Develop Bugs

How to restore SD card

After running Myns Warn Doughnut from the miniSD I can no longer delete any files or reformat the miniSD card. I've tried formating it when synced in WM6 and using Format Flash 2.85. Nothing can touch this card. It reports no errors when deleting or formating...but no files are ever removed. What's the deal? There is no "write protect" switch on a mini, right?

tonyzoc said:
After running Myns Warn Doughnut from the miniSD I can no longer delete any files or reformat the miniSD card. I've tried formating it when synced in WM6 and using Format Flash 2.85. Nothing can touch this card. It reports no errors when deleting or formating...but no files are ever removed. What's the deal? There is no "write protect" switch on a mini, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, there's no switch (unless you use SD adapter and try to format from computer). Probably the best option is to use card reader and to format card from the computer.
P.S. I thought HTC TyTN II (Kaiser) supports only MicroSD, but you've mentioned MiniSD, strange

Make sure your micro SD card adapter which you will undoubtedly use in your card reader does not have a lock switch, i've been caught out by that before.

Sorry...microSD....(I use miniSD on my Tornado)...
I've misplaced my micro to SD adapter so I'm trying to format on the phone itself, either through ActiveSync browsing or on the phone with Flash Format. Guess I'll need to pick up an adapter. Why can't I delete any files? Maybe the card is defective?

THe card may indeed have a problem, but a reformat using a card adaptor/card reader should fix this, had a similar problem with an older 2gb SD, reformatting sorted that out.
Running from SD does raise the risk of a bad block failure, since SD cards are really storage media, using them in the same way as an HDD makes it more likely to wear quicker than normal.

The plot thickens....
Ok...I got my Transcend SD card adapter...the microSD reports to be write protected....
I tried the following with the SD Card adapter on my MSi Wind Netbook:
Formating...it won't let me.
Booting Puppy Linux and tried GParted to blow away the partition...it wouldn't let me.
Booting into OSX and trying to detroy or format the partition with Disk Utility...no dice.
I tried another card, a 128Mb, and it worked ok...although I did have some trouble getting it to read initially.
Could have a bad SD Card adapter....
Or a defective microSD card...
I was able to format the 128Mb microSD on the phone with Flash Format with no problem.
Is it possible the 8gb microSD is write protected at a file level (actual permissions). I did try changing them in Puppy Linux.
So $40 on eBay gets me a 16gb Class 4....hmmmm
P.S. more info:
I can read the card with no problem both on the phone and the computer.
I do have Android running off the microSD.

One more comment....
The Android boot menu offers an option to "Fix Permissions". I tried that and it didn't change anything...but!
If there are permissions to fix, then the Android on the SD card must be setting permissions on the install. Maybe this is the cause of the read only status of the microSD card (?). Is there a way to remove Android from the microSD card via that menu? or is there a command line ability to change permissions of the whole microSD card recursively?
I already ordered a 16gb card and I'm going to throw the problem one away as soon as I get the new one, but I'm hoping to salvage the old one if possible....also, I don't want this same issue to happen on the new card.

The only way I can think of is perhaps to repartition the card, that should, in theory, wipe everything.
Since you must be using a card adaptor, doe this have a write protect tab? some do, if not I'd check to see if there is an obstruction that is somehow making the card reader think that the Sd is write protected.
Regards 'fix permissions', this fixes the file permissions of a number of system files, usually only needed after installing an update. I'm not sure how this would make an SD write protected, since as far as I know it only fixes the owner and user bits of the files.

tonyzoc said:
One more comment....
The Android boot menu offers an option to "Fix Permissions". I tried that and it didn't change anything...but!
If there are permissions to fix, then the Android on the SD card must be setting permissions on the install. Maybe this is the cause of the read only status of the microSD card (?). Is there a way to remove Android from the microSD card via that menu? or is there a command line ability to change permissions of the whole microSD card recursively?
I already ordered a 16gb card and I'm going to throw the problem one away as soon as I get the new one, but I'm hoping to salvage the old one if possible....also, I don't want this same issue to happen on the new card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd do like that:
Boot Linux (Live CD or installed system (if you have it)).
1. Enter command (into terminal): sudo gparted
I. Try to unmount MicroSD (not to eject)
II. Delete partition
III. Save changes
IV. Create new partition
V. Save changes
2. If gParted failed, then go to System -> Administration -> Disk utility and try to do the same steps.
3. Enter command: sudo nautilus (or another file browser).
If you still won't be able to delete data - problem definitely isn't in the permissions.
4. Maybe bad SD adapter. You should find someone who has normal card reader (sorry, I live too far from you ) which supports reading directly from MicroSD (without SD adapter).
EDIT:
5. Some adapters and older card readers doesn't support MicroSDHC. Cards up to 2 GB are simple MicroSD and you won't have problems even with old readers.
Starting from 4 GB there's only MicroSDHC (HC stands for High Capacity) cards. This technology is newer and that's why some adapters (maybe even HTC TyTN II) might face some problems.

