How to Reformat a Memory Card

When you first use a new memory card in your digital camera, that card must be formatted for use. Most new memory cards come pre-formatted, so you don’t have to work about it.

Unfortunately, sometimes a memory card can become corrupted and thus unusable. This can happen when copying pictures from the card to your PC, when deleting pictures or sometimes even when just taking pictures. Since a memory card uses electronic flash memory, any type of electronic glitch can cause problems.

If you have trouble accessing pictures on a memory card, taking new pictures or even just turning on your camera when the memory card is inserted, you may need to reformat your memory card. This wipes clean the flash memory on the card, giving you a blank slate for storing new digital photos.

To reformat a memory card, insert the card into your camera, access your camera’s built-in menu system, and select the option to reformat the memory card. You must have the card inserted in your camera to reformat it.

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