Compact Flash problem - "folder number full"

I've used my cards for almost 2 years, no problems. Last night I filled up 3 CF cards at an event. I filled one card until I got the msg: CF card full. When I got home and tried to download the photos, "no image" appears in my PC dialog, and when I try to view images on my camera - I also get "no image". When I try to take a photo with that card, I get "folder number full".

(I have my camera set to "continuous" file naming.) From my reading online, sounds like that card reached folder 9,999, and can't make another one. But how can I get the images off of that card before I format it?

I also tried accessing the images via Windows Explorer, but the card appears empty when viewed that way.

It's a Kingston 2gb card, if that matters.

thanks,
teresa

Did you try to access the images by connecting the camera to the computer or by using a card reader?

There are some programs out that will help you recover pictures from a card, even if it has been formatted, as long as the data has not been overwritten. On the Mac, Picture Rescue is one. You may need them. It is possible that the data was not written, but I suspect the directory is corrupt on the card. Good luck!

You have a card reader?

This sounds similar to what my camera does on the rare occasions I let it go to 9999 images in the file number.

It has happened 3 times - 2 times the card reader worked fine, but it corrupted the card in a way that it let me twice as many images as it recorded. The third time required repair software via card reader. In all cases the problem did not let me download from the camera.

I should mention that I try really really hard not to let it go over 9000 images, must less 9999.