Low Maintenance: Keep your Flash Memory Card in Tip-Top Condition

September 15, 2009 - 3:37 pm

Memory card’s may be tough little things, but they’re not invincible. Looking after them, however, is pretty easy. We’ve got some top tips on memory card care, plus we dispel some myths.

1. Don’t let the batteries run out in your digital camera / MP3 Player
Recharge or replace the batteries of your host device. If a battery dies in the middle of taking a picture or downloading a song not only can the file become corrupted, but other files on the flash card may be damaged or lost as well. However, it may be possible to repair the flash storage device using disk recovery software.

2. Nuture it and handle with care
Hold your card by the edges, not by the top and bottom. Holding the cards in the wrong way can damage components within the card along with the data stored on it.

3. Don’t whip it out
Wait until all operations are completed before removing a flash storage device from a camera or other device. If the flash storage device is removed during a write operation, for example, it may be corrupted and data loss may occur. Most digital cameras will show a blinking light during flash write operations, so it is important to wait until the light signal stops.

On a PC, it is important to stop a USB key connection through Windows (use the “Safely Remove Hardware” icon in the system tray) or dragging the USB folder to the trash icon on a MAC. Computers often “cache” data into memory and may delay the writing of data to a USB flash drive. As a rule of thumb, wait a minimum of 2 minutes after you finish writing data to a USB drive before stopping and removing it.

4. Put it back in its holder
When not in use, stash yours away in its case. Despite being robust little things you might damage it if you drop it onto a hard surface.

Whilst childishly fun, getting those electric shocks off door knobs and carpets are no joke for Flash memory cards. It’s properly called electrostatic-discharge and extreme levels will not only cause a bad hair day but may damage your card. Keeping it in the case will keep it safe and keep the dust out too.

5. Don’t use excessive force
Flash card or USB flash drive connectors are unidirectional. This means it goes in one way only, don’t force it, just try it another way round, breathe deeply and relax…

6. Back up, back up, back up
We cannot stress this enough. It is vital to back up important information on multiple media. Back up onto CD, onto your computer and anywhere else you can. There are packages to help you do this, here’s a comparison from Which?

7. X-ray scanners at airports won’t damage your Flash card
Don’t believe the hype. Tens of millions of flash storage devices are in use worldwide, and there have been no verifiable reports of damage due to airport X-ray scanners. That said, one of the major manufacturers of airport luggage screening machines recommends that flash cards and USB drives be stored in carry-on luggage as a precaution.