Formatting a Memory Card

FAQ ID: 8200871200

Release date: 28 February 2017

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Solution

There are two types of formatting, general formatting and low-level formatting.

In the following cases, formatting your memory card with your camera is recommended.

  • When using a newly purchased memory card
  • When using a memory card that has been formatted with another camera or a computer


If you encounter one of the following problems, performing a low-level format may solve it.

  • The [Memory card error] message appears.
  • The speed at which images are written to or read from the memory card, or the continuous shooting speed has been reduced.
  • Movie shooting stops partway.
  • The camera does not work properly.


IMPORTANT
  • The position and shape of the operation buttons, screens displayed, and setting items may differ according to the model you use.
  • Formatting (initializing) a memory card erases all data on the memory card. Copy the data from the memory card to a computer or other devices before formatting.
  • Formatting or erasing data on a memory card merely changes the file management information on the card and does not ensure its contents are completely deleted. Be careful when transferring or disposing of a memory card. When disposing of a memory card, take precautions such as physically destroying the card to prevent personal information leaks.
  • With Eye-Fi cards, please install the software included on the card to your computer before initializing the card.


NOTE
  • The total capacity of the memory card displayed in the formatting screen may be less than indicated on the memory card.

1. Press the <Power> button on the camera.

2. Press the <MENU> () button.

3. The following screen appears on the LCD monitor.

Operate the <directional buttons> left or right to select the [Set up] () tab.
Operate the <directional buttons> up or down to select [Format].
After making a selection, press the <FUNC./SET> () button.

4. The following screen appears.

Operate the <directional buttons> left or right to select [OK].
After making a selection, press the <FUNC./SET> () button.


NOTE
  • We recommend that you perform low level formatting when you think that the recording/reading speed of a memory card has dropped, and when you want to erase data completely.
  • When performing low level formatting, select [Low Level Format], and then operate the <directional buttons> left or right to display the () mark.
  • Low level formatting may take longer than standard formatting, since all recorded data are erased.


5. The following screen appears.

Operate the <directional buttons> up or down to select [OK].
After making a selection, press the <FUNC./SET> () button.

6. The following screen appears, and then the memory card is formatted (initialized).

7. The following screen appears.

Press the <FUNC./SET> () button.

8. When formatting is completed, the following screen appears on the LCD monitor.

Applicable Models

  • IXUS 1000 HS
  • IXUS 105
  • IXUS 1100 HS
  • IXUS 115 HS
  • IXUS 125 HS
  • IXUS 130
  • IXUS 132
  • IXUS 135
  • IXUS 140
  • IXUS 145
  • IXUS 150
  • IXUS 155
  • IXUS 160
  • IXUS 170
  • IXUS 175
  • IXUS 177
  • IXUS 180
  • IXUS 182
  • IXUS 210
  • IXUS 220 HS
  • IXUS 230 HS
  • IXUS 255 HS
  • IXUS 265 HS
  • IXUS 275 HS
  • IXUS 285 HS
  • IXUS 300 HS
  • IXUS 310 HS
  • PowerShot A1200
  • PowerShot A1300
  • PowerShot A1400
  • PowerShot A2200
  • PowerShot A2300
  • PowerShot A2400 IS
  • PowerShot A2500
  • PowerShot A2600
  • PowerShot A3100 IS
  • PowerShot A3200 IS
  • PowerShot A3300 IS
  • PowerShot A3400 IS
  • PowerShot A3500 IS
  • PowerShot A4000 IS
  • PowerShot A495
  • PowerShot A800
  • PowerShot A810
  • PowerShot D20
  • PowerShot D30
  • PowerShot G1 X
  • PowerShot G1 X Mark II
  • PowerShot G12
  • PowerShot G15
  • PowerShot G16
  • PowerShot G7 X
  • PowerShot N100
  • PowerShot S100
  • PowerShot S110
  • PowerShot S120
  • PowerShot S200
  • PowerShot S95
  • PowerShot SX130 IS
  • PowerShot SX150 IS
  • PowerShot SX160 IS
  • PowerShot SX170 IS
  • PowerShot SX210 IS
  • PowerShot SX220 HS
  • PowerShot SX230 HS
  • PowerShot SX240 HS
  • PowerShot SX260 HS
  • PowerShot SX270 HS
  • PowerShot SX280 HS
  • PowerShot SX30 IS
  • PowerShot SX40 HS
  • PowerShot SX400 IS
  • PowerShot SX410 IS
  • PowerShot SX420 IS
  • PowerShot SX430 IS
  • PowerShot SX432 IS
  • PowerShot SX50 HS
  • PowerShot SX500 IS
  • PowerShot SX510 HS
  • PowerShot SX520 HS
  • PowerShot SX530 HS
  • PowerShot SX60 HS
  • PowerShot SX600 HS
  • PowerShot SX610 HS
  • PowerShot SX620 HS
  • PowerShot SX700 HS
  • PowerShot SX710 HS
  • PowerShot SX720 HS
  • PowerShot SX730 HS

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