Can't format MicroSD card

[Hero_X]

Hey guys,

I know this isn't directly computer related, but still think this section is appropriate.

So I've had a microSD card in my samsung phone for the longest time. I decided to swap it to my other phone (keyone). But i wasn't able to see all the files the sd card had previously.

I tried putting it back onto the samsung, and it started showing this too. When i plug the microsd card into the card reader to my comp, everything is there. And readable.

I tried formatting the card through windows and disk management but neither option worked. It just gave me an error "cannot be formatted".

What could be causing this? Is the microSD card just failed ? or is there some write-protection feature I'm not aware of?

the microSD card is a Samsung Evo+ 128GB card...

[adam c]

What kind of adapter do you have? there's a slider on the side of some that lock it so it can't be formatted

[Hero_X]

^

I'm not using a slider; directly plugging the microsd card into the card reader.

Here's the card reader:

http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/MX57361

[revelations]

Try a different card reader. Some of these are garbage.

Also, direct to USB-port ones seem to have less issues than cable connected ones.

Like this - http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/MX28929

[Hero_X]

okie dokie, will give that a go

but question: if the card is readable (with all files accessible) on comp, is there any reason it's not showing all the files on android?

I believe it's on exfat file system.

[Darell_n]

The SD association (MicroSD) has there own formatter free to download. It will fix whatever needs repair.

[Hero_X]

Okay so update:

-tried connecting the microsd via usb adapter instead -> same result can't format


-used the SD association formatter: can't format and I get a message saying the card is "write protected"


Is there a way to "write protect" a microSD card? How can we remove the write protection?

Note: I was not using any microsd-to-sd adapter; so there's no slider on the wrong side here.

[Mitsu3000gt]

Some phones have options to lock the card - can you put it back in your phone and unlock it?

Also try format it in FAT32 or exFAT (whatever it isn't in currently).

Another thing you can try is download the card manufacturer's recovery software (though probably anyone's software will work) and most of them have a format tool.


Alternatively you can buy a new card for next to nothing unless it's a huge size:

https://www.amazon.ca/Lexar-High-Per...words=micro+sd

[Hero_X]

^

I'm okay with abandoning the card and moving on but IF it hasn't actually failed then i'd rather keep it (it's 128gb).

I will check samsung to see if they're offering any software. I may have to send them the card for warranty too since it's been less than a year since i got lol


I put it back in my phone but there's no lock/unlock feature. There is an "encrypt sd card" option, but it hasn't been used.

Strange event for sure lol. I was expecting better performance from samsung.

[Darell_n]

Google the steps of using disk partition from the command prompt in Windows and do a clean, then create a new partition and volume. It shouldn't care about any kind of protection this way.

Or try formatt it with a Mac. If nothing else it may give you more info on the problem and new options.

[D'z Nutz]

It's more than likely toast. I had the same problem with one of my Lexar cards. I can read it in Windows, Mac, Linux, but nothing will wipe the partition table so it's as good as done.

You may as well see if Samsung has a life time warranty on the card and send it in.