Cant delete files or format my SD card. (Not set on LOCK, either)

[GoodEnough]

Cant delete files from my SD card.
4GB Sandisk.
I tried to format.
Card is write protected.
Card switch is not set to LOCK position.
But, I toggled the switch a few times on the card to unlocked, in case it was stuck.

Anyone know what's wrong?
Just a fried card?
Just buy another one for $6?

 

[dave_the_nerd]

I would try a different card reader, and a different computer.

That said, it would probably take less time and money (assuming $x/hour) to simply order a new card on Amazon. If the need isn't urgent.

 

[Cerb]

If your lock switch is stuck, put some scotch tape over the lock slider on the card. The lock slider is actually there to set a switch in the reader. It does nothing to the card itself.

Try another reader.

Again, an issue with the lock switch is a reader problem, not the card.

Maybe try the Panasonic SD Formatter on it.

If the card is a few years old, and you used it regularly, it may simply be at the end of its rope, and in need of replacement. The intended way for SD cards and USB sticks to fail, if they wear out the flash too much, is to become read-only. Back 5-10 years ago, before good wear-leveling algorithms were commonplace, I did have that happen to a couple USB thumb drives. Even today, though, USB drives and low-performance SD cards typically get the low quality flash bins.

 

[hackerballs]

I'll lend you the $6 for a new SD card or better yet, a SDHC card

 

[corkyg]

You can also read it in the camera and offload via USB. This is a useful diagnostic alternative. It's not something I would do regularly, but in this case, it could answer a question or two.

 

[hackerballs]

a tip from a camera expert....(not me personally).......take your SD card out and use a reader and DO NOT download USB from camera............In your case, buy a SDHC16gig

 

[WilliamM2]

a tip from a camera expert....(not me personally).......take your SD card out and use a reader and DO NOT download USB from camera............In your case, buy a SDHC16gig

Why?

 

[hackerballs]

He told me that it was hard on the camera's hardware. He said that is why he (owns a camera store) sells card readers.

or

16gig SDHC are only $20

 

[dave_the_nerd]

Runs down the batteries unnecessarily. If they're disposables, you're wasting money. If they're rechargeable, you're wasting cycles. And it seems like card readers are often faster, too.

 

[Ketchup]

Runs down the batteries unnecessarily. If they're disposables, you're wasting money. If they're rechargeable, you're wasting cycles. And it seems like card readers are often faster, too.

Yeah, but for a 1-time test in this situation, I think he'll be ok trying this from the camera, as corkyg mentioned.

 

[WilliamM2]

He told me that it was hard on the camera's hardware. He said that is why he (owns a camera store) sells card readers.

or

16gig SDHC are only $20

My camera's almost 8 years old. I'll keep downloading from it and hope that it does eventually break. But I doubt it.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

Yeah, but for a 1-time test in this situation, I think he'll be ok trying this from the camera, as corkyg mentioned.

Agreed.

 

[MrPickins]

He told me that it was hard on the camera's hardware. He said that is why he (owns a camera store) sells card readers.

You don't think those could be related in any way, do you? :hmm:

 

[GoodEnough]

LOL at using a camera as a removable drive causes it to wear out.
I also think excessive braking makes your antifreeze wear out sooner.

 

[ronbo613]

I don't think I've ever had a camera "wear out", I've had a lot of them and use them daily.
I normally use a card reader with my DSLR because I usually charge the camera battery at the same time I'm downloading photos from the memory card. Some cameras, like GoPros, have problems downloading from the camera so a card reader is the best option. I download directly from my Panasonic Lumix via USB. Whatever works and is easy.
My main worry with downloading/charging from a camera via USB is that I will accidentally knock it off the desk...

 

[corkyg]

... My main worry with downloading/charging from a camera via USB is that I will accidentally knock it off the desk...

LOL Why not hold it lovingly?

 

[ronbo613]

LOL Why not hold it lovingly?

Mouse + keyboard + beer takes all three of my hands.

 

[GoodEnough]

WTF.
My brand new 16GB card is now also not allowing me to delete.
WTF is going on?

 

[corkyg]

'Tis a puzzlement. Could it be something involving permissions?

 

[GoodEnough]

Removing and reinserting seems to do the trick.

 

[PliotronX]

I wonder if it isn't Sandisk's ridiculously unnecessary Secure Vault feature. It prevents writes and deletes without that software installed.