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31 August 2024  Amanda J. Brook  Senior Product Manager
 

Summary
This guide covers essential information on recovering data from CFast cards, which are specialized memory cards used by professional photographers for their high read and write speeds. Despite their durability and security, CFast cards are prone to data loss due to their intensive use. Common scenarios for data loss include human error, such as accidental formatting or deletion, and increased risk of corruption from frequent use. The guide aims to help users restore their files safely, even without technical expertise.



Table of contents

table iconWhat You Need to Know About Data Loss on CFast Cards
table icon4 Methods to Recover Files from a CFast Card on Windows
table iconA Few More Tips Before You Go…
CFast cards are a specialized type of memory card designed for high-quality photography. Their enhanced capabilities make them ideal for professional photographers, but they also come with a higher risk of data loss and corruption. This guide provides the essential information you need for CFast card data recovery, helping you restore your files safely even if you lack technical expertise.
comact flash card

What You Need to Know About Data Loss on CFast Cards

CFast cards are favored by professional photographers for their exceptional read and write speeds, crucial for handling high-definition and burst photos. They are also more secure and durable than SD cards and can store more data. However, their intensive usage in professional settings makes them more susceptible to data loss.
sd vs cfast
Common Data Loss Scenarios
1. Human error: Accidental formatting or deletion is a common cause of data loss.
2. Increased risk of corruption: Frequent and intensive use increases the cumulative risk of corruption. This can manifest as read/write errors, power outages, software bugs, or viruses.
3. Physical damage: Professional usage in challenging environments can lead to wear and tear, causing intermittent contact issues or complete failure.
4. Mechanical issues: The built-in controller and ATA/IDE interface can fail due to firmware corruption, leading to data loss or inaccessibility. Understanding these vulnerabilities helps you choose the most suitable recovery method.
Renee Undeleter - Powerful Data Recovery SoftwareRenee Undeleter data Recovery software

Easy to use Only simple steps to recover data from storage devices.

Multiple scan modes Fast partition scan, whole partition scan and whole disk scan for different recovery needs.

File types Support to recover pictures, videos, audios, documents, mails, etc.

Supported storage devices Recover data from recycle bin, SD card, external disk, etc.

Supported systems Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP, 2000 and Mac OS X10.6, 10.7, 10.8.

Easy to use Only simple steps to recover data from storage devices.

Multiple scan modes - 3 scan modes for different recovery needs.

Supported storage devices Recover data from recycle bin, SD card, external disk, etc.

Free TrialFree TrialFree Trial

3000 users have downloaded Renee Undeleter and found data back!

4 Methods to Recover Files from a CFast Card on Windows

There are four realistic methods to recover lost or deleted files from a CFast card. Methods 1-3 address human error and logical damage, while Method 4 is for physically or mechanically damaged cards.

Method 1: Restore From .Trashes Folder

A .Trashes folder might exist on your CFast card, storing “deleted” files.
1. Open File Explorer and navigate to your CFast card’s root folder.
2. Click View > Show and select Hidden items. If the .Trashes folder appears, open it and copy the files you want to save to your PC.
file explorer hidden items
Trashes folder in File Explorer

Method 2: Check Cloud Backups

Some cloud storage services automatically upload files from connected external storage devices. For example, Dropbox can upload new photos from your CFast card to a folder called Camera Uploads.
In Dropbox, items in the Recycle bin/Trash Bin are automatically deleted 30 days after they’re put there.
1. Log in to Dropbox.com.
2. Open the Camera Uploads folder.
Camera Uploads folder in Dropbox
3. Select the photos you want to download and click the Download button.
selecting photo to download in Dropbox

Method 3: Use Data Recovery Software

If the files aren’t in the .Trashes folder or cloud backups, try using data recovery software. Two reliable options are Renee Undeleter and PhotoRec/QPhotoRec.
Option A: Renee Undeleter
Renee Undeleter is one of the top data recovery apps for home users because of its beginner-friendly design and powerful core recovery capabilities. It’s very good at scanning all major Windows file-based systems (exFAT, FAT32, NTFS) and it has a massive database of file signatures that recognizes proprietary file types from manufacturers like Canon (CR2, CR3, CRW), Kodak (DCR, KDC), Adobe (CinemaDNG), GoPro (GPR), Nikon (NEF, NRW), Sony (SR2, SRF), and many more.
Renee Undeleter is also capable of recovering data from corrupted CFast cards, even if they don’t show up in File Explorer (as long as they appear in Disk Management). Finally, its preview tool is capable of displaying almost all file types it recognizes – including RAW photos and even videos. This is super useful for evaluating whether or not your files are even recoverable.
Step 1: Download, install and run Renee Undeleter on your Windows computer.
Renee Undeleter - Powerful Data Recovery SoftwareRenee Undeleter data Recovery software

Easy to use Only simple steps to recover data from storage devices.

Multiple scan modes Fast partition scan, whole partition scan and whole disk scan for different recovery needs.

File types Support to recover pictures, videos, audios, documents, mails, etc.

