Stellar Knowledge Base

How to repair JPEG image file when it throws Unknown JPEG Format error while trying to open it?

 Modified on: August 4, 2022 |    162762 views

Sometimes you encounter Unknown JPEG format error when you try to open a JPEG image file. For common people, this error is just a loss of some memories, but for a professional photographer or graphic designers, this error may come with the loss of their business as they lose the accessibility of some of their very crucial photos. However, the main reason of encountering this error message is damage or corruption of JPEG image file.

Let us discuss the major causes behind the corruption of a JPEG image file:

Main causes of JPEG image file corruption:

  • Generation of bad sectors in the hard disk sometimes corrupts the stored JPEG files, and you encounter the above-mentioned error message when you try to open a JPEG image file
  • Virus infected storage media also corrupts JPEG image files, and you become unable to access them
  • Corrupt or broken header of JPEG image file
  • Due to incomplete JPEG scan, we also end up corrupting our valuable pictures
  • Using the digital camera even after it indicates low battery also corrupts the clicked JPEG images and thus, you encounter the above error message when you try to view these images

However, >Stellar Repair for Photo software available to repair your corrupt jpeg file(s) which not only repair your corrupt JPEG files but also extract and repair their thumbnails if you want.

Add corrupt JPEG File with "Add File" option which you wants to fix.

  1. Select the corrupted JPEG File(s).
  2. Repair the selected JPEG/JPG image files by using "Repair" option.

As soon as you choose this option a screen which helps to see the preview of the files before saving appears. Click "Save" button to save the repaired files to the desired location.


That's it; now you can see your jpeg picture with its original form and quality.

For More Detail About the Software Visit Here:  Jpeg Repair

 

71 User Comments

Got a few files on an SD card. It has now been running for over an hour. No screen appeared which helps to see the preview files before saving appears. Just the progress bar (green) and no indication of what is happening.

gravatar

John

Hey Jhon,

Progress bar itself indicates that the software is scanning your SD card or hard drive, once scanning will complete, it will automatically shows your corrupted or deleted photos for preview, if you want to see the preview in the middle of the process, you can stop the scan process in between. Also if your SD card have lots of images in it, software takes more time to scan.

BTW which software you have been used to recover your photos, because in JPEG Repair Software their is no scanning process occurs, might be you have commented on different section of the knowledge base.

Please let me know if you have any other issues.

Thanks

gravatar

Amit Pandey

Have added 10 files to jpeg repair for testing. It looks like working, friendly interface, easy to use. But the files did not recover, show msg (important marker missing), have copy to linux, run on linux and cabum bum is fixed... Anyway thanks for an effort to create that software...

gravatar

Al...

Hi Al..

If you send me one of the non repaired JPEG file, then only I can let you know the reason why our software not able to repair your files.

Thanks & Regards,
Amit Pandey

gravatar

Amit Pandey

Purchased Stellar Photo Recovery to try and recover photos on a SD memory card. I do not know what has happened to the SD card. I first put the SD card into my iMac and most of the pictures were visible but when I went to download them they were bright colors and the images could hardly be seen. I then tried using my camera as the card reader and hooked it put to my PC. Same issue. Some pictures were visible but when you clicked on them they became different bright colors and some with lines.

As stated above I purchased the Photo Recovery - it ran the scan and I could see my pictures. I was so excited and thought the recovery program worked. However when they were saved to the computer I had the same results as above. Hardly any of the picture images were viewable - only lines and bright colors where pictures once were.

Would appreciate any guidance you can give me.
Thank You

gravatar

DONNA

I downloaded the free Steller Phoenix Photo Recovery and have been trying to get it to work most of the night.

It starts and I can see 3 different jpgs that it found on the 3.5 floppy that I'm trying to get them from but between the 3rd and 4th jpg the program stops. I get the "Program Stopped Responding" error. Don't know how to fix this and can't seem to find a place, other than here, to post my problem.

