SD Card wont format

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
M

mercede

Commendable
Jan 3, 2017
6
0
1,510
I have a SD Card that I used as ReadyBoost (with a card reader). Before that I formatted it as NTFS (512 bytes as allocation unit). It works fine. Now I want to use it on my cell phone. Cellphones do not recognize NTFS so I tried formatting, didn't work. Then tried formatting it on windows:

- FAT32 (with & without quick format) didn't work.
- FATex (with and without quick format) didn't work.
- NTFS again just to test if the card is fine (with & without quick format) didn't work.

but As a storage device or as ready boost device, it works flawlessly. I can copy files, delete and do whatever I like. Just that I cannot format. This is an expensive card (class 10) and I just wont like to throw it away and get a new one)

I even downloaded the SD formatter but it won't recognize the disk.

What exactly is the problem. Why I cannot format it but able to do all other operations.
Any solutions?
 
Sort by date Sort by votes
M

mercede

Commendable
Jan 3, 2017
6
0
1,510

Here is the extensive detail of the error you asked for:


  • NTFS "Windows was unable to complete the format".

  • NTFS (quick format) "Windows was unable to complete the format".

  • FAT32 "Windows was unable to complete the format".

  • FAT32 (quick format) "Windows was unable to complete the format".

  • FATex "Windows was unable to complete the format".

  • FATex (quick format) "Windows was unable to complete the format".

Hope it helps!
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
M

mercede

Commendable
Jan 3, 2017
6
0
1,510
paulNZ, if you are thinking I'm an idiot in computers, Im a developer and yes i made sure
card is not write protected.
is not being used for ready boost.
was formatted with smallest sector size so that least internal fragmentation.

its currently NTFS and is only usable on Windows.
Windows ridicules and says:

"I'm not letting your card go, forget it dude !!!"
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
koolkid

koolkid

Reputable
Apr 25, 2014
7
0
4,510
Two things can happen:
1. SD card is write-protected so that Windows cannot make changes
2. SD card has bad sectors and is corrupted. Windows can't format corrupted SD card.

When all else fails and I have had trouble formatting, this method usually works in Windows.
* Run "diskpart" to format SD cards that won't format.

Step 1. In Windows search bar, type "cmd", right mouse click and "run as administrator"
Step 2. Type "diskpart" to run Diskpart Utility
Step 3. Type "list disk", hit enter to list the drives on the computer.
Step 4. Type "select disk 1", hit enter (or the number of your SD card. Ensure it's NOT your hard drive, usually "C)
Step 5. Type "clean", hit enter to run the clean utility (this will erase all your data)
Step 6. Type "create partition primary", hit enter to create a new partition on the SD card
Step 7. Type "select partition 1", hit enter (or the number of your SD card)
Step 8. Type "active" to make the partition active
Step 9. Type "format fs=ntfs", hit enter （or "format fs=fat32"）to format the partition to the desired file system
Step 10. Use the assign command to give the newly-formatted SD card a drive letter. (EG. "assign letter = F")
Step 11. Exit CMD, using the "exit" command.
Good luck!
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom