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General discussion

Unreadable JPG files

Aug 4, 2005 11:33PM PDT

I succesfully (i thought) recovered (undeleted) JPGs from a compact flash card to my harddisc.
Problem is now that when I try to open the JPGs a get messages such as "can't read file header" from Irfanview. I tried FaxViewer, Paint and IrfanView. I run XP.
Any clues?

Discussion is locked

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first 16 bytes
Aug 5, 2005 3:25AM PDT

Use Notepad or WordPad (not Word) and open that unreadable file and copy the first 16 bytes, and paste them here.

There are certain combinations of characters that will give us a better clue as to what the format of the file really is.

Example: JPG files will usually have JFIF in bytes 7 to 10. (I have found one other combination, that some cameras might place Exif there instead.)

If some recognizable characters are there you will get those "can't read file header" errors. In which case your files was corrupted by something.

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Recovering files from a compact disk that you deleated
Aug 5, 2005 2:03PM PDT

Have no fear. Go to imagerecall.com. The software works like a charm. You will need a card reader and holder for about $30. The card reader will also be able to hold different media cards. Sticks and SD cards also. I purchased on from Amazon.com about three months ago. The card reader works with USB 1 or 2.
I think the price of Image Recall is short money also ($35).
I accidently reformatted my compact flash card. Gave the card to a co-worker that recently purchased Image Recall. Got everything back!
The most important thing that you can do right now is to not take any more pictures on your camera with that card. Purchase another card until you have the Image Recall software. Their software works for Mac and PC also.
Check to see if Amazon.com has that software. May be able to save a few bucks with Amazon.
The card holder that I purchased is a SanDisk USB2.0 12-in-1 Card Reader/Writer.
Do this and you will be able to recover your deleated files. Check on some older post for the Digital Camera Forum to confirm this. Most important: Image Recall runs on XP!
Hope this helps you. Enjoy your recovered pdotos.

-Kevin

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Recover data on cd
Aug 23, 2005 3:03AM PDT

I have a cd that I stored some pictures on. It worked once but now the computer can't read the cd. Is there anything I can do. I tried various computers with no luck. Thanks

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This Program is a Possibilty [Should posted to your entry?]
Aug 23, 2005 9:24AM PDT

You may be able to read the Disc with the ?Free? program called ?IosBuster? URL = http://www.isobuster.com/
[The Pro Version you have to pay for???].
Within the program ?IosBuster? program = Right Click on a shown File/Folder and in the = Dropdown Menu = ?Extract? Key = which enables you to copy a File/Folder to a selected location on your computer.
I have on numerous occasions have been able to access all the files/information/data on a CD which I found could not be read through computer's ''Explorer''

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Free program to try out.
Aug 24, 2005 2:40PM PDT

Good info from you. Same goes for ImageRecall software. Free up to 10 images. How does ?IosBuster? work with the pro version? Better? Same?
What would happen to a CD or Memory Card that was corrupt? Any way to retrieve the files? Just a thought.
Thanks,

-Kevin

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Recover Data
Aug 23, 2005 12:14PM PDT

Imagerecall works on a CD also.

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This Program is a Possiblity
Aug 23, 2005 9:21AM PDT

You may be able to read the Disc with the ?Free? program called ?IosBuster? URL = http://www.isobuster.com/
[The Pro Version you have to pay for???].
Within the program ?IosBuster? program = Right Click on a shown File/Folder and in the = Dropdown Menu = ?Extract? Key = which enables you to copy a File/Folder to a selected location on your computer.
I have on numerous occasions have been able to access all the files/information/data on a CD which I found could not be read through computer's ''Explorer''

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Free Program is Better
Aug 23, 2005 12:32PM PDT

Nice to have something FREE. Good info.
ImageRecall does work. Cost is $35. Was on sale with BestBuy two months ago for $14. Either way, it works!
Go to Imagerecall.com.

Saved me from going back to Turkey and taking my photos over again. Total cost of retaking the lost photos?
about $12,000.

-Kevin

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BOB PROFFITT, Suggestions to you?
Aug 23, 2005 12:54PM PDT

Bob, Is there any way for you to create a folder with suggestions to retrieve deleated images from a digital camera, reformatting a memory card in a camera as well as from a CD? These questions and problems comes up a lot on the Graphics and Digital Camera Forum.
Kind of like a CLICK HERE sort of thing for you to do!
Or, is there something out there already under CNET Archives?
I personnaly, would rather have a quick cut-to-the-chase-answer from you versus a forum review.

Thanks,
Bob, What are your thoughts?

-Kevin Smith