I don't think this is the right area and I don't think I'll get an answer but I thought I had nothing to lose by trying.

cassiereroni

gravatar

cassiereroni

Hi there, I purchased the jpeg repair product to deal with a number of pictures that apparently had file errors and ended up getting the same message as Al above (Jan 16, "Important marker missing. File can't repair"). Can you advise on next steps?
Thanks!
Jeff

gravatar

Jeff


DONNA, The thumbnail information is correct but the area where data stored is corrupted. In scan results we show preview of files using thumbnail information. Stellar Photo Recovery recovers files irrespective they are corrupted or not. Suggest you to try Stellar Repair for Photo to repair files (only if Camera is saving files in JPEG format).

cassiereroni, We are always here to help you.
In your case, Create an image of the floppy and try recovery using image. There might be bad sectors in Floppy. In Image, there will be no bad sectors.


Thanks & Regards,
Amit Pandey

gravatar

Amit Pandey


Hi Jeff,

In your case, markers which are required to start the repairing process are missing. Repairing is not possible in this case. :(

Thanks & Regards,
Amit Pandey

gravatar

Amit Pandey

Hi Amit, if that's the case, can I get a refund on the product? Please also let me know by email and I will supply the invoice, etc.
Thanks.
Jeff

gravatar

Jeff


Hi Jeff,

You can contact to our Customer Support Team any time Monday to Friday via following channels:

Email : support@stellarinfo.com
Phone: +1-877-778-6087 (TOLL FREE)
Chat on Skype: https://www.stellarinfo.com/chat.htm

Hope it will help you...

Thanks & Regards,
Amit Pandey

gravatar

Amit Pandey

Hi Amit,

I am not able to save my recovered photos in laptop as its not showing any option to save, please can u help me in that.

Thanks & Regards
Reena

gravatar

reena


Hi Reena,

R u Using Licensed version of the software?

gravatar

Amit Pandey

Hi,
as i tried to repair a jpg file I got this message

" Maple0003.jpg Important marker missing. File can't repair "

What is the problem here and why does it miss a marker, ( what does that mean) ? please help.

gravatar

Daniel

Hi Daniel,

Markers which are required to start the repairing process are missing. Repairing is not possible in this case. :(

Thanks
Amit Pandey

gravatar

Amit Pandey

I tried six files, all which showed cray but their thumbnails were fine. It ran through it's process and files are still gray. It says it repaired them, but no error message. Does this make sense? Thanks - Jim

gravatar

jim


Hi Jim,

Could you please send the sample corrupt files to us, so we can see what exactly the problem with the files.
You can send us mail on amit.pandey[@]stellarinfo.com

Please remove the brackets([ ]) before sending.

Thanks
Amit Pandey

gravatar

Amit Pandey

Hi Amit Pandey,

My JPEG header are corrupted that JPEG photos are opened in Windows.
Does the software promise to recover them?

Thanks a lot.
King Mak

gravatar

King Mak

Hi King Mak,

I advice you to first check your files with demo version of the software, if your JPEG files shown in the preview, you can 100% recover back your photos Guaranteed with the software.

Thanks
Amit Pandey

gravatar

Amit Pandey

Is there a file size restriction with the free version of the Data Recovery Software?
Are there file size restrictions with any of the purchased versions?

Cheers
Brad

gravatar

Brad

Good afternoon,
If a JPEG file cannot be repaired due the error "important marker missing" is that an impossible recovery?
I ask as I noticed in your comment to Al on Jan 23 you mentioned having him send you a copy of the photo which would not recover.
Please advise.

Thanks.

gravatar

Jim

Hi! I have the same problem when trying to repair an image, a message Important marker missing. File can't repair, does it mean that the picture can not be repaired?

gravatar

Ana


Hi Brad,

There is no file size restriction in demo or purchased version of the software.

Thanks

gravatar

Amit Pandey


Hi Jim, Ana;

Whenever you see software shows important marker missing message it mean your file can't be repair with the software. It is basically due to wrong header type information.

A "Invalid .jpg marker" means that the internal header of the file is showing as .jpeg, but the file extension showing something else... or, vice versa. And if you see your file extension with JPEG, then somehow internal header of the file got changed or damaged.

The basic solution of this problem is to change the file extension with .jpg or change the file header. Changing the file extension is quite ease just rename the file with .jpg extension but changing header information needs some editing tool like hex editor or something else. But it required enough experience to understand the header information and to operate a hex editor.

In some cases software repair thumbnails of the actual files because it might be saved at different location.In that case it is quit possible to see the thumbnails when the file is totally damaged.

