SanDisk 4GB Secure Digital High Capacity Memory Card Logo
Ros Eaves Posted on Dec 22, 2012
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How do I format a memory card without erasing pictures already on it?

When the memory card is in the camera the pictures show on the screen but it tells me the memory card is full. When I put the card in the computer it gives an error message that the disc is corrupted and asks me to format it. Can I do this without erasing the pictures or is there another way to transfer the photos to the computer (I tried using a cable and got the same message)

1 Answer

Anonymous

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  • SanDisk Master 2,878 Answers
  • Posted on Dec 24, 2012
Anonymous
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No, format will erase all data. Try doing chkdsk <drive letter> /f in the command prompt.

5 Related Answers

Anonymous

  • 2961 Answers
  • Posted on Mar 23, 2007

SOURCE: SanDisk Memory Stick Pro Duo

Try a couple of these trial downloads, to see if the pics are recoverable, but it's possible that the psp formatted it to it's own file format. http://www.cardrecovery.com/?rid=google&kid=cr0119 http://www.freedownloadmanager.org/downloads/memory_stick_recovery_software/

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terrilynnf

Terri Greene

  • 1 Answer
  • Posted on Jun 10, 2008

SOURCE: SanDisk 1GB microSD Memory Card

You can't even format them when they are write-protected. I have the same problem with 2 different SD cards. The lock is in the off position but it still says they're write-protected and can't be formatted either.

Anonymous

  • 1 Answer
  • Posted on Mar 19, 2009

SOURCE: Memory sticks empty and shows no memory available

i have a solution that worked! Notice: save all the needed data on your computer, because Formatting your Memory stick will wipe everything out!
if you have a Sony PSP, or know someone who does, replace the memory stick that says "no memory Space" in to the PSP port, go to "Settings" which is the left-most section of the PSP main screen, then scroll down to "System Settings," select it, Scroll down again to the "Format Memory Stick" selection and press "X" follow on-screen instructions and  SHAZAM!  its ready for action in your camera again! 
-Indy

Anonymous

  • 7 Answers
  • Posted on Jun 12, 2009

SOURCE: computer does not recognize 2GB Memory Stick

Format as Fat 16. Also, Sandisk has a solution to this on their site. http://www.sandisk.com/DriverDownload/index.asp

Anonymous

  • 3085 Answers
  • Posted on Jun 17, 2009

SOURCE: Cannot get pictures off of SDHC Card 4GB

Could be it only supports SD cards up to 2gb but not SDHC.

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Memory Card is saying no image file when i put it into camera

Copy all the photos from the card onto your computer if you haven't already done so. Put the card into the camera and format it. From now on, format the card each time you finish downloading pictures to the computer instead of simply erasing the pictures you don't want.
Repeated shooting and erasing will inevitably lead to this problem. Formatting prevents it.
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When i turn on my camera, it won't read my memory card and won't bring up my photos that are already on my memory card. I put my memory card in and i go to take a picture and it says 'pictures...

If the card was one that was previously used in another camera, you can't use it in this camera without formatting it. Move the pictures to a computer and format the card via the camera (remember that all data on the card will be erased). Before formatting the card however, make sure the battery has sufficient charge as this process can take some time. Also remember to never interrupt this process as it can damage the card. The format option can be found in the settings.
Note: pictures taken on one camera can't be viewed on another camera.
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Apparently, you used the internal memory before putting in the memory card. Now the camera only wants to use the internal memory. Here's the fix...with no card in the camera, go into the menu and find "format"...follow the on-screen instructions to erase the internal memory. Then, insert the memory card. If this is a new card, you will need to format it in the camera, too. If there are any pics on it, download them first using a card reader if necessary, because the card will be completely erased.
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I have taken several pictures with my new camera - when I go to look or print them it says that the "file contains no image data" I took 13 pictures and only 5 show up. Is this a problem with my camera? I...

Make sure you have no pictures on the internal memory of the camera. If you do, format the internal memory with no card in the camera. Then, download any pics you can save from the card to your computer. Then, go into the menu and find "format"...follow the on-screen instructions to erase and optimize the card for the camera.
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I have been using Samsung Digimax 301 Digital Camera since 2004 when I purchased it. Suddenly now I find that my beautiful camera began showing 'full memory' after only three pictures were captured....

Sounds like your camera has switched over to storing pictures on the internal memory which is very small. With the card out of the camera, go into the menu and find "format"...follow the on-screen instructions to erase the internal memory. Then, using a separate card reader, download any pics from the memory card. Then, insert the card back into the camera and do the "format" thing again to erase and initialize the card. Everything should be back to normal. By the way, your camera can't get a virus.
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Hmm....
Seems like your Memory Card already damaged and corrupted.If you still want to use it, try formatting it using your Computer, again and again.
If the problem still persist, there's no other way, you have to buy the new ones.
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You can buy a cheap multi card reader at an office supply store, Best Buy, a computer store or a photographic supply. Use the card reader to read your memory card from your computer
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yes Formatting will erase everything on the card. The 2 cameras probably use different formats or even different qualities. You should upload pictures before switching the card between cameras. Hope this helps
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The card probably needs to be formatted for your camera but that will erase the pictures already on the card. Far as I know each card must be formatted to the camera for which it is to be used. Use the menu button to find format. (Last icon, "wrench2", format is toward the bottom of the list. Remember you will lose the pictures already on the card, so save them first.
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