SD problems - maybe helpful - maybe not.

[meditek]

I recently had a few problems updating the software on my TTG 300. This was followed by complete failure to load a new voice despite over 2mb free space. During this process the TT locked up completely and wouldn't switch off so I had to press reset once or twice.

So, using my card reader I :-

1. Ran XP 'error checking' on the disk and errors were found and corrected. (scandisk)

2. I deleted all the scandisk *.fil error files.

3. I ran a defrag program.

4. Thereafter, everything loaded hunky dory.

[lbendlin]

Disk utilities like Scandisk or Defrag do more harm to the storage card than they do good.

If you suspect a corrupted card you should try to salvage as much data as possible and then re-format the card. Much cleaner and less stressful to the card - and quicker too.
_________________
Lutz

Report Map Errors here:
TomTom/TeleAtlas NAVTEQ

[meditek]

Please be more specific about the harm factor. Some examples would be good.

Thanks

[lbendlin]

Flash cards can only be written to a limited number of times. (1500 to 20000 times for example). A Disk Defrag is permanently shifting small pieces of data around, writing many hundred times over the same place.

Since these flash cards do not have moving parts, disk fragmentation is not really an issue (apart from the slightly larger time it takes to piece everything together.

A complete format and re-copy is much less intrusive.
_________________
Lutz

Report Map Errors here:
TomTom/TeleAtlas NAVTEQ

[Frazzle]

To add to this discussion....

Flash memory cards use "useage levelling" techniques in their embedded controllers. As has been said Flash meory cells have a finite life so the manufacturer tries to ensure that all the cells get about the same use during the life of the card.

If you carry out rigarous in depth read/write cycling on a Flash card you will eventually "wear" it out.

By the way do not think that when you have deleted your photos from your Digital Cameras Flash card, the pictures have gone..... they haven't !
The space they occupy has just been released for use by the controller.

Part of my job is IT forensics and you would be amazed how much data is recoverable from a Flash card that has so say been "wiped" 8O

All good fun eh

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