A large storage card lets you take hundreds or thousands of pictures.
When you format a device, you delete everything on it so it reverts to its original, blank state. Your Sony DSC-S700's has options to format its internal memory or its optional Memory Card Pro. In most cases when formatting internal memory fails, your camera needs servicing. If you have a problem formatting the Memory Stick Duo, you should check on some of the common causes of formatting problems and see if you can get the card working properly again.
Reset Camera
Anytime an electronic device doesn't work properly, a good first step is to reset it. This solution could potentially fix formatting problems with your camera's internal memory or the Memory Stick Pro. Turn the camera off by pressing the power button. You can also remove the batteries for a minute or two if you prefer, but that's usually unnecessary. Then press the power button again and attempt to format the device one more time.
Lock Switch
Many storage cards, including the Sony DSC-S700's Memory Stick Duo, have write-protection switches. When the switch is locked, you can't save images to the card or format it. To unlock the card, turn the camera off and open the battery compartment on the bottom of the camera. Slide the compartment out toward the side of the camera and lift it up to reach the memory card. Press down against the card until it clicks; then release it so it ejects. Move the switch on the card from the lock position to the recording position and replace it in the camera.
Card Tabs
In some cases the tabs on a Memory Stick Duo can get dirty and keep the camera from communicating properly with it. Turn off the camera and open the battery compartment on the bottom of the device by pulling it out to the side of the camera and carefully lifting it up; then press on the memory card to eject it. Clean the card with a soft cloth so that the metal contacts look clean and reflect light well; you shouldn't see any dust or grime on them. Replace the card and close the battery compartment.
Damaged Card
Another possibility is that the card is damaged and will no longer work properly at all. This can happen if the card gets wet or is bent or broken, though in rare cases cards may stop working even if there's no visible damage. Try the Memory Stick Duo in another device, like a different camera or in a card reader on a computer. If the card doesn't work properly and you can't format it even with other devices, it's probably damaged and needs replacing.
Counterfeit Card
Sony has released warnings regarding counterfeit Memory Sticks, and if you accidentally purchased one of these, you could experience any kind of error when using the card, including failure to format it. Sony warns against purchasing cards that seem to be at an incredibly low price, especially those you may find on Internet auction sites. If you want to check to see if a Memory Stick you have is counterfeit, you can contact Sony Support at 800-222-7669.
Tags: Memory Stick, battery compartment, internal memory, work properly, battery compartment bottom