Empty or Dying Batteries

• Often the card is corrupted because of simple things that are done without even thinking. When taking pictures, make sure that you have a fully charged battery. If the camera dies while taking a picture, often that picture will not have been written to the memory card. The same thing applies if the batteries die while transferring those pictures to the computer.
  
  

Removing or Turning Off Memory Card Too Early

• If you turn off the camera or remove the memory card before it can actually write the data to the card, it will corrupt those files. If you need to remove the card from the camera or the computer, make sure it has transferred, or written all the data, before you remove it. If you open, delete, rename or move a file while transferring data, it can damage the files.
  
  

Memory Card Not Formatted for that Camera

• Formatting is a common problem. A memory card formatted on a computer can actually be corrupted when inserted into the camera. Or if you format a memory card on one camera and use it on another, it often will be corrupted when inserted into the second camera.
  
  

Other

• Sometimes taking photos too rapidly before the camera can completely write the data onto the card, or taking a picture and deleting it, will cause corruption. Also, letting the memory card get too full before downloading it to your computer can damage the data.
  
  

Memory Card Fixes

• If the card becomes corrupt, stop using it. Do not format or delete any images. Sometimes, instead of using an importing program, dragging the photos from the card to a file will allow you to save the photos. Many memory card companies also offer image recovery programs that help save the photos on corrupted cards.
  
  Once you have done all you can to rescue the photos, you have two choices. You can reformat the card in the camera you are going to use it in. Or you can buy a new memory card. If you choose to keep the same card and the problem happens again, realize that the card may be corrupted beyond repair. Buy a new one.