Recovering Data from a Memory Card

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  • Recovers data within 4-7 business days
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Data Recovery — Memory Card

Your memory card has failed.
We can recover your photos and data.

Our specialized technicians can recover lost data from damaged memory cards. You will be informed at all times of the status of the recovery. Laby assures you of a solution to your problem.

Free diagnostics in less than 4 business hours
SD, microSD, CF, xD, Memory Stick and more
Status report at each stage of the process
If we don't recover your data, we don't charge

4h

Free diagnostics in less than 4 business hours

FLASH

Specialists in NAND Flash technology and monolithic chips

+10

Supported Memory Card Types

0€

No cost if we fail to recover your data

What you need to know about memory cards

Memory cards belong to the family of devices with FLASH technology. Composed of a connector, an electronic board, a controller and one or more blocks of NAND memory where the information is stored. Its operation is practically identical to that of a pen drive, with the difference in the physical format and the type of connection.

SD / SDHC / SDXC

The most widespread format. Present in cameras, camcorders and computers.

microSD / microSDXC

Compact version of the SD. Standard on smartphones, tablets and drones.

CompactFlash (CF)

Professional format used in high-end DSLR cameras and industrial equipment.

CFexpress/XQD

Successor to the CF. Very high speeds for 4K/8K video on professional cameras.

Memory Stick

Sony's proprietary format, present in PlayStation cameras and consoles.

xD-Picture Card

Olympus and Fujifilm's proprietary format for older compact cameras.

Monolithic cards — the most complex case

Some memory cards, especially small ones like low-cost microSDs, integrate the controller and memory blocks into a single chip or pill called a monolith. Data recovery in this type of device requires specialized techniques of direct reading on the chip, without the possibility of separating the components.

Problems with your memory card?

FLASH cards, except SLC cards, are susceptible to memory block degradation. These are the most common symptoms.

The computer or camera does not recognize the card when it is inserted

The card appears as corrupted, illegible, or unformatted

Photos or files that disappeared without deleting them

Read error when trying to access files

The card displays strange characters or unreadable names when plugged in

Bent pins or broken connector from improper use or handling

Memory block controller damage from short circuit or overvoltage

Split or physically damaged card due to breakage, water, or crushing

Tips to avoid losing data on your memory card

FLASH technology has a weak point: the progressive degradation of memory blocks. Today's devices are increasingly demanding speed and capacity to record high-resolution photos and videos, which accelerates internal wear and tear. Knowing these habits can save you a bit of upset.

  • 1

    Always eject the card correctly. Most memory cards use the exFAT format — old, patched, and easily corrupted. Removing the card from your camera, phone, or computer without ejecting it properly can corrupt the file system and cause you to lose all stored content.

  • 2

    Don't use the card as permanent storage. Memory cards are designed to transfer files, not to store them indefinitely. Move photos and videos to your computer or cloud regularly. The fuller the card is and the more it is used, the greater the wear and tear on the memory blocks.

  • 3

    Avoid using the card with the device at the temperature limit. Excessive heat—either from the device itself or from the environment—accelerates the degradation of memory chips. If your camera or phone gets very hot during a long recording session, it's best to take breaks to let it cool down.

  • 4

    If the card starts to fail, stop using it. Files that won't open, corrupted photos, or error messages when reading are clear signs that memory blocks are failing. Continuing to use the card in that state can make the data unrecoverable. Contact us before attempting any solution on your own.

More than 24,200 diagnoses made.
More than 33,500 devices in stock for fast and economical service. Own software and customized intranet.

The process of recovering a memory card

Recovering data from a memory card is a technically more complex process than that of a conventional hard drive. Extreme miniaturization and the use of monolithic chips requires very specific tools and knowledge.

SD / SDHC / SDXC microSD / microSDXC CompactFlash (CF) CFexpress Memory Stick xD-Picture Card
TSOP / BGA Memories

Unsoldering the memory block

On cards where the controller and memory block are separate components—such as many mid-to-high end CF or SD cards—it is possible to desolder the memory chip from the board and read it directly with specialized equipment.

