To troubleshoot a digital media card reader, the history of the device must be known. A recently installed reader, as with a scenario where a technically unsophisticated end user installed the device, will need to have the installation reviewed, whereas a device that was installed and working where no other changes have been made to the system may indicate that a hardware failure has occurred. It is also recommended that the digital media itself be tested to ensure that it was correctly formatted and is not defective.
Troubleshooting Digital Media Card Readers
Insert a "known good" memory card of the same type in the card reader Once the test has been completed, verify that the test memory card can be reliably read by using another card reader so as to isolate the suspect card reader as being the likely problem.
External Memory Card Readers
When diagnosing an external memory card reader, unplug the suspect card reader from its port and insert it in another test system to confirm its condition. If the external memory card reader is equipped with a removable USB or Firewire cable, swap the cable with a known good cable to confirm that the failure is not being caused by the cable itself. In cases where the external memory card reader is used with a notebook, and the cable is subjected to repeated stresses, this is a common failure.
Windows Hardware Drivers
Ensure that all Microsoft Windows drivers are up to date and functioning by inserting another device with the same interface into the port where the card reader was connected. A USB thumb drive is a good test unit in a scenario where an external USB memory card reader is being diagnosed. Run an on-line virus scan on the system to eliminate the possibility that the failure might be caused by a virus infection.
Internal Memory Card Readers
Remove the internal memory card reader, if it has been determined to be the likely cause of the problem and confirm that it has failed by testing it in another system. Please note: with the price of an inexpensive internal desktop memory card readers being so low, it is recommended that this step be evaluated as to whether the cost of labor justifies the time involved in confirming that this device is inoperable.
Warnings
It is possible to transmit a virus with a memory card. Ensure that the test system's anti-virus software is fully functional and that the anti-virus database is up to date before attempting to test an unknown and suspect memory card.
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