One photo over-writes 14 others when downloaded to computer

[happy loafer]

When I tried to download about 60 new RAW files from a Sandisk Ultra II 4GB CF card I got a problem message after about 40 photos had been processed and it all stopped without anything being transferred into the computer folder. I took the card out of the reader, tried again and a pop-up said that there was a problem and did I want it sorted. I clicked ‘Yes’. All the photos were then downloaded to the computer.

BUT - the last photo I had taken had over-ridden the previous 14 that I had taken, i.e. I had 15 copies of the last photo, each with the file number of a lost photo.

The camera is a Sony A700 and I used, as always, the Sony picture utility to download. The card already had a large number of files which I had downloaded on a previous occasion, and the last photo I took today left enough space for about 8 more. Today’s photos were of snow scenes - but it was not that cold, not much below freezing.

Since then, I have taken a couple of dozen test shots with the same gear, having reformatted the card, and it all worked fine.

Obviously I do not want to lose photos in the future. Is the problem likely to be with the card or the camera? Help would be much appreciated.

[freygr]

1) Each download, or file transfer should be to a empty folder.
2) You should have a minimum of two memory cards. Fill up one then use the next one. Then you verify that all the images from the full card have been copied to your computer and backed up before easing or formatting the memory card for reuse.
3)Get a Memory card recovery program.
Remember quit using a card which you have files/images/photo which you wish to recover, as using the card you may overwire the files/images/photo making them unrecoverable.

[happy loafer]

Thanks, freygr for your post. I take your point about the Memory card recovery program, but I was doing what I have done hundreds of times before - the empty folder was there, waiting to receive the download. I had just grabbed the card before I went out and did not check that I had refomatted it, but it had room, and more, for all the photos I took today. The old photos on it had been transferred to another folder a while back and so my trying to download today's files to a new one may have been the cause of the problem. However, I still find it very odd that three quarters of the new photos ended up ok in the new folder while the last photo duplicated itself in the place of the 14 preceeding ones. I guess I shall have to be more careful in future, but I am still nervous in case some important images disappear in future.

[Frog]

I don't know what happened but I'd do some snap shots and test the card and/or computer program before getting some shots that matter.

[readingr]

Can I suggest you do a full format of the card on the PC, it could be a corruption of the card directory structure. Then format again in the camera and then test it again.

Roger R.

[freygr]

The more I think about it, you could of had cross linked files. Make sure you run chkdsk on the memory card, and if needed have chkdsk repair the memory card.

[happy loafer]

Thanks to you all. I followed the suggestions and then shot a large number of photos onto the card - they downloaded just like in the good old days.

CT

[byjamesderuvoDHQ]

See this is why I recommend using a USB card reader and simply dragging and dropping the files off the card and onto the PC. It gives you full control. I wouldn't rule out the possibility that its a software issue as well. I'd remove the utiltiy, reboot and reinstall if you instist on using it, but the Card Reader method gives you much better control.

And if it is the card, dump it. Get a new one. They're cheap enough now where putting up with a finicky memory card isn't worth the hassle. As for a recovery program, I recommend two - F-Recovery and Zero Assumption Recovery.