The best program for low-level formatting a hard drive and USB devices - an overview. MicroSD memory card recovery

In cases where the standard formatting provided by the operating system is not enough for the user, it may be necessary to use third-party software. This is required if you are unable to clean the media without errors, or if you want to eliminate the possibility of returning unnecessary files through low-level formatting.

Low-Level Formatting Options

A novice user considers formatting to be the usual deletion of unnecessary files. But in fact, this is also writing the entire file system again. To date, a huge number of programs can carry out a similar procedure.

Method 1: SDFormatter

This utility is designed to format cards, as its name implies. It is very simple, and even new PC users will not have problems during its use. Due to the narrow focus on working with SD-cards, the program makes it possible to reanimate them and perform formatting if the standard methods offered by Windows cannot do this.

The utility is equipped with two formatting modes, from the simplest to the most thorough. The former does the job quickly, while the latter is very detailed, excluding any possibility of recovering deleted information.

For formatting, you will need to do the following:

Method 2: HDD Low Level Format Tool

The emphasis in the name of the program on the fact that it is designed to work with hard drives can mislead users. But, despite this, you can correctly format the SD card.

This utility works in a low-level mode, which you may need if you need to restore the media to working capacity or to completely clear it of the necessary information, without the possibility of restoring it. In order to use this program, you need to do a few simple steps:

The program is completely free, but its minus is that the absence of an accelerated mode can stretch the process for a long time.

Method 3: USB Disk Storage Format Tool

This program is much more functional than the previous ones, as it can scan the card for any errors, correct them, and much more. With it, you can format any drives. To use this utility, follow these steps:

The program is absolutely free and can work with drives of any manufacturer. This utility is perfect in case of a memory card with errors.

These are far from all existing applications, but they have proven to be the most effective among PC users. The great advantage of these three programs is that they are free and fairly affordable. Difficulties in the operation of utilities will not arise even for a computer novice.

Ordinary USB drives and removable cards have become so firmly established in our lives that many users increasingly prefer storing information using such devices. But sometimes it becomes necessary to format them, for example, due to damage or software failures. Since SD cards are one of the most common today, let's look at why micro SD and how to fix such a problem. Several main methods will be given as methods. But if they do not help, it will be possible to say goodbye to the device.

The micro-SD flash drive is not formatted: what to do first?

When such situations arise, before deciding in favor of a particular method of correcting them, you should find out the root cause that led to the failure.

The simplest and most common case can be called a situation when a micro-SD flash drive is not formatted (the device is protected and the system simply does not start the formatting process). Everything is simple here: apparently, on the adapter for the card, the write-lock lever has been moved to the on position. But this is the simplest thing possible.

It also happens that the device is busy with some processes, which makes formatting impossible. In the simplest case, you just need to remove the drive from the card reader and insert it again to repeat the operation. Sometimes it can help to use the "Task Manager", in which you need to display all services, hide Microsoft processes and stop all others, and then try to format again. Perhaps this will work.

It is much worse when it may turn out that the drive has file system corruption or physical problems. Here you will have to use other methods, some of which may seem quite complicated.

What to do if standard formatting doesn't work?

If, after using the standard method of calling the procedure from the "Explorer", the micro-SD flash drive is not formatted, you can try to start the process using the section

It can be accessed through the Run console, where the diskmgmt.msc command is written. In the location window of all currently connected devices, we find the card (in most cases it will be located at the very bottom of the list), and then through the right-click menu we call the format command. Sometimes it helps (but not always).

Using special utilities

The micro-SD flash drive is not being formatted again, and the system displays a message about the impossibility of completing the procedure? Alternatively, you can use programs that allow you to produce

One of the most popular is the simple free SDFormatter utility. In the start window, after starting the program in devices, select the drive letter, and then click the properties button at the bottom right.

In the new window, in the formatting type, you should specify Full (Full Erase), and just below, activate the setting for automatic sector alignment (ON value). We return to the previous window and start formatting. In most cases this helps. Again, not always. What to do if the micro-SD flash drive is not formatted even after such measures? We'll have to, as they say, use "heavy artillery".

