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    Problem Formatting Flash Drive

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by THAANSA3, May 23, 2009.

  1. THAANSA3

    THAANSA3 Exit Stage Left

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    Hi all,

    I need some help pronto. I absolutely cannot get my computer to format my flash drive. Every time I try, be it a full format or a quick format, an error message pops up telling me that 'Windows was unable to complete the format.' I have tried using both my Vista and XP partitions, but neither one is able to complete the process. The drive was working perfectly up until about a month ago. What could have happened? How do I solve the issue? Any information would be much appreciated. If more information is necessary, just let me know and I'll try to provide it.

    THAANSA3
     
    THAANSA3, May 23, 2009
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  2. Angelic

    Angelic Kickin' back :3

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    The most common cause is the flash drive being corrupt. Have you tested it by writing a large file onto it?
     
    Angelic, May 23, 2009
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  3. THAANSA3

    THAANSA3 Exit Stage Left

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    No. Every time I try to save anything to it, I get an error message saying that I must first format the drive.
     
    THAANSA3, May 23, 2009
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  4. Angelic

    Angelic Kickin' back :3

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    Angelic, May 23, 2009
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  5. THAANSA3

    THAANSA3 Exit Stage Left

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    I'll give this a try. Oh, and to answer your question, I already checked the drive to make sure it wasn't 'read-only.' The problem persists.
     
    THAANSA3, May 23, 2009
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  6. kanehi

    kanehi Notebook Deity

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    It's either fried or you can try to low level format it. Also you must have administrative rights to format it. Kind of rare for a flash drive to conk out. Must've taken it out when it was being written to.
     
    kanehi, May 24, 2009
    #6