This method allows access to the raw data on the chip without relying on the damaged driver, significantly increasing the chances of recovery.

Monolithic cards · microSD

Microsolder under microscope

In monolithic cards—especially microSD cards—the controller and memory block are encapsulated on a single chip. It is not possible to separate them. To directly access the data, it is necessary to perform precision microsoldering under a microscope on internal contact points of the chip.

In many cases the solder points are not documented, so they have to be analyzed using a sniffer — a hardware/software system that captures and graphically represents the electronic signals for later interpretation.

The reverse engineering process after the chip is read
01

Determine the position of the information

Data is not stored in a linear fashion. The block map must be reconstructed to know where each piece of information is inside the chip.

02

Sort the sectors

The controller distributes the data into slices that do not follow a sequential order. They need to be reordered correctly so that the information is logically consistent.

03

Discarding Bad Blocks

NAND chips have damaged blocks that the original controller flags and omits. They must be identified and excluded from the reconstruction process so as not to contaminate the recovered data.

04

Find XOR and Scrambler keys

Many controllers apply encryption or scattering algorithms (XOR/Scrambler) to data before writing it. These algorithms must be identified and reversed to obtain the original readable data.

It is a laborious process, but at Laby we have the experience and equipment to tackle it. Free diagnosis in less than 4 working hours. If we don't recover your data, we don't charge. No surprises.

Recovery Pricing
Memory Card Data

Firmware Breakdown

399€ – 990€

+ VAT

For Firmware Breakdowns

FLASH electronics repair. Corrupted internal card SW or corrupted firmware modules that prevent access to stored data.

Contact
Physical Failure

890€ – 2.990€

+ VAT

Physical Failures (Controller/Memory Block)

Unrecognizable devices, sudden failures, locked drives, or monolithic cards that require microsolder under a microscope to access the memory chip.

Contact
Data Recovery — Memory Card

What determines the price
to recover your memory card?

The cost always depends on the damage to the card, the working hours and the technical equipment required. A prior diagnosis is essential to identify the type of fault before giving a definitive price.

Type and severity of damage

Accidental deletion or file system corruption is very different from a physical failure of the controller or NAND chips. The origin of the problem determines the necessary tools and the intervention time.

Working hours

Monolithic cards—where controller and memory are integrated into a single chip—require microsoldering under a microscope, signal analysis, and reverse engineering reconstruction. Processes that can take dozens of hours.

Specialized equipment

Direct reading of NAND chips, the use of sniffers to analyze electronic signals, and the reconstruction of XOR/Scrambler tables require tools that are not available in conventional laboratories.

Why the price varies depending on the type of card
SD · CF · CFexpress

Cards with separate components

On mid-to-high-end SD, CompactFlash, or CFexpress cards, the controller and memory block are separate components on the board. If the controller fails, it is possible to desolder the memory chip and read it directly.

This method avoids relying on the damaged controller and allows access to the raw data on the chip, greatly simplifying the recovery process.

Increased accessibility · More direct process
monolithic microSD

Monolithic cards — maximum complexity

In microSD – especially low-cost microSD – the controller and memory are encapsulated on a single chip. They cannot be separated. The only way is to perform precision micro-soldering under a microscope to directly access the internal contact points.

When these points are not documented, they must be analyzed with a sniffer and the position of the data, the order of sectors, and the XOR or Scrambler keys of the controller must be reverse-engineered.

More complex process · Very specific equipment

If we don't recover your data, we don't charge. Free diagnosis in less than 4 working hours. A closed quote without obligation before starting. No surprises.

Here are our deadlines

Step 1

In just 1 hour

We process the collection by courier service from your home or company.

Step 2

Within 4 working hours

After receiving the device in the laboratory (within 24 hours), we carry out a diagnosis and quote without obligation.

Step 3

Between 4 and 7 working days

This is the average recovery time for the damaged device after the quote is accepted.*

What do you think of us?