Hidden features of Windows systems

First, we call the command line with admin rights from the Run console (Win + R) and write diskpart there, then enter the list disk command and find the device we are looking for in the list (you can determine the card by volume). At this stage, you need to remember the device number in the list, otherwise you can destroy the data in other sections.

Now the next line is select disk Y (Y is the number of the disk set above). After it - the line of clearing the attributes of reading attributes disk clear readonly. After the successful completion of the process, we check the attributes using the attributes disk line. If it is indicated that only the read attribute is missing, exit the console by typing the exit command.

(micro SD not formatted)?

In some cases, you can try to restore an inoperative card before formatting. In this case, the restoration will affect not only the information previously contained on it, but also the file system.

There are plenty of programs for this, but the R.Saver application is considered the most powerful utility. The algorithm of actions in it is very simple: first you need to select your device, and then press just one button to start the analysis and recovery process. Further, the program will perform all actions without user intervention, however, this process can take up to several hours. It all depends on the degree of damage to the drive and its capacity. When the recovery is completed, formatting can be done without problems.

If nothing helps

If such actions did not produce a result, and the micro-SD flash drive is not formatted again, you will have to use the last resort - flashing the controller.

To do this, you need to find out the unique identifiers of DEV and VEN, which can be done in the "Device Manager" through the properties menu on the details tab, where the device ID is selected from the drop-down list (for completeness of information, it is better to use the longest line in the list), or use programs for this like UsbFlashInfo.

After that, you will have to visit the resource of the equipment manufacturer and download the latest firmware version using the numbers found, and then start the process itself using the downloaded executable file. In principle, you can find the firmware on other sites, but for security reasons it is better to refer to the manufacturer's resource. At the end of the process, the formatting should start in normal mode.

Finally, if none of the above helped, alas, you can say goodbye to the card, since it will no longer work. But, as practice shows, even with damaged microcontrollers, it is possible to revive the card, and with the use of flashing tools and the R.Saver program, it is also possible to restore data.

Yesterday I helped a friend remove unnecessary information from the computer, it came to removable media, in particular memory cards and flash drives. And I ran into a situation where, when trying to erase files from a microSD for a smartphone, the microSD card is not formatted, an error is generated: "The disk is write-protected." In the article I will describe the methods that I resorted to in order to fix the problem, maybe they will help some of you.

How do I unlock my memory card

Disk Management

Using hotkeys Win + R, tear off "Run" and enter the command diskmgmt.msc. In the list of volumes, we find the connected external storage medium and right-click on it. And then, as shown in the screenshot below, and in the drop-down context menu, select "Format".

Using diskpart to format an SD card

In the search for "Start" we write cmd.exe, this command will open the command line. We hammer in "diskpart" (without quotes). Using the keyboard, type list disk.

In the table we find our SD, we recognize it by size.

Now we use clean.

Within a short amount of time, the data will be deleted.

Next, be sure to create a partition, enter create partition primary, then select partition to select it and active, in the performance of activation. In conclusion, we use format fs = ntfs, -full or format fs = NTFS QUICK, - quick formatting of microSD.

In turn, I want to note that the reception is the best!

Command line

In my case, the work was carried out in Windows 10 safe mode, but I think that the option described below will be relevant in later versions.

We open the command line, it can be found by opening the "Start", where we enter - format e:

Where "E", respectively, is the letter of the volume.

What to do if MicroSD is write protected

Changing disk properties

Go to "My Computer", RMB click on the icon of the microSD card that is not formatted, go to "Properties". We are interested in the "Access" tab, where you need to go to the "Advanced settings" section.

In the window that opens, check the box "Share" and save the changes. Then format it in the standard way.

You can remove protection in the Windows Registry Editor

Using the Win + R hot buttons, by the way, you yourself can create for yourself exactly those that will be more convenient for you to work with, and enter regedit. In branch

In WriteProtect change the value from 1 to 0.

If it is not there, then you need to create a DWORD (32-bit) parameter if the operating system is 32-bit or DWORD (64-bit) by clicking on the free space on the right side of the screen.

Changing the file system

If it is not possible to copy files from MicroSD over 4 GB, then the matter may be in the file system limit - we replace FAT 32 with NTFS.

