Question about formatting CF card in attempt to recover files..not reading on PC

[ModelMosa]

I've searched quite a bit.  Found a couple mildly-relevant topics, but with no responses.

I'm wondering:

A) What file recovery program people here have used before to recover MLV files off unrecognized cards
B) What procedures others have used to recover their files from a card that can be read on their camera but not on when plugged into their computers.
C) Whether I should reformat the card within camera while retaining ML, or not retaining ML, in efforts to prep the card for recovery.

Here's my issue:  before ML, I had zero issues using/dumping/plugging into a PC my tried & true little 16gb Kingston 266x.  The card was going to be used as a backup while shooting a martial arts fight scene.  I ended up having to use it after my main card filled up and needed to be dumped, but had to keep shooting.  I tested the card before going to the shoot to see if everything would work, and it seemed fine.   While shooting on the card at the shoot (small sub-hd files), the card filled up and I proceeded to dump it like I normally do when I got home.  I have a high quality USB 3.0 Transcend reader plugged into a PC that I've used on the same card a bajillion times before ML.  This time, now with ML, the card WILL NOT recognize/boot/mount/read the card through my reader.  I've tried 3 other readers as well.  The other main card dumped fine while on location and at home after getting filled again.

When I plug the camera into the computer with the CF card inside, the card is recognized, but there are no files (as expected).  To test, I unplugged the camera, took a couple photos, and a non-ML video, then reconnected via the camera.  The 3 photo files I took and 1 video file I had just shot were visible.  When I unplug the camera (7D, btw), and  browse the card in-camera, my RAW videos are all there and can be previewed.

So there it is. 

[Walter Schulz]

Wait a moment!
These 3 test shots you done: Which card have you used?

[ModelMosa]

They were done on the problem card BEFORE reformatting.  There was still enough space on the card to do so.

UPDATE:  I took advice from a trusted friend that said to go ahead and format the card on-camera AND remove ML.  I did so, but multiple CF readers and multiple computers WILL NOT boot the card.  I put the same card back in the 7D, and it is recognized.  I took ONE small low res photo (to avoid loosing my raw frames), and the camera records the photo.  Bring it back to the computer(s) and reader(s), still nothing.  Disk Management also does not recognize anything other than the readers themselves.

Also picked up Sandisk RecoveryPro, and it's useless thus far.

[Walter Schulz]

If I understand this you are ok with loosing all content the card has or had?
You are just curious how to make this card work again when used in PC/Mac?

[ModelMosa]

I hope to keep it because certain scenes from the fight choreograph are contained on it.  I could theoretically go without it, but I would rather recover it.

It's just odd that all my readers and computers won't mount the card, but is still recognized in the camera, and will record a photo.

[ModelMosa]

UPDATE:

As a last-ditch attempt, I purchased the "Sandisk ImageMate All-in-One" at my local retailer.....and it MOUNTED the card!  Unfortunately, I had already formatted the card, as per the request of my (formerly) trusted friend...so when I run the Sandisk RescuePro software, it recognizes the files.....but all of my .MLV files extract out to 7.62mb .  Obviously not what I was hoping.

I would like to know from others what kind of recovery software they've had success with, if you've ever been in a similar situation.

[Frank7D]

You could try photorec.

[ModelMosa]

Running as we speak.  Good old cmd days...

[Walter Schulz]

I was about to read you the Riot Act, IT support version.
Rule 1 in data recovery: You don't write anything to the media you are trying to restore!
And it doesn't matter how small the file is. It's like dancing pogo in a mine field.

And formatting the very data storage you want to save is out of question. Period.

Now go on and try to update your other cardreaders firmware (if any).