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YroDUB
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Pese a que no se pudieron recuperar los datos por un fallo del disco, el servicio, la comunicación, el seguimiento y el trato han sido muy buenos. Muy recomendable.
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Jordi Villalba profile picture
Jordi Villalba
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Es muy caro, carísimo, pero antes de alarmarse y entrar en pánico, hay que entender el porqué vale lo que vale. Hay que pagar a ingenieros cualificados que saben hacer este trabajo el cual es muy delicado. La sala donde se hace es una sala limpia con una ventilación especial para que no haya ni una mota de polvo, los ingenieros también van totalmente tapados para que ninguna mota de polvo enganchada en su piel quede en suspensión en la sala. Se siguen unos protocolos estrictos para que en la sala no haya ni una mota de polvo, ya que hasta una mota de polvo microscópica podría destruir datos del disco duro cuando éste está expuesto al exterior para trabajar con él. Todo este equipamiento y mantenimiento hay que pagarlo también, además de las piezas de respuesto para arreglar y recuperar los datos del disco duro. Es importante sopesar si uno necesita recuperar los datos de su disco duro, una vez asimilado el precio y dar el paso a querer recuperar los datos por su importancia, falta ver su profesionalidad. Aquí no fallan, buen trato, profesionalidad absoluta, consiguieron recuperar todos los datos del disco duro que llevé, es un sitio muy recomendable si se te ha roto por completo el disco duro, ni siquiera lo detecta el pc y necesitas recuperar los datos.
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María del Carmen Benavente Baltasar profile picture
María del Carmen Benavente Baltasar
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Mi disco duro sufrió una caída. Toda mi vida personal y profesional estaban en él. No podía acceder al contenido del mismo; parecía irrecuperable toda la información. Me quedé colapsada. Pedí a la IA alguna solución y me recomendó el envío a profesionales de recuperación de datos. El primero de la lista era LABY a quienes envié mi dispositivo. Ellos recuperaron todos los datos y me los enviaron en un nuevo dispositivo. ¡Me han salvado la vida!
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Yaiza Sánchez profile picture
Yaiza Sánchez
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Una pasada. En menos de 10 días han recogido mi disco duro, han sacado todos los datos y me los han devuelto en un disco duro nuevo. Me habían dicho en otros sitios que era irrecuperable. Son muy profesionales, merece la pena cada euro pagado.
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lino villegas profile picture
lino villegas
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Estaba desesperado porque el disco duro en el cual tenía guardado toda una vida familiar y que creía seguro ,resultó ser que después de un año sin usarlo ya no respondía , se me cayó el mundo encima, hasta que contacte con Laby, cuando me dieron el precio y condiciones me di cuenta que estaba en manos de profesionales, el precio es caro pero reconozco que el trabajo de Laby lo valía, y decirme quien no pagaría por recuperar unos recuerdos de personas que ya no están o de los hijos cuando eran pequeños, pues bien al final pudieron recuperar el 100% y estos súper agradecido a esta empresa de crecuperacion ,ah! se me olvidaba en la recepción hay dos chicas súper amables que si entras con alguna duda sales convencido de que tus recuerdos están en buenas manos, felicidades al equipo de Laby.
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Ronken1984 profile picture
Ronken1984
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Han sido en todo momento cercanos y profesionales. Se me fastidió un disco duro de 4TB y han podido recuperarlo. No ha sido barato ( porque estas cosas no lo son ) pero si me han ofrecido un servicio excelente, con plena transparencia y confianza. Espero no volver a tener que pasar por esto, pero sin duda si la información es importante volvería con ellos. Muchas gracias por todo el servicio prestado.
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Marina Sanchez profile picture
Marina Sanchez
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Servicio excepcional, tanto técnica como humanamente. En un momento tan estresante como ver todos tus datos en riesgo, el equipo consiguió que me sintiera acompañada, entendida y en buenas manos desde el primer momento. Fueron siempre claros y transparentes con las expectativas, explicando el proceso con profesionalidad, pero sin perder nunca el trato cercano y humano. La recuperación técnica fue excelente, pero lo que realmente diferencia su servicio es la atención al cliente y la confianza que transmiten durante todo el proceso. Recomendaré su servicio a cualquiera que necesite recuperar datos. ¡Gracias por vuestro gran trabajo!
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Susana G profile picture
Susana G
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Recuperaron mis recuerdos cuando los daba por perdidos. Todo la informacion transparente y clara.
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Amandine Louis profile picture
Amandine Louis
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Este laboratorio es, sin duda, el mejor en recuperación de datos. De principio a fin, mi experiencia ha sido fluida y sin complicaciones. Realmente los recomiendo. Son transparentes en todo, se comunican bien y ofrecen un servicio perfecto. Consiguieron recuperar todos mis datos perdidos, y les estoy muy agradecido. Tienen una gran experiencia y saben muy bien de lo que hablan.
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Nil Maté profile picture
Nil Maté
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Hicieron una faena estupenda recuperándome datos de un disco duro que tenía hacía muchísimo tiempo, incluso cosas que había borrado hacía años que ni me acordaba que una vez estuvieran en el disco. Es caro, pero sin duda vale cada céntimo. Tu decides que precio tienen tus datos y lo importantes que son para ti. Yo lo tengo claro, si lo necesito para otro disco en algún momento, volveré a ellos. Profesionalidad, rapidez y amabilidad.

