Database Users

SD CARD NOT READABLE AFTER ATTEMPTING TO FORMAT

I have a 2gb SD card that was working, but I thought I would be clever and use the SD reader in my Tosh so that I could transfer large files more easily to the card for my exec. But when I was asked to format my card by Toshiba's software, I went through the process and thought it was successful. But then at end of process the phrase "Please stop a SD memory card, then insert the card again" came up, so took card out, re-entered it in the reader and tried to attempt to transfer files to it. However windows then told me that it was not formatted and would I like to format it. So yes, I do, but although windows formatted it, it reduced the capacity from 2gb to 956 mb or thereabouts. It was recognised by the exec again, but with severe consequences as never bought a 1 gb card.
Help please...

Sounds to me like your card reader doesn't read cards bigger than 1 GB. I had the same issue with my 4 GB card. Tried it with a different reader and the PC saw all 4 gigs, never asking me to format. See if you can try a newer SD card reader?

The same thing happened to me with a 1 gigabyte pcmcia card. It was working fine in my laptop then I put it in the card slot on an Ipaq and it also did a format. The card is now exactly half the memory it should be and no way can I get it to work as a 1 gig card even though I have tried formatting on the pc.

I have found that my 2GB card formatted on my Palm LifeDrive was not readable on my laptop. When I formatted using a Toshiba format utility the space on the card was down to 1GB. It did work okay on my JJ. I had to re-format it on my Palm and then for reason it was okay again and could be read by my laptop - I did not use any card readers as the laptop has a built-in reader. And I re-formatted on my laptop using XP format softwsre and the 2GB storage was retained.
@Wannabe, have you got access to another PC or card reader to reformat your card. Also I found WM5 file managers could not reformat and regain the lost capacity

been on to Tosh
Toshiba are extremely helpful...not! Told me to get another card and see if that works as it might not accept the card. This is a Sandisk card which I believe is made by Toshiba...or at least in collaboration. Am going to check Sandisk for an answer as well...keep the ideas coming please

Hi there.
Try reading this post i made ages ago about formatting and re-newing your sd cards. It might help. It is regarding my 512mb sd card, but the principles are the same.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=21920&highlight=lydiachris
I strongly recommend using media recover, even if it's only a trial version to "wipe" your sd card to re-new it to it's factory condition. It covers and re-formats the whole card sector by sector.
http://www.mediarecover.com/
Give it a go and let us know.
Regards
lydiachris

If none of the other suggestions work then try this program that I posted on another thread:-
SDFormatter.zip:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=30900&highlight=
Use it with a card reader, follow instructions and your PPC should be able to read the full capacity.

SanDisk have taken back card...
Thanks for the suggestions, will keep in mind for future. Sandisk took back the card and found that it had become corrupted so have sent out another one. tks for suggestions though.

microSD disappearance.. SOLVED!

People have been replacing their microSD cards not knowing that the problem is actually in the files and folders..
Ok here it is!
When i scroll through the hTC Sense tabs to music or photos, the applications try to load the thumbs from the Phone/microSD, that's when it suddenly freezes then the microSD vanishes..
I inserted the microSD into my PC and browsed the drive in "Thumbnail view" and guess what happened, it froze.. I figured since the idea was the same in hTC Sense when it tries to load any thumbs..
So i went to the microSD drive again and chose "detailed view" then went into each folder and changed to "thumbnail view" until i found two folders that kept freezing; "Program Files" and "My Music"..
In Program files the only folder that couldn't be deleted definitely had files that were behind the issue.. There was a music album too that froze, i deleted that too...
I backed up my files and formatted the microSD, i had to, because the folders behind the microSD disappearance cannot be deleted even with an "Unlocker"..
So far i'm playing around with my Leo and nothing is happening..
So by viewing the folders on the PC using Thumbnail view, you'll be able to identify the file or folder behind this annoying issue..

I had the same issue
I have (had) Sandisk microSD 16GB card. It was last week that it happened to me. Only backup of good files and re-formatting the card helped.
Today, I was copying 700MB file and suddenly it told me - cant write on a disk. I disconnected cable from the PC, rebooted Leo and SD card was no more present.
I put it into a card reader, tried to format it, but nothing is working. SD card is probably faulty.
So be aware, that that problem might be a first sign before your SD will break.

I think the fault is from some files somewhere in the microSD.. After going through the method i mentioned earlier, up until now my card is fine..

dosari666 said:
I think the fault is from some files somewhere in the microSD.. After going through the method i mentioned earlier, up until now my card is fine..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yup right, but be aware. I dont think that normal SD card should perform like that. I am using stock 2GB SD now, and it is ok!

stgyro said:
yup right, but be aware. I dont think that normal SD card should perform like that. I am using stock 2GB SD now, and it is ok!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My 16GB microSD is Sandisk and its 100% compatible with this device.. The Leo is doing something when loading the files creating some system files i suppose..

dosari666 said:
My 16GB microSD is Sandisk and its 100% compatible with this device.. The Leo is doing something when loading the files creating some system files i suppose..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
guess what? windows could not load sandisk microSD 16GB and I was already preparing to return it to e-shop, but I tried live cd of ubuntu 9.10.
It can read the card, it formatted it and it is working again! :-D

stgyro said:
guess what? windows could not load sandisk microSD 16GB and I was already preparing to return it to e-shop, but I tried live cd of ubuntu 9.10.
It can read the card, it formatted it and it is working again! :-D
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's great, so you didn't have to replace it?
But strange, i've always been using the 16GB with my HD and now HD2.. The issue just occurred a week ago..
A day has passed and everything seems fine..
I hope it stays that way..

ok
I got exactly the same problem with my 16G Sandiskin and HD
and found that the problem was a damaged file in my SD
connect your SD to your computer throw card reader, using total commander or whatever, begin coping all SD files and directory to your hard disk, until get a message can't copy "file name", this will be the damage file, unmount the SD and mount it again and delete this file and your SD will be ok
ps: may be you have more than one damage file, try the this method until you can copy all SD files to your hard drive

When you have a write or read problem with a particular file, it usually points to more than just a corrupt file. In my experience with 4 16GB Sandisk microSD, it is the beginning of a failing card. The safest bet is to copy out the good files, reformat in your HD2 and copy the files back. But if it happens too often, it may be time to invest in a new card as your data is of primary concern.
The strange thing is that this usually occurs with the bigger cards, 8GB and 16GB. I never had this issue in the past with smaller cards.
I back up my card weekly or when I have updated large number of files just to be sure I have a valid set in my PC in case the card fails.

kensong said:
When you have a write or read problem with a particular file, it usually points to more than just a corrupt file. In my experience with 4 16GB Sandisk microSD, it is the beginning of a failing card. The safest bet is to copy out the good files, reformat in your HD2 and copy the files back. But if it happens too often, it may be time to invest in a new card as your data is of primary concern.
The strange thing is that this usually occurs with the bigger cards, 8GB and 16GB. I never had this issue in the past with smaller cards.
I back up my card weekly or when I have updated large number of files just to be sure I have a valid set in my PC in case the card fails.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know what you are talking about. Low format may help. I had the same issue with 2GB SD card 3 years ago (had to recover SD card to save few photos) and also on my DLSR with 4GB CF Card (linux helped to read the card). I don´t think it can be damaged so quickly as normal PC HDD, but when it happens often (damaged files on card), it may be a sign of something wrong with the card.

Unfortunately it happened again.. After a month of having everything under control i got the same problem.. The great news is I'm using windows 7 on my PC and when i plug my microSD card via usb reader, i get a choice of scanning and fixing the removable disk...
Now i'm happy without those annoying corrupted files..

Not reading my SD card!

Inserted my 8GB SD card and the phone isn't reading it. It did then I did a format and now it's not reading it.
Any suggestions? Thanks

HeavyComponent said:
Inserted my 8GB SD card and the phone isn't reading it. It did then I did a format and now it's not reading it.
Any suggestions? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait, so let me get this straight...
Obviously... as you stated, the storage card wasn't being read by your device prior to your decision to format it, correct?
So, why the unnecessary formatting then...? Be sure that your SD CARD is able to be detected on a desktop PC or laptop. If so, check the SD CARD original format. Make sure it's FAT32. And did you format your card via Apple or a standard PC?