RE: Card
Hi,
plug it into PC with linux open terminal (firt look to device id) and write.
$sudo mkfs fat 32/dev/sdb - SUDO(superuser do) MKFS- FORMATE !!! , format, /dev/-device which U formate.
BUT DETECT first what /dev/is sdcard.
OR do it thru GPARTED.

Write protect tab i on the adapter s not an issue. I tested it with another card and it works fine...also I can't write to or format (using Flash Format) the microSD on the phone without an adatper. Also, I tried repartitioning with GParted off a Puppy Linux boot, with DiskUtility on a Mac OSX boot, and with fdisk on a windows boot. The disk is untouchable.

I tried this with puppy linux with has gparted on it. Thought the disk is recognize (sdc1) , after I dismount it doesn't show up at all in gparted. I can't select the drive as it's not seen.
I also tried a low level format with HDDGURU Low Level Format tool. I tried deleting the partition with DiskUtility on OSX and Windows Disk Manager....no dice.
The adpater I have is the Transcend adapter that came with the card. Also, It works fine with 2 other cards I have (128mb and 2 gb) so I doubt it's the adapter.
Vytelo said:
I'd do like that:
Boot Linux (Live CD or installed system (if you have it)).
1. Enter command (into terminal): sudo gparted
I. Try to unmount MicroSD (not to eject)
II. Delete partition
III. Save changes
IV. Create new partition
V. Save changes
2. If gParted failed, then go to System -> Administration -> Disk utility and try to do the same steps.
3. Enter command: sudo nautilus (or another file browser).
If you still won't be able to delete data - problem definitely isn't in the permissions.
4. Maybe bad SD adapter. You should find someone who has normal card reader (sorry, I live too far from you ) which supports reading directly from MicroSD (without SD adapter).
EDIT:
5. Some adapters and older card readers doesn't support MicroSDHC. Cards up to 2 GB are simple MicroSD and you won't have problems even with old readers.
Starting from 4 GB there's only MicroSDHC (HC stands for High Capacity) cards. This technology is newer and that's why some adapters (maybe even HTC TyTN II) might face some problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

That pretty much confirms it then, I'm afraid the SD is no more, it has shuffled of this mortal coil, it has ceased to be, it is an ex-SD card.

[Q] Epic 4g Microsdhc issue and One Click Root & Recovery v2.5.5

Hi,
Please forgive me if this is a noob question. I recently developed an issue transferring files to the sd card. Using the usb storage method, after transfering 2 or 3 mp3s, the phone would shut off and reboot for no reason (This caused the Zeam launcher to crash apparently? for at least 15 tries)
I tried using the SD adapter, the transfer rate is extremely slow or to no transfer at all and causes windows explorer to crash or hang (tried at least 15x).
I figured my sd card was corrupted so I tried formatting the card. If I used the SD adapter, it would say the card is write-protected even though clearly, the locked was off. I even tried another SD-adapter to no avail.
Finally, using USB storage, I was able to format the SD card.
Since I mentioned earlier that the Zeam launcher crashed, (yes, I selected always use "zeam launcher" even after it crashed causing the error message to loop) I resetted the phone with the wipe data/factory rest option in clockworkmod (I'm using ViperRom 3.03).
I wasn't sure if the 1 click root (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=770388) installed any folders into the sd card so I ran the 1 click root in windows just to make sure. After rebooting from the 1 click root, all the files that were previously formatted were back.
I guess I didn't read too clearly but
my questions is
1) how am I able to disable that backup function? I had a bunch of files (which I have no idea what they did) from when i first started playing with the phone and I want to start off fresh with just the files I need.
2) anyone have any idea why the sd card was unable to accept files through the SD adapter or USB storage method?
3) what to do when the launcher crashes (this happened to me 2x already where I lost all my data)
Thanks to anyone who can help. This will help me close some gaps in my limited Android/Epic 4g knowledge.

definitely something is weird. Using usb storage, I ran the scandisk to fix errors and some errors were found. I formatted to ntfs just for kicks and the sd card read blank and in properties the drive had nothing in use. I turned off usb storage, turned it back on and voila, all the files that weren't there are now back. It this a sign of a corrupted sd card or am I going crazy?

