Deleted DCIM file
p.1 #1Deleted DCIM file
After Downloading some photos, rather than delete all the individual files, I deleted the DCIM Folder and it does not come back, nor is it in the Recycle Bin.. I don't need the files, since they are already on a different drive, and tried to copy the DCIM folder from another exact SD card, but it doesn't work. Is there a way to get that empty folder back?
Jun 04, 2026 at 10:14 PM
p.1 #2Deleted DCIM file
Do you mean on the memory card? Just reformat the card in the camera and all the folders will be recreated.
EBH
EBH
Jun 04, 2026 at 10:53 PM
p.1 #3Deleted DCIM file
Thank you so much. There is all this stuff online saying you need a recovery program.
Jun 04, 2026 at 10:56 PM
p.1 #4Deleted DCIM file
That's only if you are recovering files. You can also manually create file structures on a memory card. I had a .bat file to do that years ago. There was some camera I had that did not like >2GB cards unless you forced the cluster size. I don't miss all that now. 
EBH
EBH
Jun 04, 2026 at 11:14 PM
p.1 #5Deleted DCIM file
EB-1 - I just performed both a quick format, then a full format after and neither one brought back the DCIM folder. The only folder that shows up is the Private folder.. It there something else I need to do? The camera is an A7CR
Jun 04, 2026 at 11:16 PM
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p.1 #7Deleted DCIM file
mcbroomf - It's Back - Thank you so much. So it looks like after downloading, the folder can just be deleted, which is easier than highlighting all the photos for deletion. I'm using a card reader.
Jun 05, 2026 at 08:31 AM
p.1 #8Deleted DCIM file
You can just reformat in the camera after download and reinstalling. That deletes all files and leaves the DCIM folder (though it doesn't matter either way). I use a card reader as well and do that.
When not using the A7CR (which only has one slot) I use a 2nd card in the camera and save the same files to both so the 2nd card never gets pulled and never sees a computer so I reformat both in camera.
When not using the A7CR (which only has one slot) I use a 2nd card in the camera and save the same files to both so the 2nd card never gets pulled and never sees a computer so I reformat both in camera.
Jun 05, 2026 at 09:02 AM
p.1 #9Deleted DCIM file
Never once have I deleted a photo from the card in the card reader and I’ve been doing this since the ‘90s. As others have stated, It’s easier and better for the card to reformat in camera. No need to delete files on the computer.
Norman my love wrote:
mcbroomf - It's Back - Thank you so much. So it looks like after downloading, the folder can just be deleted, which is easier than highlighting all the photos for deletion. I'm using a card reader.
Norman my love wrote:
mcbroomf - It's Back - Thank you so much. So it looks like after downloading, the folder can just be deleted, which is easier than highlighting all the photos for deletion. I'm using a card reader.
Jun 05, 2026 at 09:20 AM
p.1 #10Deleted DCIM file
Download files from the card via the reader. Place card back in camera and use the format command from it's menu. You're done. Go shoot!
Jun 05, 2026 at 09:36 AM
p.1 #11Deleted DCIM file
What I do normally with the a7rV is use Downloader Pro to copy the files from the card reader to three targets simultaneously. Then I format each card in the computer. The card usually works fine in the camera afterwards. An exception might be if I use the card for a different device/purpose and then use a Diskpart/Clean to clear it. In that case the camera would ask to format the card.
The reason I format in the computer is biological, not technical. Many years ago I put a nearly full card back in a camera and missed a critical opportunity. I may have 4-7 memory cards from 3-5 cameras to D/L and format (2 users) in a session after 16 hours in the field, so it can get complicated and tiring.
But the basic answer is that I've never, ever had to manually create a DCIM folder for any camera.
EBH
The reason I format in the computer is biological, not technical. Many years ago I put a nearly full card back in a camera and missed a critical opportunity. I may have 4-7 memory cards from 3-5 cameras to D/L and format (2 users) in a session after 16 hours in the field, so it can get complicated and tiring.
But the basic answer is that I've never, ever had to manually create a DCIM folder for any camera.
EBH
Jun 05, 2026 at 10:17 AM