Data Recovery - Major (non-tri related) GPS Blunder

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2013-02-25 2:44 PM

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Subject: Data Recovery - Major (non-tri related) GPS Blunder

I am not the most tech savvy person (as evidenced by my major screw-up), so I thought I'd check with the experts here on BT regarding whether or not it's possible to recover/restore overwritten data on a Micro SD card. 

Basically, I made the mistake of uploading a state of Minnesota snowmobile trails map to my Garmin GPS while I had a Micro SD card installed that contained a Lake of the Woods high definition contour map.  When I was uploading the trails map, I didn't realize it would overwrite/delete the existing contour map data.  So now I'm kicking myself because not only did I pay just over $100 for the contour map, but the company that makes the contour maps was bought out by another company and now they only make their maps for Humminbird products (so even if I wanted to spend another $100 to get a replacement, I couldn't). 

I did some google searches and found there are data recovery software packages available, but I tried a free version of one (EaseUS) without any luck.  So, am I pretty much SOL, or is there some way to recover the data?  Thanks in advance for any input/advice.   

2013-02-25 2:50 PM
in reply to: #4636509

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Subject: RE: Data Recovery - Major (non-tri related) GPS Blunder
Afterburners engaged - 2013-02-25 2:44 PM

I am not the most tech savvy person (as evidenced by my major screw-up), so I thought I'd check with the experts here on BT regarding whether or not it's possible to recover/restore overwritten data on a Micro SD card. 

Basically, I made the mistake of uploading a state of Minnesota snowmobile trails map to my Garmin GPS while I had a Micro SD card installed that contained a Lake of the Woods high definition contour map.  When I was uploading the trails map, I didn't realize it would overwrite/delete the existing contour map data.  So now I'm kicking myself because not only did I pay just over $100 for the contour map, but the company that makes the contour maps was bought out by another company and now they only make their maps for Humminbird products (so even if I wanted to spend another $100 to get a replacement, I couldn't). 

I did some google searches and found there are data recovery software packages available, but I tried a free version of one (EaseUS) without any luck.  So, am I pretty much SOL, or is there some way to recover the data?  Thanks in advance for any input/advice.   

Ouch.  Well the fact that it overwrote the data is going to put you in a tough spot.

If you simply deleted the data then your chances of recovering it were fairly high because most applications essentially write that the space is available to use, but doesn't actually delete the data.  So you get software that basically marks it as used again.  However, when writing something new to the SD card it writes it wherever there is space that's marked available (including what it just deleted) so the actual data is likely gone now.

So, in my expert opinion you're pretty much hosed.

2013-02-25 3:02 PM
in reply to: #4636523

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Subject: RE: Data Recovery - Major (non-tri related) GPS Blunder

Crap.  That's what I was afraid of.  I'm not sure why I thought it would just be added to the data already on the card rather than deleting and replacing it like it did.  Before hitting the upload button it would have been helpful to get a some type of warning message stating that any existing data will be overwritten.  Oh well, live and learn, I guess.

Thank you for the reply!

2013-02-25 3:38 PM
in reply to: #4636509

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Subject: RE: Data Recovery - Major (non-tri related) GPS Blunder
Double check the unit and make sure the map is not hidden by the one you just installed. Mine has the ability to hold several different maps of the same area. I typically install the regular Topo USA for the region I'm visiting and the 24K area hiking maps of the specific area I'm hiking. You have to access the hidden map from the menu to use it.
2013-02-26 8:18 AM
in reply to: #4636605

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Subject: RE: Data Recovery - Major (non-tri related) GPS Blunder

Thanks for the tip.  Unfortunately, as Tony pointed out, it looks like it's gone for good.  On the bright side, it looks like Garmin might have a map available that's comparable to the one I erased...for another $100, of course.  

2013-02-26 5:07 PM
in reply to: #4636509

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Subject: RE: Data Recovery - Major (non-tri related) GPS Blunder
I'd drop Garmin an email first and explain to them what happened.  They might be willing to give you the replacement map or credit you the cost of it.  The worst they can do is say no.

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