Cannot format usb flash drive

Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast

  1. Posts : 38
    win7 Home Premium 64 bit
       #1

    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.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 11,408
    ME/XP/Vista/Win7
       #2

    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
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Cannot format usb flash drive-capture.jpg  
    Last edited by Brink; 29 Oct 2010 at 21:27. Reason: correction
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 13
    Windows 7 Ultimate x86 and Ubuntu Linux 9.10
       #3

    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.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 38
    win7 Home Premium 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #4

    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 ?
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 71,976
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #5

    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.

    Disk write protection switch to protect your files/data from being mistakenly overwritten.
    Hope this helps,
    Shawn
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 38
    win7 Home Premium 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #6

    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.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 71,976
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #7

    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.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 38
    win7 Home Premium 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #8

    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
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 71,976
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #9

    No problem Cimage, here you go. :)

    (OPTION TWO)
    Command Prompt at Startup

    and then,

    Disk - Clean and Clean All with Diskpart Command
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 38
    win7 Home Premium 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #10

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

    Once again thanks for your help.
      My Computer


 
Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 7 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 7" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:41.
Find Us