How to format an SD card that cannot be formatted. The memory card does not want to be formatted in any way, no matter what we do: this way we will do the impossible. Disabling antivirus programs

Sometimes, when you try to format a USB flash drive, SSD drive or SD memory card connected to your computer through a card reader, instead of deleting all the data, you receive the error “Windows cannot complete formatting.” Often, the memory card does not open, and the media is simply displayed as RAW. This happens for a number of reasons, which we will discuss below. So, what should you do to format a flash drive?

The instructions are suitable for any drive, no matter whether it is SanDisk Ultra, Transcend, ADATA, Qumo or Kingston, you can fix the problem with any device.

Reasons for the error

First, let's look at the reasons that may cause a failure when the flash drive shows 0 bytes and is not formatted:

The flash drive may simply be write-protected. At the same time, it is readable, but not formatted. SD/SDHC cards have a special switch that blocks recording. It turns out that you can try moving it to a different position and see if it helps.
The memory card or external USB drive may be damaged. In most cases, this situation cannot be corrected, so only buying a new drive will help.
Sometimes when some Windows process writes to the flash drive and at that moment you remove it, a failure occurs, which subsequently gives an error associated with the impossibility of completing the formatting. And then Windows fails to terminate the process.
Much the same thing happens during a power failure, when your PC suddenly shuts down, such as during a power outage.

Whatever causes the failure when the capacity is unknown and the flash drive cannot be formatted, we will tell you how to fix it. Let's get started.

How to fix

There are several methods that can tell you what to do if Windows cannot format a flash drive and its capacity is unknown. Try them sequentially until one turns out to be effective.

Removing drive protection

The first thing we can do with a drive (MicroSD card or USB flash drive) is to try to remove the protection. Let's consider all the options that can help in this matter.

Using the Local Group Policy Editor

Sometimes, due to the user’s settings, or due to a system failure, a ban on writing and formatting a flash drive is prescribed in the local editor group policy. Let's look at how to fix this:

Using the hotkey combination Win + R, launch the Run utility and enter the command gpedit.msc into it. Then click the OK button.

We follow the path marked with number 1 and find 2 parameters in the right half of the window Removable drives: disable reading And Removable drives: disable writing.

Double left click to open the key and set the settings as shown in the screenshot below. Then we save the changes.

We do the same for the second key, then close the Local Group Policy Editor and restart the computer. Let's try formatting again.

Removing protection via the command line

Free a flash drive that cannot be formatted using Windows, you can also use the standard command line. This is done like this:

Press the Win + R buttons again and enter the command CMD in the window that appears. Then click OK.

In the command line itself, enter diskpart and press Enter.

In order to get a list of all installed drives, write list disk and press Enter.

We carefully look at the list and determine the number of your disk by its size. For us it is 32 GB, which means disk number 2. Write select disk 2 (in your case there may be a different number) and press Enter.

Be careful: enter the number of the SD drive or USB flash drive, it is very easy to mistakenly delete all data from the C drive!

All that remains is to reset the write protection label. To do this, enter attributes disk clear readonly and once again press Enter.

A notification will appear indicating that the process has completed successfully.

Using the system registry

So, our MicroSD card still won't format? Let's try to remove the drive formatting protection using system registry“Windows”, and it’s done like this:

Press Win and R at the same time then enter the command regedit.

Let's move along the path Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control, create the StorageDevicePolicie key.

Open the key and set the value and then click OK.

If you want to download for free, which every user should have, no problem.

We use OS tools

Now let's format the flash drive, but not through an explorer, as you usually do, but using more elegant methods.

Windows Disk Management

So, yours operating system It gives the error "Windows cannot complete formatting." This is very easy to fix using a standard utility:

We use a combination of “hot” Win buttons+ R and enter the command diskmgmt.msc.

We find our drive, again, by its size and, by right-clicking the mouse, select from context menu volume deletion item.

Attention: do not confuse external device with the disk on which your data is stored. Otherwise they will be erased!

We confirm our plans by clicking Yes.

On the resulting unallocated space (RAW), make a RMB and select the menu for creating a simple volume.

Here just click Next.

We indicate the size of our volume and move on to the next step.

Select an unoccupied letter.

Install the FAT32 file system and click Next.

We finish working with the wizard by clicking the button indicated in the screenshot.

Well, did you fail to complete the formatting successfully? Then we move on to the next option.

An example of working with the disk manager is shown on Windows 10, however, in other Microsoft operating systems (Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8) everything works exactly the same.

Working with the command line

You can also format a flash drive that cannot be standard means, using the command line. This should be done like this:

Using a combination of the Win and R buttons, launch the command line. To do this, enter CMD and press enter.

We launch the disk partitioning utility using the diskpart command.

