FAT or File Allocation Table is the simplest file system used in Windows, especially for small storage disks and an uncomplicated folder structure. This is the one of the top reasons that FAT is used to format digital memory cards such as xD cards, SD cards, MMC cards, CF cards, and many others. FAT has been named according to its method of data organization and use of a file allocation table. This table is located at the start of disk partition or volume. In the interest of data loss prevention, FAT keeps two copies of this table: FAT1 (primary copy) and FAT2 (backup copy) in case one goes damaged. FAT corruption typically indicates data loss in which the entire data store can become inaccessible. However, in case of digital memory cards, you need Digital Photo Recovery software to recover the lost data and you can found easily download free photo recovery software from http://www.stellarinfo.com/digital-media-recovery.htm



To comprehend such problems, consider a practical instance when a user inserts an xD picture card in a card reader connected to a Windows computer. But the user finds the card inaccessible prompting an error to reformat the card. Later, when it runs chkdsk to check and repair the inconsistency in file system structure of memory card, it gives the below error message:

An error occurred while reading the file allocation table (FAT 1). An error occurred while reading the file allocation table (FAT 2). There are no readable file allocation tables (FAT).

Cause

The FAT file system structure of xD picture card is corrupt. Both the copies of file allocation table, primary and backup, are damaged and thus chkdsk cannot correct it.

Solution

To make the card usable with the root camera and to store more pictures, you need to reformat the xD picture card. This is suggested only when you have a reliable copy of data. If not, it is however first recommended to use a third-party Photo Recovery utility. Though these applications can perform Digital Photo Recovery also after reformatting the memory card, but chances go low as data gets overwritten. Moreover, these applications are easy to install and use.

Stellar Phoenix Photo Recovery is a professional utility that recovers lost, deleted or inaccessible digital files (pictures, audios, and videos). The Picture Recovery tool supports almost all memory cards such as xD, SD. MMC, CF, and more. The tool is available for both Windows (Windows 7, Vista, XP, 2003, and 2000) and Mac (Snow Leopard, Leopard, Tiger and Panther) operating systems.