smart media cards

[doorknob]

Whilst deleting all my images on a 128mb smart media card the computer suddenly started saving some audio tracks from "my music" folder. When I tried to delete them it said the card was write protected. I couldn't even format it without being asked to remove the write protect. There is no little manual tab on the card so how was it write protected and, more to the point, how to I remove it so I can use the card again? The computer is a PC using XP.

[Buenchico]

This could be a fault with the card or with the contacts on your card reader.

When you purchase a Smart Media card it should come with a small, circular, metallic sticker. Most people just throw these away but they are there for a reason. To write protect the card you have to apply the sticker to the 'wrtie protect pad'. (To see where this is, look at the 'plane view diagram here: http://www.pcmcia.org/smartmedia.htm ). Now, somehow or other, your PC thinks that there's a (non-existent) sticker on your card. You should check that there's no dirt or anything on your card which could be causing this error. If you've got another card, try this in your card reader - if it works fine then the problem is definitely with the suspect card rather than with the card reader. If your card reader is OK and cleaning the dodgy card's terminals doesn't help, then, unfortunately, it might be time to consign the card to electronic heaven.

Chris

[commoner]

I might have the wrong impression here, but is that a card you have been using in a camera?...if so why are you deleting files using your PC? I always delete in my camera and format my cards in there too.........

This was advice given in my camera user manual......

Just a thought...commoner

[doorknob]

Many thanks to the both of you. A separate 128meg card worked fine. My problem with the dodgy card was that it only had photos on it to start with. These were deleted by the computer no problem (Commoner - it was just more convenient deleting them after working on them in the computer) but the the computer decided to save some music files - no command prompt from me at all! then it was locked. Electronic hell is more appropriate for it!