Reformatting USB Flash Memory

Flash memory or USB memory is similar to disk drives.able to use the new card. For maximum customer
In fact it is recommended you 'reformat' them often insatisfaction, SanDisk will initially ship the card in a
order to keep the entire memory clean and workable. IFAT16 configuration-two FAT 16 partitions-eliminating
would recommend you reformat your 256MB flashthe need for most users to reposition the switch and
memory with the software that came with it. If nonereformat.
came with it, do a web search on the manufacturerAs you mentioned, the briefcase can be trickier and to
type. There you will find free downloadable softwarebe perfectly honest I would not use it myself. I prefer
to use to accomplish this task.to simply copy the data I want backed up directly on
Remember that USB flash memory in a system isto the device. Have you tried doing this and then
handled like another disk drive. Therefore you must"testing" to see if it's still there after coming out of
contact the manufacturer determine if the flashhibernation? Copy and paste a few files onto the
memory can be 'reformatted' to meet the newdevice. Close the lid of your laptop and wait for a bit.
requirements. The flash memory I have can be doneOpen the lid and after the pc comes out of hibernation,
like this so it allows a different format.see if your files are there.
The 4GB SanDisk Compact Flash card features anHopefully that will work and if so I'd stick with that
advanced design from SanDisk that allows it tooption. Other than that you could try contacting the
operate in cameras that use either the FAT16 ormanufacturer or having a look on their website, it could
FAT32 file formats. It is the only Compact Flash cardbe a known issue which hopefully has a fix?
of its capacity and compatibility level that is available inFlash drives usually work with Windows XP right out
the popular Type I format and fits into any Compactof the box. For Windows 98, you usually need to install
Flash slot.drivers for the particular drive that you have. If you go
The new 4GB SanDisk Compact Flash card featuresto the flash drive manufacturer's web site, they will
a three-position switch located in the left-hand area ofmore than likely have drivers for Win.98. Well, if your
the card so consumers can switch between either aflash drive is still functioning fine then it would be the
single 4GB (FAT32) volume or two separate 2GBmotherboard or even the port coming from the
(FAT16) volumes. The switchable 4GB card ensuresmotherboard or card, depending on the location of the
that users of cameras with either file format will beUSB port.