Thanks

gravatar

Amit Pandey

what is exactly jpeg repair do.. i have some jpeg files which do not open..plz help should buy the product

gravatar

Steven


HI Steven,

I advice you to try the demo version of the software first to make sure that software can repair your files or not. If you are able to see the preview of your pictures in demo version then surely you need buy the software, it will definitely repair your files.

Thanks

gravatar

Amit Pandey

Amit,

I am getting the error message with the "important marker missing". Do you foresee future versions being able to solve this header problem.

mike

gravatar

Phanekim


Yes Mike, We are working on it and next version will surely solve this header problem.

Thanks

gravatar

Amit Pandey

Amit,

Cool! Thanks. I look forward to being a loyal customer of your company. Its saved around half my pictures. I am having problems with the other half with that "important marker missing" problem. I look forward to the new version.

What is the timeframe for the release of new version?

mike

gravatar

Phanekim

Trying to repair ALOT of images (over 5000)

Went through the repair process, but the images that didnt error out ( "important marker missing") weren't fully repaired.

There is still a lot of the picture missing in the majority of the files. Anything I can do?

gravatar

Brad

I bought the program to get back my photos, I entered the user name and the key and it didn't work... what can I do?
Hope to hear from you soon! Thanks!

gravatar

Milagros


Hi Milagros,

Please contact the customer support team:

Email : support@stellarinfo.com
Phone: +1-877-778-6087 (TOLL FREE)
Chat on Skype: https://www.stellarinfo.com/chat.htm

They will surely help you...

Thanks

gravatar

Amit Pandey

gravatar

Naqash ahmad

Hex editor Shows only FF FF FF FF and nothing in my picture view....
what is it means?

gravatar

Amit Pandey

Hi Naqash,

The header of the photo starts with FF. In your case, the header may be corrupt. Our software repairs the corrupt header of JPEG/JPG files. Download Stellar Repair for Photo software and repair your photograph.

I downloaded the JPEG Repair trial software and, on testing with some corrupted JPGs, it showed images with the Stellar Software text that could not be saved to examine them. I purchased your S-P JPEG Repair activation key and ran the test again. The resulting images were not processed because of a problem with the source file. The thumbnails were processed properly, although these were not previously damaged!

Can I send you a sample for your appraisal and examination. All 7,000 of my [photos were affected by a virus and I really need to recover/repair most of them!

Thanks in advance

John C

gravatar

John C

Hi John,

Ya Sure.... please send me some.

Thanks

gravatar

Amit Pandey

Hi,

I've tried your trial version to my curropted images and it says invalid files. Is it possible for me to send you one of the file so you can check whether it's recoverable?

If it can be recovered I will be delighted to buy this program.

Thanks.

Adi H

gravatar

AdiH


Hi AdiH,

We've already mentioned that this software couldn't repair or recover files with such error messages.

Thanks!!

gravatar

Amit Pandey

have a problem buying your software "stellar phoenix jpeg repair", I don't have enough cash to buy, can I please have the honour to get to use your software to repair some of my corrupted photos that must be given to some orphanage when they had their anniversary.
can I get the activation key for it. It will be a pleasure, thanks

gravatar

dan

Hi Dan,

Thanks for Writing!!

We can’t provide you the activation key of Stellar JPEG repair software but we can help you.

Can you please provide the corrupted photos so that we can try to repair ourself. After repairing the photos, we will mailed you repaired photos.

You can mail your photos at following e-mail address:
support(at)stellarinfo(dot)com

gravatar

Amit Pandey

Hi.
When trying to open a jpg file I simply get Invalid Image. I downloaded your trial software and tried it on one file. It gave me "1 Invalid File(s) Found. Failed to repair." Do you have a suggestion what I should do?
Is there anything in the paid version that will do a better job?
Can I send you a couple of files to look at?
Best regards,
Ólafur

gravatar

Ólafur

Hi Ólafur

Sorry to say that if you get 1 "Invalid File(s) Found. Failed to repair." in trial version then chance to repair the file in paid version is very less.

Yes, send me some of the files for review purpose.

You can mail your files at following e-mail address:

support(at)stellarinfo(dot)com

gravatar

Amit Pandey

Hi Amit,

I have the same problem as Ólafur did.
Where you able to help him?
Is there anything I can do?

