Format Interrupted on Compact Flash Card

[MikeAJ]

I was formatting my 4GB compact flash card with Windows' built in format utility (you know, right click and format), when the computer froze and I had to reboot. Now the card only shows 498MB. If I try to reformat, it only has 498MB in the capacity drop down, so that doesn't seem to fix it. How in the world did I lose 3.5GB, and does anyone know how I can fix it?

 

[stduc]

Try Computer Management/Disk Management.

See if it lets you delete the 498 partition and re-format the whole drive.

If you have access to PC with - say - win98 and USB on it then fdisk may let you delete the partition.

Try re-formatting it in a camera, that may sort it out.

But the simplest thing to do if it is under guarantee may be to return it for a replacement. The fact your PC froze may indicate a problem with the card.

 

[wahnula]

This has happened here before:

thread602-1292418

The advice was the same, return it if possible, no solution, sorry. I especially agree with the freezing PC as a symptom of a bad drive rather than the drive being damaged by your PC. Does your PC freeze often? If not then there's your sign.

Tony

 

[MikeAJ]

Thanks guys! I was out of town for a few days and just came back. No, my computer never freezes, so I think you're right about it being a bad card. I will try what you suggested. Thanks again!