How do I Delete Pictures from a Memory Card?

You have three different options for deleting digital photos from a memory card. Just make sure you've transferred the photos you want to keep from the memory card to your computer before proceeding.

• Most digital cameras let you delete individual pictures from a memory card by pressing a "delete" or trashcan button. Some cameras even let you delete all the photos from a memory with the push of a single button or menu item, typically labeled "delete all."

• If you use a connector cable to transfer photos from your digital camera to your PC, you're probably also using a software program (typically supplied by your camera's manufacturer) to transfer those photos. Most of these programs have an option to delete the photos from your camera's memory card after you've transferred them to your PC.

• If your computer has a memory card reader, you can manage the files on your memory card just as you would the files on any hard disk or storage device. Just insert the memory card into the card reader and open My Computer in Windows. Your memory card should appear as a new drive option in My Computer. Double-click the memory card icon, select all the files stored then, and then press the Delete key on your keyboard.

Michael Miller is a writer and commentator on technology and digital lifestyle topics.