it in the sd card reader and insert it into your computer.

Then open up the new drive letter for the sd card and do a cut and paste on all photos and music and then paste them into that new folder you created on the desktop. ( this is way easier than hooking your phone via usb and doing the cut and paste)

Now right click on the sd card drive letter and do a full format, not a quick format. You could also do this via hooking the sd card back inti the phone and fornatting that way.

You can then do a reverse "copy" and paste back onto the sd card. Note not a "cut" and paste.  leave a copy of the files and such on that new folder just in case you need to restore the sd card again.

There are also files on internal memory. A folder called DCIM has photos if the sd card has not been set to be the saved location. These are accessed via Mass USB setting and hooking device via usb cable to your computer.

Good Luck

Please also note you could buy a new Sd Card and see if that works.

[demmo86rt]

I would be very surprised if this works.  If the file addresses are missing (most likely the data is still there, the addressing system just go messed up), and the files don't show up when connected to the computer, then copying them won't help.

@griffin72 unfortunately, you will probably need to get access to some data recovery software to get the information off the card.

[#5]

The OP did not state he could not see the files on his PC. Stated could see or get music. However many sd card read errors would be corrupted media. I know these little media cards are very compressed. My first computer was only 256Mb for a desktop. And cost over $3000.00 today the MicroSD cards hold 64Gb and I have read there is another one coming out that holds even more than that. Technology is great!

[vzw_customer_support]

Your situation is a real head scratcher, Griffin72! I will do all I can to get to the bottom of this. I would suggest connecting your phone with your PC again. This time you should move the files from the card to your PC. Once this is completed, you should reformat the SD Card. Please let me know if this resolves your concerns Have a great day.

ChaunceyM_VZW

Follow us on twitter @VZWSupport