How to Check If a Memory Card Is Working

Memory cards are used to store data on computers, MP3 players, digital cameras and cell phones. Sometimes, you will receive a message indicating the card is not working. Other times, there is no indication that anything is wrong other than the fact that you cannot access the card. There are a few reasons why a memory card may not be working and most of them are fairly simple to remedy.

Things You'll Need

• Memory card
• Digital device

Instructions

Troubleshooting a Memory Card

1. Check first to make sure the write-protection has not been accidentally placed into the "On" position.
   This is perhaps the most commonly used means of checking to see if the memory card is working. Peer closely at the side of the card to see if there is a little movable section of the card. If so, move that section up or down, or left or right and then place the memory card back into the slot on the device. If the card now works, you'll know the problem was the write-protection.

2. Pull the memory card out of the device, turn it around and see if it has been installed upside down. It can sometimes be difficult to tell whether a card is supposed to be inserted one way or the other. It can also be difficult to determine if the card has been inserted properly. If the card does not seem to have been recognized by the device, it may well be that the card was not inserted properly.

3. Push the memory card into the slot again. Sometimes the memory card has been inserted correctly, but not all the way. Often, you can tell if the card has been inserted all the way by feeling it or you can tell it was not inserted all the way because it bounces back just a little. All that usually needs to be done is to practice once or twice until you get that feel for correct insertion.

4. Check to make sure you are using the right card for the right device. There are many different types of memory cards, and they are not all interchangeable. If the memory card is not working, it may simply be a case of using the memory card for your MP3 player in your cell phone or the memory card for your digital camera in your computer.

5. Consult a media professional if the memory card still refuses to work after you have tried all these remedies. You have have downloaded a virus onto the card, or the card may have become corrupted. Do not automatically assume that all data is lost forever simply because it will not work. A professional may be able to save at least some of the data.