problems loading pictures

[carmelatackett]

My camera card will not load the pictures from it to the computer. It asks me to format the card but will erase all contents when I format. it has never asked me to format before. it usually just loads automatically when I insert my card. I have important pictures on it...Please help!!

 

[Boogieman_WD]

Hey there, carmelatackett.

If you have another way of transferring the picture, e.g. like connecting the camera directly to the computer with the card still in it - give it a try. Otherwise I'd recommend that you try the card with a different computer and/or card reader, to see if the same thing happens.
You could also try accessing it via Ubuntu Live USB/DVD, to see if it's properly recognized and if you can get to your files.
Another option would be to try data recovery software (without formatting the card): http://pcsupport.about.com/od/filerecovery/tp/free-file-recovery-programs.htm.

Please let me know how everything goes.
Boogieman_WD