Flash drive doesn't want to format

[kiepie]

My girlfriend's flash drive doesn't want to format.

It gives me an error "window was unable to complete the format"

Any idea what to do, throw it away?

 

[scotty777]

i reckon toss it, they so check nowadays that it's easier to just get a new one

 

[LazyLion]

My girlfriend's flash drive doesn't want to format.

It gives me an error "window was unable to complete the format"

Any idea what to do, throw it away?

does it have a read only switch on it? some of them do.

 

[.Froot.]

If you can write to it, but not format, then go to Computer management (
right click on <My computer> click manage->disk management) and delete the partition on the flash drive (make sure it's the flash drive) and create a new fat32 partition. It is a big step but should work. If all else fails, play baseball with it or something.

 

[sn3rd]

Some software for fixing errors on hard drives works on flash drives. And you get specific software that works on flash drives. I've done it a few times with Sahara drives. But that was back in Windows days, so I can't remember the app's name, sorry. Found it by googling, iirc

 

[Stokstert]

Some software for fixing errors on hard drives works on flash drives. And you get specific software that works on flash drives. I've done it a few times with Sahara drives. But that was back in Windows days, so I can't remember the app's name, sorry. Found it by googling, iirc

Here is one app which I have not tried myself:

http://www.luqsoft.com/diskheal/

or try the HP format tool for flash drives at:

ftp://ftp.compaq.com/pub/products/servers/supportsoftware/ZIP/HPUSBF.exe

 

[kiepie]

Some software for fixing errors on hard drives works on flash drives. And you get specific software that works on flash drives. I've done it a few times with Sahara drives. But that was back in Windows days, so I can't remember the app's name, sorry. Found it by googling, iirc

Here is one app which I have not tried myself:

http://www.luqsoft.com/diskheal/

or try the HP format tool for flash drives at:

ftp://ftp.compaq.com/pub/products/servers/supportsoftware/ZIP/HPUSBF.exe

Thanks, will have a look!

 

[kiepie]

does it have a read only switch on it? some of them do.

One of them does, but it is switched off.

Here is one app which I have not tried myself:

http://www.luqsoft.com/diskheal/

or try the HP format tool for flash drives at:

ftp://ftp.compaq.com/pub/products/servers/supportsoftware/ZIP/HPUSBF.exe

Have tried both, but doesn't work.

 

[HavocXphere]

Use the command prompt and use the /X switch.....just don't format your harddrive.

 

[kiepie]

Use the command prompt and use the /X switch.....just don't format your harddrive.

I'm a noob with this... I really don't understand!?

 

[HavocXphere]

I'm a noob with this... I really don't understand!?

Hit the windows key(The button with the flag) and "R" simultaneously...that brings up the run dialog. Type in "cmd" and hit enter (lose the apostrophes). That brings up the command prompt.

Figure out what the drive letter of the flash is. (Double check this) Then type

format /X Q:

With Q: being you're flash drive letter.