/Jonas

gravatar

Jonas

Hi Jonas,

We did not received any file from Olafur so we can't do anything without file. Requesting you to sent the file at above mentioned email address. We will review the file and get back to you as soon as possible.

gravatar

Amit Pandey

Hi Amit,
Thanks for all your post the information's were helpful. I am facing one problem with my SD card, I have 32GB san disk SDHC 10C card which was having almost 8k jpeg files. I was able to recover around 3k files without issue and rest of 5K files were recovered and showing the data size in few MB which is expected, but I couldn't see the preview of the pictures. Then I used a demo version of Stellar JPEG Repair software and after a long running the software return invalid files. These files are very important to me is there a way to get these files back.

Your prompt response would be very helpful.

Thanks
Moinak

gravatar

Moinak Mazumdar

Hi Moinak,

Sorry to say that if you get "Invalid File(s)" error using demo version of Stellar JPEG repair then chance to repair the file in paid version is very less.

Please send some of the files for review purpose at above mentioned email address.

Thanks

gravatar

Amit Pandey

Does it only really save repaired files as thumbnails? I thought they can be restored to original form and quality.

gravatar

Lora Fonacier

Hi Lora,

JPEG repair software repairs corrupt or damaged files. In case, images are severely corrupted then it can extract the thumbnail of images without compromising its visual fidelity.

gravatar

Amit Pandey

Results of JPEG repair are unpredictable. An serously damaged jpg file (2/3 unreadable) was perfectly restored whereas another jpg with a bug on the color table (making a shift on row/colums) has not been repaired (only the thumbnail was properly extracted, with the correct color table). What can I do? Thanks.

gravatar

Herve

Hi Herve,

Stellar JPEG repair tries to repair all the selected corrupt jpeg files, if it finds any file is badly/severely corrupted then restores the thumbnail of that image.

gravatar

Amit Pandey

i tried using the demo version to get some jpg files back. i go the feedback ' invalid file'. how dthis be resolved.

gravatar

Code

Hi Code,

Sorry to say' as you are getting "Invalid File(s)" error using demo version of software then chance to repair the file in paid version is very less.

Please send some of the files for review purpose at below mentioned email address.

support(at)stellarinfo(dot)com

Thanks

gravatar

Amit Pandey

hello dear. sorry to say your soft cant repair my jpg file. show result show invalid file. my file maybe damage by virus. what can i do now. any solution????

gravatar

ashik

as I try to open a jpg file I simply get Invalid Image it shows no preview available the original file become invalid and 0x0 resulosion, what should i do?
does it mean that the picture can not be repaired?

gravatar

Ruth

gravatar

Support

As per your concern we will contact you through email.

Warm Regards,
Stellar Data Recovery

I just purchased the full version of Stella Jpeg Repair and tried to repair many photos more than 100 pictures but it was all " invalid file " though the size of the file still exist as the original ones ..
anyways, as I have read this issue cant be repaired unfortunately ..
I wanna refund and cancel the purchase pls so what is the procedure

gravatar

Rayan Mustafa

gravatar

Support

Hi,

Thank you for contacting us.

Please confirm us the order reference number or email address in order to verify the order details.

Further software works on the principle of "What you see, you can recover". It means if you are able to see preview of file in our software, repairing is possible only.

Hi - I purchased your product for repairing corrupt photos, the thumbnails look great, but the actual picture did not get fixed and instead has the area that was corrupt substituted with gray. Please help as I purchased this and have had no luck with your product.

gravatar

Raja Datta

gravatar

Stellar Support

Hi,

Thank you for contacting Stellar Data Recovery.

We would request you to confirm what type of files are you trying to repair. Also confirm if you are able to see the preview of the files.

Hope for your cooperation.

Regards.
Stellar Data Recovery.

Hello,

I have recovered my photo's. But i can not get a preview. Probably they are damaged. I purchased your program and let it repair. But with most of the pictures i get a message "advance repair". What do i have to do than? i did one photo and it asks to upload a newer one from the same device. The result is that i get a grey picture with nothing on it. Please help me!

gravatar

Mark Woudstra

gravatar

Stellar Support

Hi,

Thank you for contacting Stellar Data Recovery.

We would like to inform you that we have replied you on your email. Please check your email.

