Corrupt Compact Flash Card- need files

Hello,

Just came back from a shoot where I tried to upload photos from a Transcend 32GB compact flash card onto my computer. The computer indicates that it cannot determine the files system of the volume. I put back into camera as I was able to see them before turning off camera and heading home from shoot. The camera provided the card needed to be formatted.

I tried RescuePro but it gives the same error of unable to determine file system so no deep dive etc. I saw where it might be best to format with 'Quick format' to overwrite only the bios section however it looks like the card is recognized as near 32Mb so this function cannot be completed on computer. I also tried PhotoRec which didn't find the card.

Should I try Testdeal? They dont give very good step by step and what may happen. Any other options for any chance of recovering my photos? I read where someone said to format the card in camera and that should only mess with the FAT? My understanding is the rest of the card is now in linux land so should still be there for recovery.

I dont know what may have caused the card to become in this state but would appreciate the help.

Joshua

If you're using a cardreader to transfer the files, it might be worth using a camera USB cable to offload if that's possible.

Does the files on the card still show preview okay when put back in the camera?

It does not show in preview on the camera... Camera states to format card. Its looking more an more like I need to format the card in camera if possible and then try the recovery programs.

Seems like I cant even format the card in camera or on computer... Still says 32Mb vs 32Gb so assume the issue.

I guess that's why there is always so much talk when a new camera come out and it has just one card slot.

Just as a follow up I tried everything but so far it all required the card seeing beyond the Mb size so all in all lost the images. The only route I did not try was setting up a linux box to see the phantom partition using Ubuntu etc.

I took note that you are dealing with a CF card. Did you look carefully (bright light needed) into the card socket on both the camera and the card reader for a bent pin? There have been cases where a bent pin has caused damage to the card,

Yes I did... and verified using a different card. Wish it was that