Safety Tips For Flash Memory Cards

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DriveSavers assembled the following tips to help WPPI members properly handle flash memory cards and prevent data loss:

BACK UP YOUR IMAGES -- Protect yourself and your irreplaceable images by backing up onto CD/DVDs, tapes, online storage or an external hard drive. This will help guard against data loss when (not if) your hard drive crashes unexpectedly.

TRANSFER YOUR PHOTOS -- Copy the image files from the camera's flash memory to a computer's hard drive as soon as you can. We recommend not deleting images or reformatting the memory card while it is still in the camera. Wait until all photos are transferred and verified.

FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS -- Take care when removing flash memory from the camera or card reader. Avoid deleting or corrupting images by first using the eject command on the computer or moving the card icon from the desktop to the trash/recycle bin before physically removing the card.

VERIFY THE TRANSFER -- Open the images on the hard drive before reformatting the card.

MAKE MORE THAN ONE COPY -- Back up your backup media and keep a duplicate off site in a secure location.

PROTECT YOUR FLASH MEMORY CARDS -- Use the plastic holder when carrying them around. Simple static buildup can zap the card and make it unreadable. There are other dangers as well, such as breaking a card in your pocket or putting the card, along with your clothing, into the wash.

REPLACE YOUR FLASH MEMORY CARDS -- Typically, flash memory cards can be used about 1,000 times before they start to wear out.

AVOID EXTREME TEMPERATURES -- Heat, cold and humidity can wreak havoc with digital equipment, especially flash memory.

WPPI members receive a discount and benefits for DriveSavers data recovery services. If the data is not recoverable, members will not be charged a recovery fee for Standard and Economy Services. (For network and multiple drives, there is a minimum discounted attempt charge.)

To learn more about DriveSavers Data Recovery services for digital cameras and our special programs for digital arts, please visit: http://www.drivesaversdatarecovery.com/devices-supported/digital-cameras/