We display a list of disks by writing list disk and pressing Enter.

We carefully select your USB drive or SD flash drive according to its size. To do this, write select disk 2 . But in our case this is 2, yours may be different.

You can't go wrong here. If you select the wrong media, all data from hard drive will be irrevocably given!

Enter the volume removal command clean .

A Micro SD card is a miniature memory card that is often used in cameras, GPS devices, and mobile phones as an additional information carrier. In most cases, you can format this card directly in the device, but it can also be done on a computer running Windows control or Mac OS.

Steps

Formatting on Android Devices

On your device's desktop, click Settings. Scroll through the pages and find the app's icon on your desktop.

The appearance of the Settings app icon depends on your Android versions, but in most cases the icon looks like a gear.

Tap "Storage" or "SD & Storage". The name of the corresponding option depends on the Android version. Look for an option that has the word “memory” in its name.
- As a rule, the corresponding option is marked with an icon in the form of an SD card.
Check the option "Erase SD card" or "Format SD card". The screen will display the total capacity of the SD card, the value free space and the “Disconnect SD card” and “Format SD card” buttons.
- If the “Format SD card” button is not available, then first disconnect the card by clicking on “Disconnect SD card”.
In the window that opens, agree to delete all information stored on the SD card. The device will begin formatting the micro SD card; in this case, all contents of the card will be erased.

Formatting on Windows Phone devices
1. Find the Settings app. This method works on devices running Windows Phone 8 or later version of this system; V HTC One M8, in Nokia Lumia 635, in Nokia Lumia 830 and in Microsoft Lumia 735.
  
  Scroll down the page and find the "Phone Storage" option. Once you launch the Settings app, scroll down and find the Phone Storage option (located between the Battery Saver and Backup options).
2. After viewing a graph on the screen showing the used space on all storage media, click “SD card”.
  - Before formatting the card, create backup copy important information, as this process will delete all data stored on the card.
3. Click "Format SD Card". Clicking "SD Card" will display two options: "Disconnect Card" and "Format Card." Click on the option that asks you to format the card.
  - By clicking “Format SD card”, a window will open on the screen warning you that all data stored on the card will be deleted. In the same window you will be asked to confirm your decision. Click "Yes" to start the formatting process.
  - Once formatting is complete, the device will recognize the card and ask you to reconfigure it. To do this, follow the instructions on the screen.
Formatting on Windows computers
1. For example, if you have a SanDisk micro SD card, it comes with a special SD adapter. The adapter looks like a standard SD card with a “pocket” into which a micro SD card is inserted.
2. Connect the card reader or adapter to USB port or to the SD slot on your computer. Depending on your computer model and adapter type, you will need to use either an SD slot or a USB port.
  - If you are using an SD adapter, make sure the write protect switch is in the Off position. Otherwise, you will not be able to write any files to the card (it will have a Read-Only status).
  - Before formatting the card, copy all its contents to your computer, and after formatting, transfer the copied data back to the card.
3. Click "Start" - "Computer" (or "My Computer"). This method works on Windows 7 and later versions.
  - The “Computer” window will display a list of all connected storage media.
  - Find your Micro SD card in the list. The card will be listed under the name of its manufacturer (if you did not change the card name) or under the name you assigned to it.
4. Right-click on the card reader (in the list of connected storage media) and select "Format".
  - A window with formatting options will open.
5. If the Format option does not appear, you may have to download and install the fat32format GUI utility. Check the box next to "». Quick formatting
  - Clicking "Format" will open a window with several options, including "Quick Format." Select this option to get the best results.
  - If you installed the fat32utility utility, run the guiformat.exe file. The same window will open with several options.
6. Before clicking “Start”, make sure that other parameters are configured appropriately, for example, in the “Capacity” line the correct value of the total card capacity should be indicated, and in the “File system” line – the FAT32 system. Click "Get Started."
  - This will start the formatting process; in this case, all contents of the card will be deleted.
Once formatting is complete, you will have a clean and ready-to-use micro SD card.
1. Formatting on computers running Mac OS Insert the micro SD card into a special adapter or card reader compatible with micro SD cards.
  - For example, if you have a SanDisk micro SD card, it comes with a special SD adapter. The adapter looks like a standard SD card with a pocket into which a micro SD card is inserted. Please note that micro SD cards smaller than 32 GB are formatted using the FAT32 file system, while cards larger than 64 GB are formatted using the FAT32 file system. exFAT system . If you are formatting the card for use on a phone, Nintendo DS, or 3DS, format it to FAT32. Remember that jailbroken devices are Android control
  - do not know how to work with the exFAT file system. Also, please note that OS 10.6.5 (Snow Leopard) or earlier Mac version The OS does not support or format cards using the exFAT file system. In this case, you will have to update your operating system.
  - It is recommended to format the card with the FAT32 file system, but in this case it will not be possible to write a file larger than 4 GB to the card.
  - You can buy an SD adapter if yours doesn't come with one. micro card SD. In this case, make sure that the adapter is compatible with your card. Some adapters are equipped with USB plugs, which means they can be used like regular flash drives.

