How do I clear the SD memory chip so that I can reuse it?

One or more of the image files are corrupted. This can happen when the camera batteries fail at an inopportune time (while a file is being saved, for instance), when the SD card is removed from the computer without being ejected, or when the files on the SD are manipulated (such as rotating it) on the computer and then returning the card to the camera.
Even though the camera may not be able to read or display these files, I have found that sometimes the computer is still able to. Before giving up on all the images, try them in a computer both via one or more card readers or directly in an SD card slot.
If all else fails, you can reuse the SD card by formatting it in the camera.

Consider NOT connecting your camera to your computer. The best way to download pictures from your camera to your computer involves removing the memory card from the camera and plugging it into a card reader (either built-in to the computer or connected via USB or FireWire). This is likely to be faster than connecting the camera to the computer, and won't run down your camera's batteries.


Once the card is plugged in, it will appear to your computer as a removable drive. You can use the operating system's drag&drop facility to copy pictures from the card to the computer's hard drive, the same way you copy any other files. Or you can use any photo cataloging program such as Picasa.


Since you didn't say what program(s) you're using I can't tell you anything about where it/they may have downloaded your photos to.

You can copy pictures from the internal memory to the memory card by using the Copy command in the Playback menu. Press the MENU button in playback mode. Use cursor-up/down to select "Copy image/sound" and press cursor-right. Select the camera-icon-right-arrow-"SD" and press the OK button.

Full details are in the "Copying Files" section of the manual (page 105 in my copy). If you need a manual, you can download one from the manufacturer's web site at
http://www.pentaximaging.com/files/manual/OptioS40%20Web.pdf

Camera cards are never to be formatted on the computer....only in the camera. "card error" usually always means you need to format the card in the camera. This will erase it so download any pics you want to save first.

No. The S40 works with SD cards, not with SDHC cards. You have to use SD cards, 2GB and smaller.

Use a card reader instead of your camera.

Is the slide switch on the side of the card in the locked position?

You can download the manual from the link below: http://www.pentaximaging.com/files/manual/OptioS40%20Web.pdf The camera uses an SD card or internal memory, check the manual for how to format the card for use. Please update the question & let us know if the information given was useful to you - Good Luck!

Yes, you may use any SD card up to 2GB in size.

Somewhere I read to be careful using cardreaders, using your memory card in different camera's and managing your card via the computer. Appearantly all of these can corrupt your card. The advice is to hook your camera directly up to your computer to transfer images and perhaps it is wise to erase images through the camera's menu instead of via the transfer program of the computer. Try formatting the card using the camera's menu and see if the problem persists.