How do i retrieve a file i accidentally deleted

Canon cameras use SD cards (or CF/CFast cards in some models) to store images and videos. These memory cards are formatted in either FAT32 or exFAT file systems, which are universally readable by most modern operating systems, including Windows. When you take photos or videos, they’re saved in a structured folder hierarchy on the card.

Here’s the typical directory structure found on Canon SD cards:

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DCIM/ 100CANON/ IMG_0001.JPG IMG_0002.CR2 MVI_0001.MP4

DCIM (Digital Camera Images) is the root directory.

Inside DCIM, you’ll find folders with names like 100CANON, 101CANON, and so on. Each folder stores a batch of images or videos.

Images often start with IMG_ and videos with MVI_.

Canon uses this standard to ensure compatibility with a broad range of devices and software platforms.

Step-by-Step: Plugging Your Canon into a PC

Let’s go through the correct procedure of connecting your Canon camera to your computer and locating your files.

1. Use the Right USB Cable

Canon cameras typically come with a USB Type-A to Mini-USB, Micro-USB, or USB-C cable depending on the model. Always use the cable that came with your device or a high-quality alternative. Poor-quality cables can cause connectivity issues.

2. Turn the Camera On

After plugging the camera into your PC, turn the camera on. Many Canon models will display a prompt asking you to select a USB mode such as:

“PC” or “Computer” mode

“Print/PTP” (Picture Transfer Protocol)

“Wi-Fi/NFC” (if supported)

Choose PC or Computer mode for data transfer.

3. Wait for the PC to Detect the Camera

Windows should emit a chime and display a notification stating that a new device has been connected. After a few moments, File Explorer may open automatically, showing a new drive or camera device.

You may see the camera listed under:

“This PC” → Devices and drives

“This PC” → Devices and printers

Autoplay prompt asking what action to take

If nothing appears, don’t worry. We’ll explore troubleshooting steps later in this guide.

Locating Your Files

Once your camera is detected by the PC, you can locate the files in several ways:

Method 1: Using File Explorer

Open File Explorer (press Windows + E).

Navigate to This PC.

You’ll either see:

A removable disk representing the memory card

A Canon camera device icon under Devices and drives

If you see a disk drive, double-click it to access folders like DCIM.

If you see a Canon device icon, double-click it, and then navigate through:

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Internal Storage > DCIM > 100CANON

Inside, you’ll find your photos and videos.

Method 2: Using Canon’s Software (EOS Utility)

Canon provides free software called EOS Utility. If you’ve installed it, it may automatically launch when you connect the camera.

EOS Utility allows you to:

Download all images and videos

Select files to transfer

Remote control your camera

Organize media by date or folder

What to Do if You Can’t Find Your Files

It’s not uncommon for users to plug in a Canon camera and fail to find any files. Here are possible causes and how to fix them.

1. Camera Not Recognized

If your PC doesn’t detect your Canon camera:

Try a different USB port (use one directly on the PC, not a hub).

Replace the USB cable.

Restart your PC and camera.

Ensure the camera is on and not in sleep mode.

Install the latest Canon USB drivers or EOS Utility.

2. No DCIM Folder Visible

Sometimes you might open the camera in File Explorer and see no DCIM folder.

Reasons may include:

The SD card is empty (you haven’t taken any photos).

Images are stored in a different folder, especially if using custom settings or a third-party firmware like Magic Lantern.

The card is corrupted.

Try removing the SD card from the camera and inserting it directly into a card reader on your PC. This bypasses camera-to-PC communication and may reveal the missing files.

3. Images Are Hidden or Unsupported

If your files don’t appear, but the SD card is occupied, your files may be:

Hidden (use Folder Options to enable viewing hidden files).

In RAW format like .CR2 or .CR3. which might not be previewable without special software.

Stored under a different naming convention if using video capture or custom profiles.

Install a photo viewer that supports Canon RAW formats, like:

Canon Digital Photo Professional (DPP)

Adobe Lightroom

IrfanView with plugins

FastStone Image Viewer

Using an SD Card Reader (Recommended Alternative)

Many professionals skip direct USB camera connections and instead use SD card readers. This method is faster and more reliable.

Steps:

Remove the SD card from your Canon camera.

Insert it into your PC’s SD card reader.

Open File Explorer.

Locate the new Removable Disk drive.

Navigate to DCIM/100CANON.

This method provides full access to the memory card’s file system and eliminates the possibility of USB communication errors.

Recovery Steps if Files Are Missing

In rare cases, files might have been deleted or corrupted. Don’t panic—there are ways to recover them.

1. Check the Recycle Bin

If you copied the files earlier and deleted them from the card, check your PC’s Recycle Bin.

2. Use a File Recovery Tool

If files are missing or the SD card appears empty, you can try recovery tools like:

Recuva (free)

PhotoRec

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard

Disk Drill

These tools scan the memory card for deleted or lost files.

Steps:

Stop using the SD card immediately (don’t overwrite it).

Connect it via a reader.

Run the recovery software and scan the card.

Preview and recover the files to your PC—not back to the card.

Tips to Keep Your Files Safe

To avoid the stress of missing files in the future, consider these best practices:

1. Always Use “Eject” Before Removing

Whether you’re unplugging the camera or removing the SD card, use the “Eject” feature in Windows to avoid corrupting the card.

2. Backup Immediately

As soon as you transfer your files, back them up to:

External hard drives

Cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox)

Network-attached storage (NAS)

3. Avoid Shooting Without a Memory Card

Some cameras allow shutter activation even without a card inserted (called “release shutter without card”). Turn off this feature in your camera’s settings.

4. Format In-Camera

Always format SD cards in the camera, not the computer. This ensures compatibility and reduces the risk of file system errors.

5. Maintain Your Gear

Keep firmware updated. Use high-speed SD cards from reputable brands (SanDisk, Lexar, Sony) and avoid counterfeit cards often found online.

Why Files May Not Show on PC but Are on Camera

Sometimes, your Canon camera will show previews of images or videos, but they won’t appear on your computer. Here’s why that may happen:

Files are saved in RAW format not recognized by Windows.

The images are stored in a custom subfolder.

The SD card is formatted in a way that Windows doesn’t natively read (e.g., fragmented exFAT or proprietary system).

Corruption has altered the directory table, though thumbnails remain accessible from the camera’s internal preview cache.

In such cases, insert the card into a reader and use a photo recovery tool or RAW file browser.

Connecting your Canon camera to your PC should be a straightforward task, yet it often becomes frustrating when the files you expect to see are nowhere to be found. With a better understanding of how Canon organizes files, how your PC interprets the data, and what tools are available to help in case things go wrong, you’re now well-equipped to navigate any file location mystery.