Why Won't Windows Media Player Read My SD Card
There are plenty of uses for an SD card. You can use them to expand a computer's virtual memory, or you can use them to house important files. If you have music files on an SD card, you should be able to play them through Windows Media player fairly effortlessly. However, if you are having issues playing your music files on your SD card through Windows Media Player, try these troubleshooting ideas.
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SD Card Format
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If you have been saving and deleting a lot of files from your SD Card, have recently formatted, or wiped it, you may have inadvertently caused the SD card to lose its distinctive formatting (which allows it to be read by Windows Media Player, amongst other things). If you cannot see the SD Card when you connect it to the computer, this could be the problem. The official SD Association has a free reformatting program that you can download for free on their website. Once you download this program, your file system will automatically be restored, and the SD Card should return to full functionality.
Adapter
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If you are using an adapter to connect your SD card to your computer, the issue may involve the adapter's placement. If you are using a USB adapter, try using a 2.0 (hi-speed) port to read the memory card to maximize reading speed. If you are using a PCI, MMC, or Microdrive adapter, make sure that the SD card is placed firmly in the adapter and that the port is active. If you are unsure about the status of the port, go to the hardware profile in "My Computer" to see if there has been a drive error. If there has been, either have it repaired or use a different port for your SD card.
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No Icon When Browsing
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If you are able to successfully insert your SD card and the computer recognizes it, but it won't show up when you browse for files in Windows Media Player, then it may be Windows Media Player that is not working properly. Exit the program and then restart the computer, making sure to remove the SD card (as well as any adapter you may be using). When the computer starts up again, free up virtual memory by closing unnecessary programs and disconnecting from the Internet. Then connect your memory card and then restart Windows Media Player.
Check Security Switch
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Many SD Cards have a security feature that disables files from being accessed by your computer. Many times this feature takes the form of a switch on the left side of the SD Card. Simply toggle this switch into the inactive position to allow your computer to access the files on the SD Card. However, if the security feature uses software to block access, you will probably need administrator access to the software and the SD card to gain access.
Vista-Specific Issues
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If you are trying to access your card using Windows Vista, there is a known-issue with SD cards in Vista. If the SD Card appears, but has a yellow exclamation mark next to it that prevents you from accessing its contents, you will need to download a special big fix for the issue. See Resources for a download link.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Funky Bego via sxc.hu