A memory card is a universal storage device that works great on the most different devices. But users may encounter situations where a computer, smartphone or other devices do not accept the memory card. There may also be cases when it is necessary to quickly delete all data from the card. Then you can solve the problem by formatting the memory card.

Such measures will eliminate damage file system and erase all information from the disk. Some smartphones and cameras have a built-in formatting function. You can use it or carry out the procedure by connecting the card to a PC via a card reader. But sometimes it happens that the gadget gives an error "Memory card is faulty" when trying to reformat. And on the PC an error message appears: "Windows can't complete formatting".

We have already written about how to solve the problem with the above-mentioned Windows error. But in this guide we will look at what to do if other messages occur when working with microSD/SD.

Most often, problems with a memory card begin if there were power problems when using a flash drive. It is also possible that programs for working with disk partitions were used incorrectly. In addition, the drive could suddenly turn off while working with it.

The reason for the errors may also be that the card itself has write protection enabled. In order to remove it, you must move the mechanical switch to the position "unlock". Viruses can also affect the performance of a memory card. So it’s better to scan microSD/SD with an antivirus just in case if there are malfunctions.

If formatting is clearly necessary, then it is worth remembering that during this procedure all information from the media will be automatically deleted! Therefore, it is necessary to make a copy of important data stored on a removable storage device. To format microSD/SD, you can use both built-in Windows tools and third-party software.

Method 1: D-Soft Flash Doctor

The program has a simple interface that is easy to understand. Its functionality includes the ability to create a disk image, scan the disk for errors and restore the media. To work with it, do this:

After this, the program will very quickly split the media memory according to the configuration.

Method 2: HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool

Using this proven program, you can force format flash memory, create boot drive or check the disk for errors.

To force formatting, do the following:

To check the disk for errors (this will also be useful after a forced format):

Check the box next to "Correct errors". This way you can correct file system errors that the program detects.
For a more thorough media scan, select "Scan drive".
If the media is not displayed on the PC, you can use the item "Check if dirty". This will return microSD/SD "visibility".
After that click "Check disk".

If you are unable to use this program, perhaps our instructions for using it will help you.

Method 3: EzRecover

Method 6: Windows Tools

Insert the memory card into the card reader and connect it to the computer. If you do not have a card reader, you can connect your phone via USB to your PC in data transfer mode ( USB drive). Then Windows will be able to recognize the memory card. To use Windows tools, do this:

Visual video on solving the problem

If the deletion still fails, then it is possible that some Windows process is using the drive and therefore cannot access the file system and it will not be formatted. In this case, a method associated with the use of special programs can help.

Method 7: Windows Command Prompt

This method involves the following steps:

Or use command line to clean up the disk. In this case, do this:

If this command is executed successfully, the following message will appear: "Disk cleanup completed successfully". The memory should now be available for repair. Then proceed as originally intended.

If the diskpart command does not find the disk, then most likely the memory card has mechanical damage and cannot be repaired. Most of the time this command works fine.

If none of the options we proposed helped to cope with the problem, then the problem, again, is mechanical damage, so it is no longer possible to restore the drive yourself. The last option is to seek help from service center. You can also write about your problem in the comments below. We will try to help you or recommend other ways to correct errors.

If the micro SD cannot be formatted, what should you do first? Now we'll tell you.

Computers, phones, cameras have become a part of our daily lives. And we can’t imagine how we would manage without this technology. For these devices, special flash drives have been developed - micro-SD. They contain a fairly large amount of information. Each flash drive has its own capacity and file transfer speed. These indicators directly depend on the price.

MicroSD. What are these devices? Peculiarities

Micro SD memory cards have small in size. Their weight reaches about 1 gram. They can store more than 32 gigabytes of memory (up to 128 GB maximum). At the same time ensuring fast speed of work. This device is very popular and you can buy it in any store.

Micro SD cards are commonly used in the phone. They store all information securely. For personal computer flash drives are used, and mobile devices- these are the same micro-SD. They are in demand due to their low price, and at the same time they can be easily transferred to other devices. But it also has its drawbacks. These include the problem of formatting. You need to know how to properly serve this device so that it does not fail.

If the micro-SD cannot be formatted, what should I do? Then it’s worth looking for the problem; there may be some malfunctions in the operation of the device. It is possible to take it to a service center for repairs or simply throw it away.