Which files/folders are you referring to? Because as soon as your phone mounts your sd card, it will write about 4 folders (I think) if they are not already there...
.android_secure
Android
DCIM
LOST.DIR
if I recall correctly. The other thing you can do is use your phone to format your card instead of doing it on a computer... go to 'Settings->SD card and phone storage->Unmount SD card' then after it is unmounted, use the 'Format SD card' option. If this doesn't work, then you may need a new sd card/phone.

[Q] best way to change your SD card ?

Hi guys,
I have a 32g class 10 sd card I bought to use instead of my 16gb class 2 but I have been facing quite some issues in the last couple of weeks
I took the 32g, put it in my win7 PC, formatted it to FAT32, safely removed it and now the arc doesnt recognize it... I just wanted to format it via the settings-> storage -> erase card in order to make sure everything is all peaches and cream before loading 20+gig of music in it.
...
All I want to do is finally transfer all my music (24ish gig) to the new 32g , and back up all my apps and stuff via Titanium Back Up pro.
Simply said, I want to have my 16g card data in my 32g one , with all my beat
Please could someone share some tips or links, I'll do homeworks and have been, but I have been facing so many complications since the last few weeks
Thanks in advance

Does your phone recognize another card properly?
Did you apply a volume name when formatting the 32GB card?
Did you try the 32GB card in the phone before formatting it?
I've done pretty much the same as you with a 32GB card (Kingston Class 4) and had no problem.
Are you sure the 32GB card is good and not a counterfeit?
Try formatting it again to with FAT32, default parameters, short or no volume name. Try copying your files to the card on the PC to see if it actual works.

robsaw said:
Does your phone recognize another card properly?
Did you apply a volume name when formatting the 32GB card?
Did you try the 32GB card in the phone before formatting it?
I've done pretty much the same as you with a 32GB card (Kingston Class 4) and had no problem.
Are you sure the 32GB card is good and not a counterfeit?
Try formatting it again to with FAT32, default parameters, short or no volume name. Try copying your files to the card on the PC to see if it actual works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks I did put a volume name. That might explain it.
Yes the card already worked ( plenty of times ). I have been trying numerous time to transfert the music ( takes forever to transfer 20gig to an SD card , even class 10... ), and had mixed results that always ended up failing ( most of the times because of me... like forgeting to safely remove the sd card from my laptop made the card unrecognizable by the phone afterward...of course I just finished to tranfers the 20gig and was too happy to safely remove it... )
I will try that right now. thanks again
*EDIT*
Bah still same problem I must be doing stupid... SD card is not recognized by the phone. In the settings menu ( storage ) I cannot mount or unmount it and thus format it via the phone itself
That even after reformating it to default FAT32 partition with no volume name using MiniTool Partition Wizard Home
So number 1 priority is getting the SD card to be recognized again by the phone
**EDIT2**
When browsing the card with astro it says problem creating external cache , with root explorer it only says directory is empty. Still can't do anything in the settings menu

Obvious statement, but did you set it to primary?
sinkster©

What brand? I have a transcend card, and its not reconized by anything at all..
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium

sinkster said:
Obvious statement, but did you set it to primary?
sinkster©
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm it is being formated by the default win7 tool at the moment non quick format tho so it takes some times and I can't look for sure.
bruflot said:
What brand? I have a transcend card, and its not reconized by anything at all..
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a memorette class 10 :S

Or format it wrong, Arc will say it's damaged and say that it has to format it to detect it.
Should fix it, too.
Sent from my iPad 2 using Tapatalk

Flo95 said:
Or format it wrong, Arc will say it's damaged and say that it has to format it to detect it.
Should fix it, too.
Sent from my iPad 2 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ya I'd love to get to this point ( which I got in the past hehe ) but at the moment it's still not even recognizing the sd card anymore
still formating btw....

How did you recover your issue?
I think I have a similar SD card problem. But, I encountered it after I did factory reset with SD card erase option selected. I didn't do anything after all. When I connect to PC, on the phone upper bar, there is no notification regarding USB. The middle button seems not working either.

Try formatting the card with this Panasonic SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Card formatter.

That's strange why not just do a quick format in Win7 or WinXP, to FAT32? I use a 32GB as well and Arc has no issue with it. Coming from the 8GB, here's what I did.
1. Take off the 8GB from the Arc and placed in a USB reader.
2. Copy off all the files to your PC. I used WinRAR to accomplish this, just archive everything and STORE it (no need to compress so operation is faster). Or you can just use drag and drop plain copying its all the same.
3. Analyze the copied files and remove all unneeded bloats (ie. old movies u don't intend to watch anymore, clear out useless temp files, etc)
4. Copy back the files on your new FAT32 formatted card using the USB reader, then put in your Arc.
If you notice, the entire data migration is done via card reader/USB. Using the Arc as such will slowdown your progress and introduces unnecessary delays.