ISO 9001

Laby has a quality management system certified in accordance with the international standard ISO 9001:2015, ensuring efficient processes, continuous improvement and a high level of satisfaction in each project.

sello-incibe.png

INCIBE

Laby is registered with the National Institute of Cybersecurity (INCIBE), reinforcing its commitment to best practices in cybersecurity, digital protection and information security.

ISO 27001

Laby has an information security management system certified according to the international standard ISO/IEC 27001:2022, guaranteeing the confidentiality, integrity and availability of data.

These prices are indicative, so that we can give you a reference.

If you want to know exactly the cost for you, the best thing to do is to contact us and we will give you a free quote without obligation.

What devices do we recover at Laby?

?

Mechanical Hard Disks

HDD disks have as main components the metal plates where data is stored, and the heads that access the information. The most common hard disk.

SSD Hard Drives

SSDs have no moving parts — hence "solid state." Information is stored in blocks with no heads required. Much more efficient and faster than HDD.

External Hard Drives

External hard disks let you store important backups outside your computer. A single failure can cause you to lose all that valuable data.

iPhone, iPad, iMac or MacBook

Apple devices including iPhone, iPad, iMac, MacBook and Mac Mini. Reliable, elegant and powerful — and fully recoverable when something goes wrong.

Laptop Hard Disks

Your laptop holds important work and personal data. If a failure occurs, all that valuable information can be at risk — we can get it back.

NAS, SAN and DAS Disks

A compact enclosure of several hard disks connected via network cable to the system. Commonly known as a network hard disk — we recover all configurations.

RAID Systems

RAID disks are a redundant group of independent disks (HDD or SSD) forming a storage system to distribute or replicate data across multiple drives.

Pen Drives and USB Flash Drives

Pen drives consist of one or more memory blocks using the same Flash technology as SSD devices, making them fast but vulnerable to sudden failures.

Memory Cards

Memory cards store data from cameras, phones and tablets. They vary in capacity and speed — and when they fail, we recover what matters most.

Virus or Ransomware

We recover data encrypted by viruses or ransomware. Ransomware blocks your device until a ransom is paid — depending on the type, it encrypts the full OS or specific files.

Mobile Phones and Tablets

Recovery from smartphones and tablets is carried out by analyzing the electronics of damaged components or through the chip-off process for deeper failures.

Data Deletion

We offer certified secure data erasure and destruction, carried out either in our laboratory or remotely, with full documentation for compliance and legal purposes.

Forensic Analysis

Computer forensic analysis and expert evidence. We recover and certify critical information with legal value, with certified experts for reports and legal proceedings.

Laby · Carrer de Roger, 25, Planta -1 A, 08028 Barcelona · Tel. 900 525 666