SNDFormatter

There is a program that will help if the micro-SD is detected but not formatted. It's called SNDFormatter. It's absolutely free. It can be easily downloaded on the Internet.

Then follow these instructions: you need to select our micro-SD flash drive in the Drive tab. Next, select Erase. Afterwards, click Format.

The program should work. Thus, with the help of simple steps you can solve this problem yourself.

R.Saver application

In some cases, you can try to restore a non-functional card by affecting its file system. Of course, you can find many programs. The R.Saver application is considered the most powerful. Everything is very simple there: you first need to find your device, then press just one button and the recovery process will begin. Then the program will do everything itself, without outside help.

The downside is that it can take several hours. Once this process is finished, formatting is completed without any problems. This is the most powerful and reliable program.

If nothing helps at all, then experienced specialists will reflash the device.

Rules

We found out why the micro-SD cannot be formatted and told us what to do with such a device.

To avoid problems with your memory card, you should adhere to the following rules:

To remove the micro SD memory card, you must use the safety release.
When the recording process is in progress, do not pull out the device. This may erase all information and damage it.

Every owner of a flash drive must follow these two rules.

In phone

If the micro-SD on the phone cannot be formatted, what should I do? First of all, you need to complete its work in the gadget settings, and then turn off the device and remove the drive. Then you need to wipe with a dry cloth and blow out the slot on your phone. It is worth considering that before formatting, you must first configure the gadget. If an error occurs, you should use another flash drive. If after all these steps the problem remains, then you should think about the malfunction of your phone.

Reboot

Why doesn't my computer or phone see the micro-SD flash drive? This is a fairly popular question. Many people complain about these cards and consider them to be harmful devices.

And it often happens that the computer does not see them or does not recognize them at all. In such cases, some users begin to panic. After all, they remember that they still have all the videos and photos there that must be restored.

Why won't the micro SD memory card format? Sometimes there is a small file system glitch. A reboot can help solve this problem. This is one of the simplest options. And if after this the map cannot be read, then it is necessary to use one of the snails.

An important point is data recovery. You need to save them to another working medium.

Lack of drivers

Why is the micro-SD not formatted and the files not deleted? If you don’t need the data on the flash drive or you’ve already downloaded it to your storage device, then you can simply agree to formatting. Another reason is the lack of drivers. The flash drive is not displayed because the driver is not installed. To clarify the problem, you can go to the “Device Manager” section and if the question mark is on, this will indicate the absence of a driver.

So, you need to take the disk that came with the computer. It has drivers for all equipment. Next you need to use the snail to automatically update drivers in the system.

Then try to update the driver in the device manager: click the special button - update the hardware configuration. All these actions should effectively solve the problem. If this is not possible, please contact the service center. They can both suggest what to do in a given situation and completely solve your problem of any complexity.

A little conclusion

Having carefully studied all types of cards and possible malfunctions in their operation, you can go to the store with peace of mind and choose exactly the one that suits you. And it’s worth carefully checking whether it’s a fake by studying its main parameters.

In cases where the user does not have enough standard formatting provided by the operating system, you may need to use third-party software. This is required if you are unable to erase the media without errors or if you want to eliminate the possibility of returning unnecessary files through low-level formatting.

Low-level formatting options

A novice user considers formatting to be simply erasing unnecessary files. But in fact, this also means writing the entire file system over again. Today, a huge number of programs can carry out a similar procedure.

Method 1: SDFormatter

This utility is designed for formatting cards, as its name suggests. It is very simple, and even new PC users will not have any problems using it. Due to its narrow focus on working with SD cards, the program makes it possible to revive them and format them if using standard methods, offered by Windows OS, cannot do this.

The utility is equipped with two formatting modes, starting with the simplest and ending with the most thorough. The first one does the job quickly, and the latter does it in great detail, eliminating any possibility of recovering deleted information.

To format, you will need to do the following:

Method 2: HDD Low Level Format Tool

The emphasis in the program's name on the fact that it is designed to work with hard drives can mislead users. But despite this, you can also format the SD card correctly.

This utility works in low-level mode, which you may need if you need to restore the functionality of the media or to completely clean it from necessary information, without the possibility of restoring it. In order to use this program, you need to do a few simple steps:

The program is completely free, but its disadvantage is that the lack of an accelerated mode can drag out the process for a long time.

Method 3: USB Disk Storage Format Tool

This program is much more functional than the previous ones, since it can scan the card for any errors, correct them, and much more. With its help you can format any drives. To work with this utility, take the following steps:

The program is absolutely free and can work with drives from any manufacturer. This utility is perfect if the memory card is working with errors.

That's not all existing applications, but they have proven themselves to be the most effective among PC users. The huge advantage of these three programs is that they are free and quite accessible. Even a computer novice will not have any difficulties using the utilities.