After these manipulations, everything should work out.

diskmgmt.msc utility

This action also applies to flash drives.

We launch the application.

In the window we are looking for, for example, our flash drive

Using the mouse we perform actions.

How to remove write protection through the policy editor

1. In "Run" we use gpedit.msc
2. Computer Configuration - "Administrative Templates" - "System" - "Access to Removable Storage Devices".
3. And turn off "Removable drives: Deny reading."

What to do when none of the options fit

• Apparently a breakdown in the memory itself.
• Check PC for viruses.
• The problem often occurs due to installed programs. to create virtual drives, such as Alcohol 120%, DAEMON Tools, Virtual CD, Virtual CloneDrive and their analogues.
• The point is flash drive or SD firmware (use proprietary software, such as Hp disk format tool or HDD low level format, which is often available on the media or can be downloaded from the official site).

To the entry "The microSD card is not formatted. The disk is write-protected" 8 comments

Thanks for the advice, but I have the following similar problem. There is a 64 GB flash drive formatted in NTFS. I transfer information (movies, music, photos, etc.) from one computer (with Win XP Pro OS) to another computer (with Win 7 OS) - and almost always the flash drive becomes unreadable, not copied - with a message - remove write protection. This can only be fixed by formatting the flash drive, but then all information on the flash drive is lost. One computer is located more than 50 km from another, it is not possible to send information over the Internet. After the newly formatted flash drive works fine. By the way, I noticed that it only works this way when I transfer information from Win XP Pro to Win 7, but not the other way around.

Good evening! How it all looks like!! In linux, format the flash drive with the command: sudo mkfs.vfat -F32 -I -v /dev/sdb, and in FREEBSD a similar command: sudo newfs_msdos -F32 /dev/da0 .

I've been dealing with this problem for half a day and all these tips did not work. I started looking for a proprietary utility for the memory controller and the memory itself, and still found it and is now formatting it with its help. To determine the data on the flash drive, I used the ChipGenius v4.00.0807 utility (she was only able to see, other similar utilities do not see the flash drive). Recovery took 1 hour 15 minutes , you can wait, the flash drive is completely live.

That's what I like about flash drives from Transcend, so it's adequate prices and a program for "repairing" flash drives, which is downloaded into each medium. ChipGenius, a good program, also helped out more than once, but it does not work with all manufacturers.
I often use: JetFlash Recovery Tool, MPTool, USB Flash Drive Recovery.
And it is best to try to search, as you are doing the right thing, on the official websites of the product.

ChipGenius is a program for determining the controller and memory type, and then you already need to look for a proprietary utility for flashing the controller and formatting the memory. There may also be nuances, you need to try old and new versions of programs, for example, the old version of the program helped me, the new one did not want to work with a flash drive, although everything was determined and the memory I needed was set, but the START button was not available. You can change something in the programs, you can even sew up your name, change the mode of the LED indicator. Available languages ​​come across: Chinese and English. Description of the job in PDF in Chinese, but can be found in English and with Russian tips on what to do.

Tried ChipGenius today. Live and learn! Excellent software. Thanks Vladimir!

Please Sergey! It never hurts to try something new.

In this regard, I am only "FOR". There will be something interesting, throw it up. ;)

Leave your comment

To SD and microSD memory cards

SD memory cards are widely used today in digital technology and electronics. This is a universal removable storage device measuring 24×32×2.1 mm for cameras, camcorders, video recorders, GPS navigators, MP3 and media players, tablets and other portable equipment.

microSD- This is more than half the size of the SD card, namely 11x15x1 mm. MicroSD memory cards are mostly used in mobile devices, but the possibility of using them in other digital devices can be found quite often today, especially in the latest models of manufacturers. MicroSD cards usually come with a "microSD-to-SD" adapter, an adapter that allows you to insert a MicroSD into any SD card slot. Some models of card readers - SD card readers - provide the ability to connect a MicroSD card without a "microSD-SD" adapter.

Why might you need to format SD and microSD cards?

In the process of using SD and MicroSD cards, users of various devices may encounter the need to format them - for example, when it is necessary to quickly delete all data on the card or in case of damage to the file system of the card, when a computer or mobile device cannot see it and reports the need for formatting drive.

