Flash memory cards can be easily formatted in Windows 7.
Windows 7 supports multiple file structures when formatting secure digital high-capacity (SDHC) flash memory cards. The formatting protocol is based on SD standard 2.0. SDHC cards can be formatted in various ways, but as a rule, FAT32 formatting should be selected for SDHC cards, and it's required for SDHC cards greater than 4 GB in capacity.
Instructions
1. Verify that your computer supports the SDHC format. The SD 2.0 standard is not backward compatible with the older SD standard. SDHC cards are available from a number of flash memory manufacturers and offer storage capacities ranging from 4 GB to 32 GB.
2. Insert the SDHC card into a slot on your computer's card reader, if a built-in slot is available; otherwise, insert the card into an external USB card reader and connect the reader to an open USB port on your computer. Windows 7 must be installed on the computer to use this procedure.
3. Click on the Windows "Start" button in the lower left corner of your desktop. Click "Computer" on the right side of the Start menu when it opens.
4. Find the drive letter representing the SDHC memory card under the "Computer" heading on the left. Right-click on that drive. A dialog box will open. Click "Format."
5. Select the type of formatting under "File System." Choose the "SDHC" file format or "FAT32" for formatting any card over 4 GB. Select quick format or regular format by checking or unchecking the "Quick Format" box at the bottom of the window. Confirm that the settings are correct and then click the "Start" button. Windows formats the SDHC flash memory card.
Tags: SDHC cards, flash memory, your computer, card into, card reader, FAT32 formatting, memory card