Windows 7: Cannot format usb flash drive

I have migrated from XP to Win 7 Ultimate recently. I am unable to format 1GB Simple tech USB Flash drive. The formatting process starts as usual, towards the end “Windows cannot format usb flash drive " and everything stops.

Under Properties>general no file system is displayed.

I download " HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool " and when activated it displays "write protected message"

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Disk - Clean and Clean All with Diskpart Command

Open command prompt.

Type in command line

DISKPART
LIST DISK
SELECT DISK # (USB Stick)
CLEAN ALL
CREATE PARTITION PRIMARY
SELECT PARTITION 1
ACTIVE
FORMAT FS=FAT32
ASSIGN
EXIT
EXIT

Another solution is to download "MBRFIX". This is a little DOS utility you can run from a command prompt. It has rescued several USB flash drives for me. I used it to wipe out the partition table on the flash drive. Look at the "clean" command parameters (mbrfix /?). Be absolutely certain you designate the correct drive number for your flash drive or you'll wipe out all partitions on the wrong drive. Usually /drive 0 is your hard drive and /drive 1 is the flash drive. There are other commands to help you determine this on the command help menu (mbrfix /?). Just Google mbrfix to find it... it's a freebie.

theog

After selecting pen drive and returns following error.

"DiskPart has encountered an error: Data error (cyclic redundancy check)"

raydabruce

Clean command returns following error.

" Function failed. Error 5: Access is denied.


Do I have any other option ?

Hell Cimage,

According to your USB flash drive's manual (PDF file), you have a write protect switch that needs to be turned off first. Afterwards, you should be able to format it.

Hope this helps,
Shawn

Thanks for responding Brink.

The model of pen drive I own doesn't possess write protection switch. i have been using this drive since last couple years without any issue. After upgrading to Windows 7 read function went on without any hitch. Only when I tried to format, towards the end of the process error msg returns “Windows cannot format usb flash drive " and everything stops.

Cimage,

If you haven't already tried it, see if you can use the Clean All command above using a command prompt at boot using your Windows 7 installation disk instead of from within Windows 7.

Brink

Unfortunately, I am no geek just a intense PC user. Can you please give me the steps as to how should I go about using command prompt at boot.

Thanks

No problem Cimage, here you go.

(OPTION TWO)
Command Prompt at Startup

and then,

Disk - Clean and Clean All with Diskpart Command

Thanks Brink, I am currently traveling, I will try this on Monday when I get back.

Once again thanks for your help.