You can also use usb tool, it basicaly creates a back up image and can be restored to the new sd
Sent from my LT15i using Tapatalk

[Q] micro SD card will work or....?

I have two microSD cards:
- 1st one came with my SE Xperia Arc S, and has 8GB
- 2nd one came with Samsung Focus (Windows Phone7) and has 16GB
...And thats all I know about them.
I pulled out the second one from S.Focus, and tried to use it in Xperia Arc but the phone acts like there is no card inserted, also tried the other way, with 8GB from Sony in Samsung Focus, with the same result.
Do I miss something here? Is there a preparation needed or something like that?

You will need to format the card from within the phone to get the right file structure.
If you need the data back up to pc,format card, then re place the data back again.
Sent from my LT18i using XDA App

Is there a possibility that Samsung's card is not compatible with Xperia and vice versa?
Tried to format it from within Xperia but that 16GB simply not detected, also format (prepare?) options are greyed out. Maybe would need to format it first on PC them move to Android hm.

If both are "Micro SD" cards, and looks the same(size and shape), then it should be "compatible". If it doesn't work, I reckon the card is damaged, and therefore can't be read by your phone.

From settings did you unmount the card to format?
If card not recognized by phone then only option is to format with pc. Make sure you format with right properties ie fat32.
If after this card still not recognized by phone then think it is damaged.
Sent from my LT18i using XDA App

Try using a PC to copy the contents first (if you need to).

My cards are fine, and working well on their origin phones, the problem begins if I try to swap them.
Well gonna try again, with unmounting first.

Finaly managed to do it after some research....
I will write how I did it, so maybe someone else can find that usefull:
0. Dismounted 8GB card on android menu and pulled it out
1. Backed up data from 8GB android card on my pc
2. Unlocked Focus card with SD unlock (thru the Windows Phone app)
3. Formated 16GB Focus card with SD Formatter 3.1 (full format with erase) on PC
4. Copied saved data to 16GB card and inserted to android phone - everything fine and working well
5. Inserted 8GB card to Samsung Focus (I didnt do anything before, it still has Android data inside)
6. To make new sd card work had to reset the phone to factory but it had custom bootloader and I couldnt do it via hardware keys (soft method was off limits) so I flashed it to WP7 rogers rom (a carrier official rom)
7. Samsung Focus booted and 8GB android card were detectable and working fine.
Not that easy as it seems, cant we just swap the cards eh?

Glad to hear you got them working.....
If the cards are out the box then yes they clean plug straight in .but if used before on different Phones which run different os then the file structure on the card will be different..... So neither can read the other card.
Sent from my LT18i using XDA App

[Q] SD Card Destroyed??

I picked up my phone looking to download a new ROM to it but then found that my ES File Explorer (given root permissions) was not able to view my external SD card via the mnt folder. At the same time, I was trying to back up my apps and such via Titanium Backup but it said that it couldn't backup anything because my card was full (it's default save location is my external card). It just said "Empty". I went to check my Settings to see if my card was somehow unmounted, but nope, it said it was still there. Even said that I had 11.27 GBs left out of 29 GB or whatever and gave me the usual options to Unmount and such. I pulled off my battery cover and the card was still there, so I assumed that the Android system might just need to sit for a while and cool off while off. Then I turned it back on to find that ES was still not able to view the contents of externalSDcard. So I went to my Root Browser and it too said that no files were there. I then went into my Settings and now it just says "Insert SD card".
I've had this happen before on other Android phones so I did what I normally do and hook it to my PC and reformat it. Windows found the device when I attached it via a SD card reader (the big fat kind like in your standard camera), it didn't want to format it. Windows brought up the prompt and said that it only could format 1GB so I knew Windows wouldn't be able to recognize it. I even tried formatting it via Command Prompt and typing "Format G:" and it too said there was only 1024MB to be formatted then went through trying to format and then said it failed.
I then tried pulling up Ubuntu's Disk Utility to format it. At first, Ubuntu wouldn't even correctly identify the device! Then I got the Disk Utility to recognize it and it couldn't even recognize how many GB/MB were originally on the card! Trying to format just brought up a message telling me that it couldn't do anything.
I had this happen a few times with my HTC Evo 4G OG but was able to format the card and put it back into my phone and have it work. Of course, the last time with my old 16GB card ended with it being destroyed much like this.
Please tell me that I can do something to fix this. Anything?!?!
This card is a 32GB Class 10 Patriot. This has happened before in my old HTC Evo 4G OG with a 16GB Class 4 SanDisk card. That card became unusable after a few times of this happening except I was able to fix it those times using the methods I tried above and allowing my phone to recognize the card again.