It was working fine on my previous phone. It had few stuff on it so I decided to format it. Then after the format HD2 won't read it. When I plug in the phone it to the computer it would usually read the media card, but in this case it doesn't.

Ok I happened to figure it out. I end up doing a format on the phone and that brought my SD card back to life.

stop reading my sd card
I am too facing the same problem, I have installed the total commander on my sd card and all of a sudden my card top reading.i restart the system and then got the message to format the card in order to read it. i did but still card was not reading. i inserted the card in my pc but still the card was not reading. i bring my hd2 to factory settings and then also not reading the card. then i again format the card but of no use. any help from anyone.

vikramdeepsingh said:
I am too facing the same problem, I have installed the total commander on my sd card and all of a sudden my card top reading.i restart the system and then got the message to format the card in order to read it. i did but still card was not reading. i inserted the card in my pc but still the card was not reading. i bring my hd2 to factory settings and then also not reading the card. then i again format the card but of no use. any help from anyone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SD cards are notorious for being "wiped" by mishandling them. If I had a dollar for every SD card I lost because I removed it from a PC without ejecting it first, I'd have enough for a Happy Meal at least.
It looks like your install of Total Commander wiped your card. If you have a way of testing it, check to see if it says "0b available". If so, it's junk.
These cards allow unlimited reads, but only about 1,000 writes to a block. They purposefully design them to hide blocks until one goes bad, then a new one comes up, but that is a limited "fix". Not sure I understand it all myself.
This is one reason why it is a bad idea to install a program to the SD card. As the program runs, it may write runtime data to the card, things like logs and such, this reduces the lifetime of the card drastically.

Is there any known fix for this? I've been searching over the forums, but no definitive answer. It was working before, it had some sync program installed on it?? (it came with it when i bought it).
I reformat the card and now it doesn't show up on the phone. I'm trying to get in contact with the original owner and hopefully he has a fix.

truongazn said:
Is there any known fix for this? I've been searching over the forums, but no definitive answer. It was working before, it had some sync program installed on it?? (it came with it when i bought it).
I reformat the card and now it doesn't show up on the phone. I'm trying to get in contact with the original owner and hopefully he has a fix.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you say you reformatted the card, what was the method you used?
What file system did you use when you formatted the card?
What size card is it?
Did you add any partitions to the card?
Can you add/remove files from the card when you have it plugged into a Windows PC?
Can you "see" the card when you have it inserted into the phone without the phone being connected to the PC?

Swaping sd cards over

Would it be possible for me to copy the entire contents of my 8gb and paste on folder on pc, then put in new 16bb card and paste the lot back onto the new one, would everything work ok? as i have most if not all my apps instlled on my storage card, has anyone done this b4 and is it possible?
Thanks

I've wondered that myself, as long as the new card is properly formated then in theory it should be fine..... never actually done it though so don't take my word for it.

Maybe someone can clear this up, by format properly what do you mean by this?

I have done that twice without any problems. Just rember to show all files in the explorere on the PC.

I have previously done it twice with no problems but i just swapped my 16gb to a 32gb and it wouldnt have none of it????? I have had to return the card thinking its faulty? But i will do the exact thing once i receive my replacement

antilagman said:
I have previously done it twice with no problems but i just swapped my 16gb to a 32gb and it wouldn't have none of it????? I have had to return the card thinking its faulty? But i will do the exact thing once i receive my replacement
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got a Sandisk 16Gb card and though it was faulty as HD2 wouldn't read it. Examining it on PC showed it was formated as 'exFAT'. Reformatted to 'FAT' and copied data across and now all OK.

i've done this on every winmo phone i have had where a sd card upgrade was required. Just make sure you have the phone off while to do it and use a card reader just to be safe

dont have a card reader, know how to format to fat on pc via disc drive mode, will just copying all to pc, and ensuring all files are showing and not hidden then would this be ok?

the 32gb came formatted in fat32? I have been told that my replacement will be here tomorrow

yeah if you format the card to fat your gonna damage the card. stick to fat32 and use a 32KB allocation unit size. you do it be finding the drive in my computer, right clicking and hitting format. Setup your options and go.
Card readers are best for this type of work and you can pick one up less than £10 from amazon.co.uk. Just make sure it says it supports SDHC cards.

