Is there any hope of recovery??

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italiancouture7

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Jun 26, 2014
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My SD card was smashed and is no longer readable by my computer. However, the SD card is still showing up as a recognizable drive on my computer, it just isn't accessible. I have tried every free recovery software out there, ZAR, recuva, m3 recovery, virtual lab data recovery, photorec and a few more I can't remember. They all see my SD card but none can recover any data. I don't mind spending money on a good one, however I'm assuming since none of these can see the data the paid ones wouldnt either. Most of these require you to pay if you want the recovered files and they arent even able to find them. I am willing to pay for a good one but I'm afraid that there is no hope. I thought if the card was at least showing up it would work but maybe not?? What can I do. The NAND flash chips are completely intact, the controller chip is broken so that is the only physical defect I can see. However I know the actual data is stored in the flash chip so I'm still holding onto hope.
 
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italiancouture7

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Jun 26, 2014
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I should add that when I insert the SD card into my computer it is asking me to reformat it. I obviously am afraid to do so with the risk of losing all of the photos. They are very important photos from my son's birth so I really would do anything to recover these.
 
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italiancouture7

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Jun 26, 2014
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Really?? So the flash chips are completely useless?? Isn't that where the memory is stored?? Could I desolder those and resolder to a new controller chip? I suspect that would be too easy of a solution and wouldnt work. The photos are from my Son's birth and I cannot get those back. I would do anything to recover these. I always back up my photos and was actually in the process of doing so when my daughter knocked the computer onto the SD card (it was in the SD slot). It smashed into the computer and became unreadable.
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Mar 16, 2013
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Reformat or no, the pics are still inaccessible.

SD cards are NEVER a good place for long term storage. Long term defined (IMHO) as more than 24 hours.
Similarly, a single place for critical files is never a good idea. Doubly so if that is an SD card or similar.

Aside from some microsurgery in replacing the controller chip, I can't imagine any software solution would work.
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Maybe. But only if you are really, really good. And you have only one shot at getting it right.
 
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italiancouture7

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Jun 26, 2014
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Woe thats a lot of pressure :(
 
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italiancouture7

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Jun 26, 2014
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I wish I could afford that but there is no way. I heard they cost thousands. I was watching this video about a USB memory stick repair. Why can't something like this be done to an SD card?? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdLLwIaLEVs
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Resoldering those 4 pins is a whole lot easier than resoldering a surface mount chip.
 
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italiancouture7

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Jun 26, 2014
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Ok I see what you're saying. Here is a picture of one of the chips.. It was detached when I pulled the casing apart. The other one is still intact and the pins are fine. The pins on this are a little damaged looking, would it even be worth a shot ??

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e209/Krystine_Stephenson/FullSizeRenderjpgcopy_zpsdf5d34c4.jpeg
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Seeing as the data is totally inaccessible, anything is worth a shot. But as said...unless you are really really good with the soldering situation, it is easy to mess it up. Overheat a small portion of the chip....burnt toast.

Possibly buy a duplicate SD card, and take it to someone who is experienced in that realm.

Or, buy half dozen, and practice yourself. Take a chip off, resolder it back on. See if it works.
Redo that several times.
 
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italiancouture7

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Jun 26, 2014
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Well I guess thats my only shot then. I will be doing lots of practicing!
 
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