Card error, Laptop with vistas displaying ' insert disk' when card inserted

Try to delete files / format the card in a PC./

1. Insert the memory card in a card reader.
2. Connect it to a PC or a laptop.
3. Go to My Computer > Removable Disk
4. Right click on the Removable Disk icon and click on format.
5. This shall format your memory card.
6. Run an anti-virus scan on it in order to fix any possible bugs.

Nikon says this about CHA:


When a Memory card is inserted into a D-SLR camera, the camera checks the card for compatibility and usability. There are three possible results of the test:

1) Camera detects valid Memory card, displays number of remaining images in top LCD

2) Camera displays "FOR" in top control panel LCD. The camera has detected a valid disk partition map, but was unable to read the first sector of the Memory Card. Formatting the memory Card using the cameras format option, should resolve this condition and allow the Memory card to be used.

3) Camera displays "CHA" in top LCD. The camera has detected an invalid partition type or is not working properly. Reformatting the memory card may allow it to be used. If an approved memory card causes the camera to display the "CHA" indicator contact the memory cards manufacturer for assistance.

(Nikon's list of "approved" memory cards can be found here.)

Please note that the default disk format used in Windows XP is FAT32 and if a card is formatted with this setting on an XP system, a D1 series camera will report "CHA". Reformat the card as "FAT" to use in the D1 series camera.


When the CHA error is shown, typically the camera will freeze and require that the battery be removed from the camera before it can take another picture. After that picture has been taken, the camera freezes up again for many owners.

Some owners have success removing and either re-seating or inserting a new memory card in the camera.

Some owners have success clearing the error by removing the lens and then reinstalling.

The key to these "fixes" is that they don't all work for everyone. You might need to return the camera to Nikon for repair. You can arrange for Nikon service here.

I hope this helps and good luck. Please rate this reply. Thank you.

If the camera displays Memory card error, No Memory Card, or takes an abnormally long time to write an image to the memory card, when a memory card is inserted or any of the above error messages, make sure that the card is inserted properly. For SD card, make sure that the card lock switch is in the correct position and not stuck in-between.Try formating the memory card ,if after formatting the card in the camera the error persists, try another memory card. If this occurs with only the one card it is likely that the memory card is defective, if the error persists over more than one card the camera may require service.

The images you take with your PDC 640 camera are stored on a removable 3.3V SSFDC or SmartMedia 2 MB memory card (also available in 4 MB and 8 MB). Note: You must insert the memory card before you can turn on the camera.

If camera beeps is enabled, the camera beeps if the card is not installed and displays the [ ] message on the Status panel.

To insert the memory card:
1. Make sure the lens cover is closed (the power is off).
2. Open the memory compartment on the side of the camera.
3. Insert the memory card into the slot (gold side of the card facing the front of the camera).
Make sure the card is pushed firmly into the slot. Note: The camera prompts you to format the memory card if it is not formatted. The camera displays the format menu on the LCD viewfinder. Press the button next to Format.
4. Close the memory compartment cover.

If you can, try using a different memory card. Else, your memory card contact terminals inside the camera may have become worn, causing the camera to not recognize the card once it is inserted.

I’m happy to help further over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/jeremy_69f3cc28d95bf514

Hi,
The camera may display a FORMAT ERROR if the inserted media is not formatted or if the media was formatted on a computer. This error may also display if the inserted media is not supported by the camera.
Try to remove and re-insert the Memory Stick media several times.
Make sure that the inserted Memory Stick media is compatible with the camera. DSCW310 Camera is compatible with the Memory Stick Pro Duo upto 32 GB.
You may also try formatting the Memory Stick media to resolve the issue. Format the Memory Stick media using the FORMAT option in the camera menu.
Formatting will erase all stored data, images, movies, etc., from the Memory Stick media. FORMAT option is available in the Memory Card Tool Menu of the Camera which is in the Settings Menu. Please back up the data by inserting the Memory Stick in the Computer Memory Card slot.
This may also happen if the terminals on the Memory Stick media are dirty. Remove the Memory Stick media from the camera and use a soft dry cloth or pencil eraser to clean the contacts. Make sure there are no residual particles on the Memory Stick media before re-inserting it into the camera.
The data on the Memory Stick media or the Memory Stick media itself is damaged. Try using a different Memory Stick media in the camera.
This should resolve the issue. If the error continues to display, the media may need to be replaced or the camera may require service.

Assuming this is a blank card. The card may have to be formatted. This uaually found under menu>tools>format.

Format error display shows memory card is unstable and need to be format through format option in Camera menu.
Format memory card, if that does not fix the issue, try another memory card in camera and check this memory card in another camera just to make sure either camera got problem or memory card is bad.

These instructions are from the Instruction Manual of the Coolpix S 210 and need to be carried out within the Set-Up Menu.

Refer Page 19:

Removing Memory Cards
Before removing memory cards, turn the camera off
and confirm that the power-on lamp is off. Open the
battery-chamber/memory card slot cover and press the
card in 1 to partially eject the card 2. The card can
then be removed by hand.
B Formatting Memory Cards
If the message at right is displayed, the memory card must be
formatted before use (A110). Note that formatting permanently
deletes all pictures and other data on the memory card. Be sure
to make copies of any pictures you wish to keep before formatting
the memory card.
Use the multi selector to choose Yes and press k. The
confirmation dialog will be displayed. To start formatting, choose
Format and press k.
• Do not turn the camera off or open the battery-chamber/memory card slot cover until
formatting is complete.
• The first time you insert the memory cards used in other devices into the COOLPIX S210, be sure to
format them using this camera (A110).


Refer Pg 110:

 Format Memory/m Format Card
Use this option to format the internal memory or a memory card.
Formatting the Internal Memory
To format the internal memory, remove the memory
card from the camera.
The Format memory option appears in the setup
menu.
Formatting a Memory Card
When the memory card is inserted in the camera, the
Format card option appears in the setup menu.

Hope this helps
Ian

This error message means that the card is corrupted or formatted for another digital camera. Turn off the camera. Insert a new card or format the card. CAUTION: Formatting deletes all pictures and videos, including those that are protected. Removing a card during formatting may damage the card.