CHEAP MicroSD reader....
Click here

Fix Micro SD Card After Failure In Windows 7 Free

After trying a Sandisk Class 6 Micro SD card in my Focus and having it fail after the first reset I decided to look for some software to fix the card and use it in my laptop. I did a Google for partition software and found "EASEUS" and they offer their 'Partition Master Home Addition" Free to home users. I downloaded it to try and I was absoloutely amazed. This is the best software I have ever saw for working with Windows partitions and it supports all known types of removeable storage. It wiped the Micro SD card clean and repartitioned it in a very short time including formatting it in FAT32.

I downloaded this but not sure how to use it. How can I find the failed MicroSD if the computer cannot read it?

After my card failed in the Focus I put it back in the reader on my desktop and it showed the card as a 200 Meg card but it did see it. I tried to format it with windows but it couldn't do it. Try putting the card in you reader and open the EASUS software and let me know if it can see the card. I guess the reason my computer could see the card might be because I have modified my register to load files and look at the storage on the Focus. The mod I used on the registry is the one that has been posted to several of the forums and it does work.

this sounds like spam...

SPAM is a lunch meat

Formatting an SD Card from a Windows Phone requires the card to be sent the "Force Erase" command (SD Card Simplified spec (pdf) Section 4.3.7.3). This would require support at the driver level and support by the SD reader as well - so it is unlikely that this software will work.
If you need to erase an Windows Phone 7 SD Card, hard reset the phone (although this will create a new lock on the card) or find a friend with a Nokia

Not saying it would work in this case, but I recently built a new Game PC and had lots of permmisions issues with several HDs, they were not even visible in Explorer, but you could see them in the Storage Manager, allowing me to do some format work and making them visible to the entire system.

The software has no problem deleting a pass word protected partition. When I put the card in the reader it was showing a 200 Meg partition that it could see and a hidden partition that It didn't show. It told me the hidden partition was pass word protected and then gave me the choice of formatting the 200 Meg partition or the entire card. I chose the entire card and then chose FAT 32 and it deleted every thing on the card and when it finished the card had 31.2 GB of space, the same thing it had before it was put in the Focus. Not sure how it done it but it did.

capman231 said:
After my card failed in the Focus I put it back in the reader on my desktop and it showed the card as a 200 Meg card but it did see it. I tried to format it with windows but it couldn't do it. Try putting the card in you reader and open the EASUS software and let me know if it can see the card. I guess the reason my computer could see the card might be because I have modified my register to load files and look at the storage on the Focus. The mod I used on the registry is the one that has been posted to several of the forums and it does work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you post up where I can download the mod for the registry?
Edit: Nevermind, got it thanks

Unless I found the wrong registry hack (I used the one listed at MobileTechWorld for using the phone as a mass storage device), this whole process was garbage. Didn't make the card readable, and this "best software" couldn't see it.

EASEUS did not work for me
Downloaded the partition manager software. After the format, it displayed an error message and exited. My microSD card is still not formatted right.

Nokia did it for me
I have an old E71 that revived my card..

steeldragonnyc said:
I have an old E71 that revived my card..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow! Funny thing is, that's not even full-on Symbian, it's S60. Because of your post, I dug my old Nokia N75 flip phone (which, similarly, runs S60) out of the retired phones drawer. It reads the Sandisk 16c4 from my Focus, and prompts to format it.
So, yeah, confirmed that any old phone running S60 can format a card from WP7. Awesome!

FL5 said:
confirmed that any old phone running S60 can format a card from WP7. Awesome!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lucky you!

I just downloaded this software and it does NOT see my microSD card. I have a Kingston 8GB C4 I want to reformat and ck speeds for posting.
If this software really works, then provide actual instructions in this thread to make it work.