Samsung EVO Select microSD cards are widely used in photography, videography, and business applications due to their high-speed performance and reliability. However, when data is accidentally overwritten, recovering files becomes extremely difficult, requiring forensic-level recovery techniques.
This case study details how we successfully partially recovered vital data from a Samsung EVO Select microSD card that had been overwritten, ensuring the client could retrieve some essential footage from a business shoot.
As Oxford Data Recovery, with 25 years of forensic data recovery experience, we used chip-level NAND extraction and deep forensic scanning techniques to restore as much data as possible.
The Challenge: Overwritten Data on Samsung EVO Select MicroSD Card
A professional photographer contacted us after accidentally overwriting files on their Samsung EVO Select microSD card, with the following issues:
- Important business shoot footage was lost after new data was written to the card.
- Standard recovery software failed to retrieve the original files.
- The client urgently needed the files for an upcoming business presentation.
Since overwritten data is among the most difficult to recover, an immediate professional forensic recovery solution was required.
Diagnosis & Evaluation
When the Samsung EVO Select microSD card arrived at our cleanroom facility, we conducted a full NAND-level diagnostic. Our findings:
- New data had partially overwritten previous files, making recovery challenging.
- Unallocated space still contained recoverable fragments of the original shoot.
- The file system structure was damaged, preventing normal access.
Since overwritten files are typically lost permanently, we focused on recovering fragmented data using forensic techniques.
The Recovery Process
1. Cloning & Imaging the MicroSD Card to Prevent Further Data Loss
To preserve any remaining recoverable data, we:
- Created a sector-by-sector clone of the microSD card.
- Used write-blocking technology to avoid accidental modifications.
2. Extracting Lost Data Using Forensic Recovery Methods
Since standard recovery software failed, we:
- Used advanced NAND-level forensic tools to extract data fragments.
- Reconstructed partially overwritten files where possible.
- Recovered deleted but not yet overwritten data.
3. Verifying & Restoring Business Shoot Footage
Once data extraction was complete, we:
- Checked recovered video and image files for integrity.
- Repaired partially corrupted video files to improve playback.
- Transferred the recovered data to a secure external storage device.
The Results: 65% Data Recovery Success
Due to overwriting, full recovery was impossible, but we successfully recovered 65% of the client’s lost footage, including:
✅ Partially recovered business shoot video files
✅ Intact raw image files from the memory card
✅ Metadata and timestamps from original files
The client was relieved to retrieve crucial footage, allowing them to salvage key moments from the business shoot.
Why Choose Us?
With 25 years of experience and tens of thousands of successful recoveries, we are the leading microSD card and flash memory recovery specialists in Oxford and the UK. Our expertise includes:
✔ Forensic recovery of overwritten microSD data
✔ NAND-level data extraction and chip-off recovery
✔ Corrupt video & image file repair
✔ Secure & confidential business data retrieval
If your microSD card has been overwritten, corrupted, or is failing to read, stop using it immediately and contact us for expert data recovery.