How to format a Micro SD card

One of the frequent user questions is how to format a memory card. These compact storage devices have recently become incredibly popular. For example, a micro SD card is used in mobile phones, digital cameras, wireless modems, etc. You can buy it at every corner: even a store is not needed. But what to do next, how to prepare it for work with the device? There are several ways, so the user can only make his choice. Some are incredibly simple, while others require the use of specialized programs. Among the ways there are no "right and wrong" - it all depends on a number of factors.

Sometimes you can find the expression "USB flash drive". There is no mistake here. Indeed, there is more in common between flash drives and memory cards than differences. All of them are made on the basis of an array of cells of solid-state memory (flash) with its own control controller. And the main obvious difference is the interface used for pairing with other devices. That's why the problem of how to format a memory card is solved in the same way.

The easiest way is to take advantage of the capabilities of the device itself. For example, if the card is used in a digital camera, then there should be an item in the device menu, with which you can easily figure out how to format the memory card.

The same applies to mobile phones. The advantages of this method include automatic selection of the correct file system, cluster size, creating the necessary folders, which generally means better compatibility with the device. Therefore, before you look for the answer to the question "how to format a memory card," you should take this opportunity. For example, the developers of cameras just recommend it.

However, in some situations this method does not work. The reasons can be very different. Thus, partitioning errors for the built-in utility may be insurmountable. In this case, the solution is to use the computer. Effective, but less convenient.

It is recommended to insert the card into the card reader. In laptops, it is usually built-in. After connecting to the list of drives "My Computer" appears a new device. Right-click on its properties, then go to the "Formatting" section. Here you need to select the desired file system. For cards larger than 2 GB, you must select FAT32. But from NTFS should refrain, because not all portable devices work correctly with this system.

However, sometimes this method does not give the desired results. In this case, you can try to start the formatting in the previously downloaded and installed HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool. Very often this method allows you to restore the "dead" memory cards, although, of course, not always. The interface is simple: the choice of the card - the file system - the indication of the label. One of the features is the possibility of selecting FAT for flash drives with a capacity of more than 2 GB, which gives a chance to overcome the limitation of some portable devices.