Reformat CF Storage Card

[AliS]

I am about to reinstall the TT software and start afresh. Can someone please tell me the best way to reformat the compact flash storage card. I cannot find the option.

[catken96]

I'm sure this will work with CF Cards.



Go to:-



http://pdacentral.ozbytes.net.au/pocket/util_file_default.html



and download the ARM Storage Tools. They have a Free version "Format & Scan", and a Shareware "Format, Scan, & Defrag" (15 day free trial) version. Load this into the default installation folder ,(it will show as SoftWinter Storage Tools in the Add/Remove Programs window). Tap "Start", "Programs","Storage Tools", and away you go. I have a 128Meg SD Card set as FAT16, and 2Kb cluster size, and this seems OK. Hope this helps.



Tom.

[genes]

BEWARE - I downloaded the full version of this program this morning - When I ran defrag it cleaned my SD card and then when I used it to format before re-installing my maps the format was no good and the card was no longer recognised by anything and impossible to use or reformat in my card reader.



After lots of cussing and swearing I tried a reformat using my digital camera and this worked - Then cam the long job of re-installing everything.



Not a program I would try again



Terry

[Dave]

I posted a similar message about Storage Tools a few months ago when it was first let out into the public as a beta. I could read the storage card in my card reader though and managed to recover all off the card.

[DavidW]

That version of StorageTools is ancient - version 1.1. SoftWinter are now up to version 1.5, which is only available in a "30 day, then you have to pay for it" version, but works so well I paid for it!



I would suggest not using such an old version. I'm surprised it's still available anywhere.







David

[catken96]

Hi AliS,





Actually Storage Tools is now Version 1.6, issued 31-07-03. I've been using 1.1 without any problems. The reason I mentioned that particular link was because it was a freebie intro to Format etc. Yes it is still available on quite a few sites. Beta versions need to be treated with caution. If you look up SoftWinter on the net, you can buy 1.6 for less than a £Tenner.





Tom.

[Scott]

Have you tried CNetX's Flash Format? (www.cnetx.com)



It's one of the few PPC apps I've actually thought was worth buying.

[DavidW]

There we go - I post saying version 1.5 is available - and they go and issue version 1.6! It looks like the only real change is Pocket PC 2003 support.







David

[catken96]

Hi David,



I expect there will be lots of little tweaks to 3rd party utilities to ensure compatibility with PPC2003.





Tom.

[hollis_f]

I still reckon that any CF or SD user will find an investment of £20 in a USB card reader most worthwhile. Formatting a card with one of those is simplicity itself. As Dave says - you can also use PC based disk tools. They've helped me recover almost everything from a SD card I managed to trash.

[Dave]

I must admit, I wouldn't be without a PC card reader!

[Chorlie]

I had the same problem with my ScanDisk 256mb SD Card, it lost its format when I first used it. I tried everything to Reformat it, PDA, Camera nothing worked, so I bought a USB 6 in 1 card reader, Reformatted via My Computer, just right click on the new drive letter for the SD/CF Card and you have the option there to Format, (just make sure you pick the correct Drive letter our you could have major problems). Since doing this I've never had a problem with the SD Card since.
_________________
Chorlie
If it isn't broken, play with it some more...

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