What is the best device to format SD and microSD cards with?

Of course, a regular PC is the most reliable device with which you can carry out any operations with various portable devices using special software. But to connect SD and microSD cards to a PC, the card reader mentioned above is required, which will become an intermediate link between the card and the PC, and the latter will see it as a connected device, as it does with a regular flash drive.

In order not to purchase an additional card reader for connecting SD and microSD cards to a PC, it is necessary to study the capabilities of a portable device - it is possible that the process of formatting a card can be carried out using it. For example, if an SD and microSD card is used in a tablet or smartphone, depending on the operating system, the formatting function can be performed using a special application or file manager that supports this function.

If the drive formatting function is not implemented in a portable device, naturally, this issue will have to be resolved using a PC and a card reader.

Types of card readers

Before proceeding to consider the process of formatting SD and microSD cards, a few words about the types of card readers.

Built-in card readers - as you can see from the name, this type is integrated into the assembly of a computer device. Many modern functional models of laptops and monoblock computers contain a card reader in their assembly. Therefore, it will not be superfluous to carefully examine the computer for the presence of an appropriate port for connecting SD cards. As a rule, on a PC, such a port can be found in a 2.5-inch bay, where manufacturers previously installed a floppy drive for floppy disks.

External card readers - again, the name of this type suggests that this is a separate device that can be connected to a PC, usually via a USB port. Fortunately, external card readers are cheap devices, their inexpensive Chinese models can be purchased at any point of sale of computer or mobile equipment.

Formatting SD cards

Now, in fact, about the process of formatting SD cards.

Insert an SD card into the built-in or external card reader, by the way, do not forget to connect the latter to the computer via a USB cable. Wait for the computer to detect this SD card, usually in a few seconds, and a system tray notification will appear about this. Now the SD card can be seen as a separate section in the "My Computer" menu ("This PC" is the equivalent of this menu in Windows 8).

SD cards are detected and displayed by the computer in the same way as regular flash drives. And to format an SD card, just like for a flash drive, you need to right-click on it and select the "Format" function. Next, a window will open with some formatting options. The process of formatting SD cards in most cases does not require any special settings, you can safely use the default options. To start the process of formatting the SD card, you need to click the "Start" button and wait for the process to finish.

Perhaps the only setting that you can pay attention to, and which in some cases may come in handy, is the “Quick Format” option. So, with this option enabled, the process of formatting the SD card will be quick. If this function is disabled, all card data will be physically deleted with a complete overwrite, therefore, the process may take a long time. If the card is completely formatted, its data cannot be restored in the future with special data recovery software. In fact, full card formatting makes sense in rather rare situations, usually associated with fears of confidential data leakage. In all other cases, you can safely use "Quick Format".

Formatting microSD cards

Formatting microSD cards is the same as with regular SD cards. This can be done using a computer, which requires a microSD-SD adapter, or using any portable device that supports microSD.

When trying to completely delete files from the MicroSD card, the user may encounter the notification "Failed to complete formatting successfully." Why you can't format a MicroSD memory card and how to deal with this problem, read this manual.

About the problem

It is likely that the formatting problem is not caused by a problem with the memory card itself, so it can be solved using Windows components. Also on the network you can find a lot of programs for working with drives.

Advice! Perhaps the memory card is write-protected, which prohibits the user from making any changes. To remove protection, read this instruction.

elimination

To fix the problem, we will go in two ways: we will use the capabilities of Windows 10 itself, or we will turn to third-party software.

To open the desired utility:

If the flash drive is not write-protected, and the deletion of data fails, the cause may be an unknown operating system process. There is no desire to understand what kind of process it is? then move on to the next item.

Command line

Third Party Programs

The utility will handle the task of formatting not only the MicroSD, but also the flash drive. In general, a simple and free program can fix errors on a memory card while saving data or further formatting the MicroSD.

The Flashnul utility can also help with diagnosing and troubleshooting errors when checking flash drives.

Unfortunately, the official sites of these programs are not advertised (or they are not), so when downloading from third-party resources, check the installation .exe files for viruses (Dr.Web CureIt! will help you).