How to Open an SD Card
By Diana Prince
An SD, or secure digital, card is a specific memory card format that a variety of portable devices--including digital cameras, PDAs and mobile phones--utilize. In order to retrieve data saved on an SD card, you must learn how to open the card on your computer. Once you open the card, you can copy files for transferring or editing purposes. You need to perform only a few steps to open an SD card, either with a USB reader or without one.
With USB Reader
Insert the SD card into the SD slot on the USB reader.
Insert the opposite end into a USB port on your computer.
Click on the desired option when a pop-up menu appears on the screen. Options include "Open folder to view files," "View pictures" and "Import pictures and videos," if not more. Each of these opens the SD card for you to view saved data.
Without USB Reader
Locate the SD slot on the computer. On a desktop computer, you will generally find the slot in the front of the tower; on a notebook, look on the side.
Insert SD card directly into SD slot on your computer.
Click on the desired option when a pop-up menu appears on the screen. Options include "Open folder to view files," "View pictures" and "Import pictures and videos," if not more. Each of these options opens the SD card for you to view saved data.
Tips
- If you have an older computer, it may not have an SD slot. In that case, you need a USB reader to read data from an SD card.
- If the pop-up menu does not appear after you insert a USB reader or SD card directly, go to "Start "and select "My Computer." In the "Devices With Removable Storage" section, find the USB reader or SD card. Double-click to open and view stored data.
Writer Bio
In 2000 Diana Prince began writing as a journalist for the school newspaper. Later, she took on a lead writing job at a locally published newspaper. Her work has appeared in various magazines and online publications. She has a degree in cosmetology, a certification in personal training and nutrition and holds a Bachelor of Arts in creative writing and journalism from McMaster University.