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FAQ for Flash Memory Cards

Issue:
DFC-060804-2		 Formatting

Resolution: You should NOT format the Flash card if your Camera/MP3 player, etc… does not support any Windows / Mac standard OS File Tables or if your Flash card requires an ID string to be recognized by the OEM device (industry formatted card). Please consult your OEM device manufacturer for details to the use of the Flash media card.

Media is high level pre-formatted prior to shipment; however, if for any reason you need to high level format your media card, follow the procedure outlined below:
  1. Double click on the "My Computer" icon.
  2. Right click on the drive letter associated with your Kingston Media Reader.


    3. NOTE: BE SURE TO SELECT THE CORRECT ICON! The icon for the Media Reader will indicate it is a removable device (e.g. Removable Disk (E:)). Be sure not to inadvertently format the wrong device.
  3. Select Format and follow the instructions displayed on screen to format the media.
Formatting Note for Windows XP users: The format utility used for removable flash cards 64 MB or above is set by default to use the FAT32 file system. Most cameras and portable devices will not accept media that has been formatted to the FAT32 file system.

Digital cameras may present one of the following errors:
  1. Error message asking to re-format the flash card.
  2. Error message that the flash card is not formatted.
  3. Error message indicating that the card is anomalous.
There is a pop-up list in the Windows XP formatting utility that allows you to change from FAT32 to the FAT16 file system.

Some cameras may still have problems, if so then the card may need to be re-formatted by the digital camera itself. Be sure to isolate the camera from the computer when formatting the media.


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