What does it mean to format a disk or memory card?

Question

My computer wasn't allowing me to upload any of my photos from my "SD" memory card, so some thing about format poped up and i went for it, now that i did when i insert it back to my camera and it says "card error"

what happen? How can i fix it?

Answer 1

Formatting includes a wiping of the card, and bringing it back to factory settings, meaning that your best bet is to get an external Secure Digital drive, and to format the card for the camera, but the photo's you want are gone after the format unless you are somehow very lucky.

Answer 2

you've just deleted all your pictures from your memory card now you need to reformat it through your camera good luck! :)

Answer 3

formating means to erase. but i can't really help u with ur problem. U might want to go the company site and see if they have a forums page or FAQ

Answer 4

Yes, format is about erasing and more... possibly you did format thru ur pc.

Try to format thru ur vcam.

Answer 5

Formatting a memory card and a 'disc' is the same as formatting a hard drive, but formatting may not be the problem here.

What are you trying to upload, and how are you trying to do it?

Answer 6

Formatting has two definitions:

1.  Formatting something means to erase everything on it.  It removes all of the old data--which means that your pictures are all gone--and leaves it clean and empty.

2.  Formatting also means to set up the card or hardware or whatever to work on that system.  It also usually means erasing everything, but it typically adds in files to make the card something you can read on that system.  Sometimes this kind of formatting will leave the data intact, but typically not.

So, your photos are pretty much gone.  What you need to do now is reformat the card so that the camera recognizes it (meaning #2).  Then, you need to figure out what sort of adapter you need to connect to your computer system or what kind of software you need on your computer system so that you can actually download pictures.

What kind of camera is it?  What kind of SD card is it?  What are you using to plug that card into your computer?  What kind of computer do you have, and what is the operating system (like Mac OS 10.3, or Windows XP, or Vista)?  Without having that information, I can't be more specific.  You should also consider contacting the store where you purchases the camera/SD card/computer/card adapter to get them to help you figure out the problem.

Answer 7

braaaaaaa dont format cuz if u do ull loose all your pics!!!!!!!!