Supported storage devices Recover data from recycle bin, SD card, external disk, etc.

Supported systems Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP, 2000 and Mac OS X10.6, 10.7, 10.8.

Easy to use Only simple steps to recover data from storage devices.

Multiple scan modes - 3 scan modes for different recovery needs.

Supported storage devices Recover data from recycle bin, SD card, external disk, etc.

Free TrialFree TrialFree Trial

3000 users have downloaded Renee Undeleter and found data back!

Step 2: Select the [Fast Partition Scan] option in the main interface.
Tips: Please avoid installing the software on the disk containing the data to be recovered in order to prevent data overwriting. Also, refrain from saving new data to the same disk partition after a file is lost to avoid further damage or complete loss of the lost file.
Renee Undeleter, select Fast Partition Scan
Data Recovery Features
Fast Partition Scan:Recovers files from accidental deletions or recycle bin clearance.
Whole Partition Scan:Restores files from inaccessible or formatted partitions.
Whole Disk Scan:Analyzes partition information for a comprehensive disk scan.
Image Creation:Generates a partition mirror image for backup purposes.
Step 3: Next, select the partition where the lost data is located, and click [Next].
select partition to scan for fast partition scan
Step 4: Select the [Fast Scan] option and click the [Next] button to scan. The [Fast Scan] mode scans the initial 30GB of available space on the chosen disk. If desired files are not found, the [Deep Scan] mode can be used for a thorough scan of the hard disk partition, though it will require additional time.
Select Fast scan in Fast Partition Scan
Step 5: Wait for the scan to complete you can double-click the file to preview, then check the files that need to be recovered, and click the [Recover] button to recover the files to other disks.
preview before recovery
Tips: Please select a disk without any important data when installing the software to avoid overwriting it. If the quick scan mode doesn’t find the necessary files, we suggest trying the deep scan mode for a full search. Using a professional software like Renee Undeleter can greatly increase your chances of successful file recovery. It is important to note that the longer you wait to use this method, the lower your chances of successful recovery become.
Renee Undeleter - Powerful Data Recovery SoftwareRenee Undeleter data Recovery software

Easy to use Only simple steps to recover data from storage devices.

Multiple scan modes Fast partition scan, whole partition scan and whole disk scan for different recovery needs.

File types Support to recover pictures, videos, audios, documents, mails, etc.

Supported storage devices Recover data from recycle bin, SD card, external disk, etc.

Supported systems Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP, 2000 and Mac OS X10.6, 10.7, 10.8.

Easy to use Only simple steps to recover data from storage devices.

Multiple scan modes - 3 scan modes for different recovery needs.

Supported storage devices Recover data from recycle bin, SD card, external disk, etc.

Free TrialFree TrialFree Trial

3000 users have downloaded Renee Undeleter and found data back!

Option B: PhotoRec/QPhotoRec
PhotoRec is a free, open-source tool with a good signature scanner. QPhotoRec offers a graphical user interface.
1. Download PhotoRec from CGSecurity’s website.
2. Connect your CFast card and open QPhotoRec.exe.
3. Select your CFast card and choose a save location. Click File Formats.
selecting file destination folder in QPhotoRec
4. Select the file signatures to scan for and click OK.
selecting file signatures in File Formats dialogue
PhotoRec will recover and save the files to your specified location.

Method 4: Professional Data Recovery Services

For physically or mechanically damaged CFast cards, professional data recovery services are the best option. Look for services with:
- Cleanroom (optional): Necessary for mechanically compromised cards.
- No data – no charge guarantee: Only pay if data is recovered.
- Free Assessment: Initial consultation and in-lab analysis.
- Free shipping (optional): Some services offer free inbound shipping.
- 24/7 emergency services (optional): For urgent recoveries. Check reviews on platforms like Trustpilot, Google Reviews, and Yelp! for the best service.

A Few More Tips Before You Go…

If data loss occurred due to corruption, avoid using the same CFast card for new footage. Enable automatic backups with a cloud service like Dropbox or Microsoft OneDrive to safeguard your data. In summary, understanding the causes of data loss and using the right recovery methods can help you restore your valuable files from a CFast card. Whether you use built-in tools, cloud backups, recovery software, or professional services, this guide provides the knowledge you need to tackle CFast card data recovery effectively.
Renee Undeleter - Powerful Data Recovery SoftwareRenee Undeleter data Recovery software

Easy to use Only simple steps to recover data from storage devices.

Multiple scan modes Fast partition scan, whole partition scan and whole disk scan for different recovery needs.

File types Support to recover pictures, videos, audios, documents, mails, etc.

Supported storage devices Recover data from recycle bin, SD card, external disk, etc.

Supported systems Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP, 2000 and Mac OS X10.6, 10.7, 10.8.

Easy to use Only simple steps to recover data from storage devices.

Multiple scan modes - 3 scan modes for different recovery needs.

Supported storage devices Recover data from recycle bin, SD card, external disk, etc.

Free TrialFree TrialFree Trial

3000 users have downloaded Renee Undeleter and found data back!