Hoping for your cooperation.

Regards.
Stellar Data Recovery.

I recover an XLSX file but the file is damage and I try to recover the content. I execute Excel Repair tool but I think fall in an infinitive loop scanning. How can I solve it, I buy the software only for 3 files, 3 files occurs the same thing.

gravatar

Gustavo

gravatar

support

Hi,

Thank you for contacting Stellar Data Recovery.

We would like to inform you that we have replied you on your email. Please check your email.

Hoping for your cooperation.

Regards.
Stellar Data Recovery.

Hello - My situation is similar to that of Mark Woudstra (March 3, 2019) -- I was able to recover my JPG and NEF raw photo files, and they appear to be of realistic file size, but my Win 10 computer said "It looks like we don't support this file format." However, I AM able to open other JPG and NEF files, so I know the computer DOES support those file formats.

I purchased the Stellar Repair for Photos and ran it on all recovered files. After the first round, the program led me to "Advanced Repair" of all of the JPG files. I provided a sample JPG taken from the same camera, and it ran through the Advanced Repair process. However, the resulting JPG files were completely gray, and were only 1KB in size.

I did NOT receive any "invalid file" or "important marker missing" error messages.

Please advise. Thank you!

gravatar

Kelly

gravatar

Stellar Support

Hi,

Thank you for contacting Stellar Data Recovery.

We would like to inform you that we have replied you on your email. Please check your email.

Hoping for your cooperation.

Regards.
Stellar Data Recovery.

I have a problem of unreadable jpg files using my PhotoStyler image editing software with "some recent" jpg images. For example, images from my Pentax 2005 to 2010 cameras are totally readable, but not from my latest Pentax SLR cameras. In contrast, the jpg images are totally readable from my new 2019 AKASO EK7000 Go-Pro 4K Action Camera and from my 2019 Pacific Image PowerSlide X Automated 35mm Slide Scanner. Clearly my latest Pentax cameras are adding or deleting some format data that PhotoStyler needs to open the files. In contrast, my newer image editing software (PhotoShop, Paint, MS Photos, etc) don't have any problem opening all of the photos...thus they're not "corrupted." They just have some late addition that is making them incompatible with PhotoStyler.
I'm trying to find some batch conversion software that will allow me to view my Pentax SLR photos using my PhotoStyler...which is my preferred image editing software. Will Stellers jpg software do this? Is there a way to find out before buying the software.
...Ron

gravatar

Ron Ross

gravatar

Stellar support

Hi,

Thank you for contacting Stellar Data Recovery.

We would like to inform you that we have replied you on your email. Please check your email.

Hoping for your cooperation.

Regards.
Stellar Data Recovery.

Hello, I purchased your product to repair several corrupt jpeg photos. The thumbnails work fine but the actual picture did not get fixed and the area that was corrupt was substituted with grey. The previews just show the corrupt picture with the grey area. Could you please help as I purchased this and am having no luck with your product.

gravatar

Mel C

gravatar

Stellar Data Recovery

Hi,

Thank you for contacting Stellar Data Recovery.

We would like to inform you that we have replied you on your email. Please check your email.

Hoping for your cooperation.

Regards.
Stellar Data Recovery.

I just purchased your product and tried to recover JPEG files. So far it has not worked. When I try to open the file using different photo viewers I can see nothing, just the , "It looks like we don't support this format". I followed the directions per your website and the help section. I can't see the image before or after the recovery process. I used the advanced repair and saved the file and all I see is a gray box. Help please.

gravatar

John

gravatar

Abdul Majid

Dear John,

We regret the inconvenience caused to you.

We would like to analyze the preview shown by the software and issue with repaired files. You will soon receive our email for further assistance.

 

User Comments

verfy04

 

 

Stellar Repair for Photo Stellar Repair for Photo software is the best DIY tool to repair corrupt or damaged photos. If your images appear distorted, split, blurred, pixelated, Stellar will help you resurrect your prized memories.

Learn More red arrow

 

Related Articles

 

WHY STELLAR® IS GLOBAL LEADER

Why Choose Stellar?

  • 0M+

    Customers

  • 0+

    Years of Excellence

  • 0+

    R&D Engineers

  • 0+

    Countries

  • 0+

    PARTNERS

  • 0+

    Awards Received