How Do I Reformat an SD Card?
Reformatting is a process in which a file system is imposed on a storage device. SD cards are external storage devices used with small electronics, like cell phones, digital cameras and camcorders. There are two compatible file systems you can format your SD card with: FAT16 and FAT32. FAT16 is the most compatible and is used with cards that are typically smaller than 2 gigabytes in size. However, for larger-capacity SD cards, FAT32 may be preferable. Furthermore, newer electronics perform better with the FAT32 system, while older electronics perform better with FAT16.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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1
Slide the SD card into the SD card reader. Then connect the SD card reader into your computer's USB port.
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2
Click "Start," then "My Computer" to view all the storage devices on your computer. Under Devices With Removable Storage, locate the SD card.
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3
Right-click the SD card and select "Format" from the listed options. This opens a window that allows you to change formatting settings.
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4
Choose a file format you want to impose on the SD card. Click the drop-down menu labeled "File Format." Again, you should choose between FAT---which is the FAT16 format---and FAT32. Choose FAT if you are unsure. You can always reformat the card if the file system is not compatible with your electronic device.
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5
Click "Start" at the bottom of the Format window. A warning message appears saying that formatting the drive deletes all data. Click "OK" and the SD card is reformatted.
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Tips & Warnings
Back up the data on your SD card before reformatting, because the process erases all data.
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References
- Photo Credit sd slot image by TEA from Fotolia.com
Comments
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The words, "Thank you" at the beginning of my comment meant to say "Ty"
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I am not sure where the author, Thank you got his information but actually one would format to FAT32. Kazim, try another pc to format it. If it will not format on the second machine, than the card is corrupt and will need to be replaced. If you do not have recent receipt for store, you can send it back to the manufacturer and nicely ask for a replacement. They probably will since it is only a 1gig.
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I was skeptical that such generic instructions would work for my camera, but they did! I just went under the wrench icon in my menu. Thanks so much!
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ok I went to disney and the 4th night my card tells me to format my card and if I do it will delete my pictures soo I said no and now I cant get my pictures off called sandisk they said I have to format it to get my pictures back with there program but now my card wont format and there r almost 600 pictures on my card that r lost forever how do I get them back all my sons pictures at disney will be gone forever like we did not go please help :( its a 16GB and I never knew u had to format a camera or I would have done it befor I left for disney I got the card in 2009 I meani have cards oldder then that one and smaler and never had to format and had any problem with them.
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dad there's a little piece of plastic on the side of your sd card. slide it to the next position, should work.
