Use the best available source first.
Do not begin by editing the incomplete copy. Check whether the camera, memory card, phone or original disk still contains a larger version. Copy that source to a healthy drive and compare file sizes. Keep both versions until you have verified the image.
Signs that the transfer stopped early.
The destination may be smaller than the source, open only as a thumbnail, stop at a horizontal line or report an unexpected end of file. A network interruption can also create a file with the expected size but empty or repeated regions, so size is useful evidence rather than a guarantee.
How an apparently normal copy becomes corrupt.
Removing a cable too soon, losing Wi-Fi, a full destination disk, a failing card reader or an unsafe shutdown can interrupt the data stream. Synchronisation software may copy a placeholder before all content arrives. Record what happened because it helps distinguish a truncated copy from damage already present on the source.
What may remain repairable.
If the JPEG header and meaningful compressed blocks remain, a repair engine may rebuild markers or resume decoding after a damaged section. If the missing portion was never copied, no tool can recover it from that destination alone. The source device may still be the better recovery path.
PixMedic lets you test one photo free of charge on a duplicate.
Prevent the same failure on the next transfer.
- Wait for the copy process and disk activity to finish.
- Eject removable storage safely.
- Compare counts and sizes before deleting the source.
- Keep two verified copies on separate devices.
- Replace readers or cards that produce recurring errors.
Frequently asked questions.
Should I repair or copy again?
Copy again from a healthy source first; repair is for cases where no complete copy remains.
Does equal file size prove the copy is good?
No. Regions can be repeated or overwritten while the total size stays unchanged.
Can a free photo test show what survived?
Yes. Use a duplicate and inspect the produced result before deciding.
Test your own photo.
Your first photo is free to test, with no card required. See the result before deciding, and an irreparable photo costs nothing.
Test one photo freeNo subscription · original preserved