Hacking Formatting the Micros SD Card

[nutsnbolts]

Is there a specific tool that I should use to format this microSD card? I know this shouldn't be complicated but I just want to make sure there isn't a proper way I may be missing to prep the micro SD card.

 

[ferret7463]

They say this tool works the best on formatting . I use it for my DSTWO.
http://filetrip.net/file.php?id=25981

 

[exangel]

Version 3.1 is available and it's no longer called Panasonic SD Formatter
https://www.sdcard.org/downloads/formatter_3/

 

[nutsnbolts]

Thanks guys. I didnt think I needed to use a tool. Lol

Any reason the tool is needed? I just want to understand it for my own education.

 

[exangel]

Windows typically formats removable storage/USB adapters/drives as mass storage devices, unless you're using all the right drivers with a properly licensed reader.
That utility will format SD specification cards properly every time so long as they aren't damaged and the reader is functional.

Some devices such as phones and digital cameras have an internal format feature that follows specs as well, but that won't always help people just trying to use MicroSD/SDHC for flashcarts

 

[nutsnbolts]

Great good to know.

 

[frogboy]

I've always used Windows' default disk format tool, but I think i'll try the Panasonic tool when I upgrade my microSD.

 

[exangel]

It's possible to never experience problems using only the default Windows format tool, but I have many MicroSD's due to being a collector of flash carts. I also have several SD/SDHC cards for my 3DS/DSi and Camera devices.
After having experienced the frustration of lost gameplay progress and due to crashing, I see it as a solid preventative measure, simply because I've never lost any progress or had anything crash on any of my kits once I adopted the use of the SD Formatter with every SD / MicroSD I get.
I tend to go the extra mile when I try a brand I'm not familiar with too, especially for the Class 6 and Class 10 cards -- depending on the size, I may do a full format (instead of Quick) and then do speed tests. I wouldn't recommend this unless you're especially paranoid, because a full format on even a 4GB card can take over 30 minutes or worse.

 

[nutsnbolts]

Yeah I have 2x16gig class 10 cards. PNY brand

 

[exangel]

My 16g class 10 is PNY also, got it from Newegg, it's top notch