Folks

I would appreciate knowing what the message means. My new computer won't read the Compact Flash card ; "You need to format the disk in drive H: before you can use it ---> Format disk ---> Windows can't format H"

And the camera displays "CF card error". I have purchased a newer Power Shot to get pix for Classifieds and it has SD card(s) that work fine. Maybe my George Bush camera just died?

Many thanks,

Barry

Sounds like your compact flash card is faulty.

Yessir, but all three at the same time? Could be a software issue -- something changed that corrupted the card / camera?

Barry

Before we go further on this, please clear up a bit of confusion.

First, you mention both CF and SD cards. They are not the same. Are you trying to use the CF card in your "Powershot" camera where the SD cards work, or are you talking about ANOTHER camera that uses the CF?

Also, if you can get past the error message, the best way to format the CF card is using the camera software. You should find a "format" command somewhere under the camera's main menu. BUT...the camera has to be able to use a CF card, not an SD card.

A20 (in title) is the old one with Compact Flash cards. My new Power Shot uses the SD type.

quote:

Originally posted by BNagel:
A20 (in title) is the old one with Compact Flash cards. My new Power Shot uses the SD type.

Gotcha.

So did you try to format the CF card IN the A20 instead of the computer? Or can't you get by the error message?

Also, having three go kaplooie at once is unusual. Makes me think it's the camera -- maybe dirty contacts in the card slot. Some tuner contact cleaner or a swab with alcohol might fix that. But then that doesn't explain why your computer won't read them either.


One thing a search found:

Memory Card Error - Why?
The Memory Card Error message on your Canon usually is the result of your memory card becoming corrupt or damaged. You might have taken out the memory card (ejected it) while the camera was still on. This is a common reason why a memory card becomes corrupt for example.

Another reason is that you turned off your camera while you were transferring your photos to your computer. Don't do this, it can really wreck the memory card.

Other reasons why your memory card (sd card) can become corrupted, damaged or display these Memory Card Errors is that you have not re-formatted the card on a regular basis. You should always re-format your memory card when you have transferred your photos and saved them on your PC. (and when you don't need the photos anymore). This is a good habit to get into and it will ensure that you don't face these memory card errors in the future.

Finally, you might have used the same memory card in different cameras. This can cause the Memory Card Error problem as well.

quote:

Originally posted by Outdoor Writer:


So did you try to format the CF card IN the A20 instead of the computer? Or can't you get by the error message?

I tried both, to no avail. Obviously an 'On' and 'Off' guy re technology. Well, I did learn about force flashing (Dummies book -- that's a clue about me.)

Thanks for all the tips! How's the trophy room working out?

Barry

Trophy room has been operational now for a few years.

Recently added a Samsung 47" LED HDTV, a new Yamaha amp/receiver with HDMI in/out and a Samsung wireless Bluray DVD player. So my home theater has been updated to the latest and greatest.

24hourcampfire advises talking to Cameraland techie. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Reggie says it's a bent pin. Camera fine, computer port bent.
Two cards reformatted and working now. How to I mine the third card before reformatting it?

MUCH obliged, all of y'all!

Barry

Even after a card has been "accidentally" formatted, I've recovered stuff of it with this ...

http://www.pandorarecovery.com/

quote:

Originally posted by The Specialist:
Even after a card has been "accidentally" formatted, I've recovered stuff of it with this ...

http://www.pandorarecovery.com/

No luck, boss. Thanx

Houston Camera Exchange says they can do a recovery for ~ 20 bucks.

Pix in computer via DVD.