skip to main content

format a memory card

14 years ago

My husband took a day's worth of photos today and when he put the card in the computer, it says 'the card needs formatting, do you want to do it now?' We tried it on another computer and the same message came up. Is there a way to save these photos? If he formats he'll lose everything.

Thanks,

Jane

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

ravencajun Zone 8b TX
14 years ago
always format the card in the camera not on the pc and you are correct if you format it you will lose them. When the card is in the camera can you view the pictures there on the camera? If so you likely will have to use a cable to move the pics directly from the camera to the pc rather than from the memory card. You should have a cable for your camera or a docking station that can transfer them over.
jane__ny
Original Author
14 years ago
Thank you Raven, I will try that. You can see the pictures on the camera so I'll do the cable.

Keeping my fingers crossed,

Jane
Related Discussions
memory cards
Q
Comments (4)
I'm not sure this can be done at all. i know the Brother design cards cannot be erased.Some time i read of using SD cards and a SanDisk card reader- SanDisk ImageMate, Model No. SDDR-77. They said the large slot will handle a Bernina card. I don't know what your cards look like, you might do a search into this. It could be an answer for you if you can find a reader that fits. They were selling for 10.95 to 35.95 on line
...See More
Need help with inserting memory card
Q
Comments (7)
Thanks for the info Isbellpro, but unfortunately that didn't help. We have found a way to make it work. Select the samllest hoop size (100 x 100) and then load the desired patterns. Write the patterns to the card and then use the card in the embroidery machine (Brother PR190D in our case). If a larger hoop size is used (say 130 x 180 which we have) then the process does not work and we get the message "This card cannot work. Turn off power and change to embroidery card. " I assume the real problem, in our case at least, is that the pattern is enlarged by the PED-Basic software depending on the hoop size specified, and that the pattern becomes too big to load into the machine OR the PED Basic s/w genertes erors in the pattern file for a 130 x 180 hoop size. So... we are now going fine. It would be really nice if Brother would 1) acknowlwdge this problem, 2) put information in the brother web site FAQs about it and how to work around. 3) put a meaningful error message on the embroidery machine 4) fix the PED Basic s/w Let's see what happens.
...See More
? About New Memory Card for My Camera
Q
Comments (8)
Yep, all I do is pop it in and go but let me warn you, I have an Olympus camera that will not take anything larger than a 512mb card so make certain *before* you get to the wedding that A) it is the correct type of card for your camera B) that your camera will accept the 2G size. But over and above everything else, have a great time at the wedding (which of course would be difficult if your camera won't take pictures.) Jodi-
...See More
Emptying Memory Card
Q
Comments (5)
Hit menu button (the one that says OK on it) Arrow right for "mode menu" Arrow down twice for "card" Arrow right twice, & hit "OK" for option "all erase" Camera will confirm, choose "yes" Found this answer on the following web site. Hope it helps. Mine has an option when downloading your pics to computer that allows you to delete the pics from the memory card.?? But I have a different camera so maybe its not the same for all cameras? Judy Here is a link that might be useful: Fixya
...See More
jane__ny
Original Author
14 years ago
Same message using the cable. What a loss, can't get those photos back. There should be some way to know this before shooting all these pictures.

Jane
owbist
14 years ago
Jane, I may be out in left field here but......... Two things come to mind. Many digital cameras have a built in memory capable of storing a few photos, is it possible this is the case with hubbies camera? Perhaps the camera read an unformated card and switched to internal memory. Remove the card and try to preview photos that may be on the camera itself. The other thought is to open the memory card in Windows Explorer and have a look. Most seem to create a folder within a folder, I know mine does and I have had as many as 4 sub folders on the card before.
jane__ny
Original Author
14 years ago
Thank you Owbist. Out of sheer desperation, he called a member of his photo club who had him download something called Digital Recovery. He is trying that now. Taking over an hour and seems most are not recoverable.

He said he did not receive any warning that the card was bad. Never had this happen before.

I'll update when I see what happens.

Jane
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
14 years ago
most camera instruction books do tell you to always format any card in the camera before using it, you might check your book for your camera instructions.

Related Stories

ORGANIZING Simple Pleasures: Preserving Analog Memories in a Digital World

By Laura Gaskill

Too often our photos and mementos accumulate in computers and in piles. Here’s how to free them up to be displayed and enjoyed

HOLIDAYS 7 Ways to Shoot a Great Holiday Card Photo at Home

Make this year's holiday card stand out from the crowd with your home as the backdrop and these tips from the pros

FUN HOUZZ Binge on the Design of ‘House of Cards’

By Becky Harris

Pull up a seat to Netflix’s addictive political drama for sets and fashions rife with intrigue

FURNITURE A Love Letter to Writing Desks

By Charmean Neithart Interiors

Handwritten notes often become etched in our memories, but these writing desks are memorable in their own right

LIFE 10 Ways to Honor and Remember a Departed Loved One at Home

By Charmean Neithart Interiors

Help the grieving process and keep beautiful memories alive with these thoughtful tributes

DECORATING GUIDES 10 Retro Items Ripe for a Revival

Take a trip down memory lane through a world of innovative items from the past

DECORATING GUIDES 8 Creative Home Backdrops for Holiday Photos

By Laura Gaskill

Give that mall Santa the year off — these photo ideas will make your holiday cards highly personal and truly memorable

THE ART OF ARCHITECTURE Toys to Inspire Budding Architects and Designers

By Victoria Villeneuve

Frank Lloyd Wright’s blocks, cards by Eames and more toys from around the globe tap into kids’ imaginations and build skills

COFFEE WITH AN ARCHITECT 8 Valentines From Architects

By Jody Brown Architecture, pllc

Special relationships deserve special cards. These are custom designed for love in all its glass and steel glory

New Year's Resolution: Frame Your Photos

12 Fun Ways to Get Those Memories Out of Your Camera and Into the Spotlight

Sponsored

More Discussions

Can I stop my modem from gathering and sharing our data?

12

UPS needed - which ones?

9

Problems with Outlook 2013

0

Upgrading Windows 11 from Home to Pro

2

Any suggestions for a very secure non-web-based email?

3