Solving Media Card Reader Problems

CAUTION: Do not insert or remove memory cards when the in-use light is flashing. To do so may cause data loss, or it may permanently damage the card reader.

Media card will not work in a digital camera after formatting it in Microsoft Windows Vista.

Cause

Solution

By default, Windows Vista will format any media card with a capacity greater than 32MB with the FAT32 format. Most digital cameras use the FAT (FAT16 & FAT12) format and can not operate with a FAT32 formatted card.

Either format the media card in the digital camera or select FAT file system to format the media card in a computer with Windows XP or Windows Vista.

A write-protected or locked error occurs when attempting to write to the media card.

Cause

Solution

Media card is locked. Locking the media card is a safety feature that prevents writing to and deleting from an SD/ Memory Stick/PRO card.

If using an SD card, make sure that the lock tab located on the right of the SD card is not in the locked position. If using a Memory Stick/PRO card, make sure that the lock tab located on the bottom of the Memory Stick/PRO card is not in the locked position.

Can not write to the media card.

Cause

Solution

The media card is a read-only memory (ROM) card.

Check the manufacturer’s documentation included with your card to see if it writable. Refer to the previous section for a list of compatible cards.

Media card is locked. Locking the media card is a safety feature that prevents writing to and deleting from an SD/ Memory Stick/PRO card.

If using an SD card, make sure that the lock tab located on the right of the SD card is not in the locked position. If using a Memory Stick/PRO card, make sure that the lock tab located on the bottom of the Memory Stick/PRO card is not in the locked position.

Unable to access data on the media card after inserting it into a slot.

Cause

Solution

 

 

The media card is not inserted properly, is inserted in the

Ensure that the card is inserted properly with the gold contact

wrong slot, or is not supported.

on the correct side. The LED will light if inserted properly.

 

 

The media card memory is full.

Make sure the amount of data you are storing has not

 

exceeded the storage limit of the card.

 

 

The media card contacts need to be cleaned.

Inspect the ends of the memory cards for dirt or material

 

closing a hole or spoiling a metal contact. Clean the contacts

 

with a lint-free cloth and small amounts of isopropyl alcohol.

 

Replace the memory card if necessary.

 

 

154

Chapter 9 Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics